Program Reviews

Ich bin 20 Jahre alt und komme aus Hattstedt, Schleswig-Holstein in Deutschland. Nach meinem Abiturabschluss wollte ich gerne mehr von der Welt sehen und mein Spansich verbessern. Außerdem war ich mir mit meinen Zukunftsplänen noch nicht sicher, interessierte mich aber für ein Lehramts Studium. Das Angebot einer Freiwilligenarbeit in einem Land das weit entfernt von mir ist, kam mir also sehr gelegen. Durch die tolle und schnelle Vermittlung von „StudentsGoAbroad“ und „Fundacion Aldeas de Paz“ kam ich in den Kontakt mit Manfred Mönnighoff, der mir ausführlich ,freundlich und schnell die Informationen über das Projekt und notwendige Dinge gab, die ich in der Dominikanischen Republik brauchen werde.

Für meinem neunwöchigen Aufenthalt wählte ich ein Schulprogramm für Kinder mit besonderen Bedürfnissen und unterrichtete Englisch für Schüler aller Altersklassen. Das Projekt war anfangs schwer für mich, weil mir die Verständigung und Übersetzung in Spanisch schwer fiel, man sich an die neue Umgebung gewöhnen musste und die Kultur einfach sehr anderes war. Bei meiner Arbeit mit den Kindern bereitete ich mich mit den anderen Lehrern auf den Unterricht vor oder wir dekorierten die Schule die zu der noch nicht sehr Lebhaft aussah. Der Englischunterricht war für mich interessanter ,als die Arbeit mit den Kindern, weil ich selber die Sprache lernte, obwohl es anfangs sehr grundlegend war. Jedoch gefiel mir das Unterrichten von Woche zu Woche besser und ich hatte nicht nur tolle Lebenserfahrungen in der Schule, sondern auch beim Zusammenleben mit den anderen Freiwilligen und Freizeitaktivitäten mit den Einheimischen gesammelt. Dadurch, dass ich als Freiwilliger mich selber und das Projekt mit organisiert habe, lernte ich fiel über eigenständiges Arbeiten und den Umgang mit anderen Menschen.
Mir hat es einerseits gut gefallen das Projekt aufzubauen und mich zu engagieren, andererseits ist es manchmal unorganisiert gewesen, was aber an ungeschulten Personal und der unzuverlässigen Gesellschaft lag. Neben meinem Projekt habe ich gerne auf der Straße Basketball gespielt oder bin ins Fitnessstudio gegangen. Außerdem habe ich mit den anderen Freiwilligen an einem Projekt für die Wiederverwertung, Organisation und Einführung von Mülltonnen gearbeitet, die für Santa Barbara de Samana notwendig sind. Da das Projekt der Müllverwertung ein langer Prozess ist hoffe ich das die kommenden Freiwilligen es weiter führen können.
Im großen und ganzen hat mir meine Zeit in Samana sehr gut gefallen und mir eine neue Sichtweise auf meinen weiteren Weg gegeben. Nach meinem Aufenthalt in der Dominikanischen Republik nutze ich die Zeit um durch Mittel und Südamerika zu reisen.

Finding out my weaknesses, strengths, and goals for my future life was the main ambition for my Latin American trip. After high school I wanted to get out and discover both myself and the world. I wanted to expand my horizons, to escape from societal structures, and, as the saying goes, to “think outside the box”. I experienced all of these things in Samana in the Dominican Republic in my five weeks as a volunteer in the fundacion Aldeas de Paz.

Samana is a great place to get closer to the Dominican culture and in my opinion also a suitable place to start a foundation. I say this as it is a fantastic location, where the special feeling of Caribbean life with endless white beaches on the peninsula of Samana cannot be missed. Samana has approximately 40 000 inhabitants, where the roaring, energetic life takes you over. I had to get used to it in the first week, but I learned quickly to deal with the new circumstances and to become more open-minded. My boss and my fellow volunteers helped me a great deal with this first step. The feeling of isolation never came to me because someone was always close at hand whenever problems arose. The security in Samana and the friendliness towards tourists was especially noticeable and it has to be emphasized, because this is not the case in Latin America as a whole.

The foundation Aldeas de Paz is currently under construction in the Dominican Republic, because it has had to move from the political situation of Venezuela. This played straight into my hands, because therefore I had more freedom in my volunteer program and job scope, and nobody could put me in pre-defined structures (as I had hoped). The freedom of the working situation was increased by the horizontal management consciously exercised by my boss, so that each and every volunteer could participate as they wanted and were able to. This gave me the satisfaction of learning more about myself, making a difference, taking part in a development, and growing with progressively difficult tasks. I could not expect to make a big impact with some of my work, because volunteer work is often associated with a long development process. This was something I had to learn in the beginning. Because of the short duration of my volunteering, I operated in many different sectors, e.g. working with children with learning difficulties, or social media marketing. Through it I found some new interests and I was able to make sense of my future plans, which brought me a little bit closer to my goals.

Overall those five weeks in Aldeas de Paz were a ground-breaking, exciting, and wonderful experience, which I would have no hesitation in recommending to any high school graduate who wishes to expand his or her horizons and is exuberant.

We are two 20 year-old girls from Germany. Although we had different reasons to do this volunteer work in the Foundation Aldeas de Paz for half a year, we have the same aim: we want to do a useful work. Useful for the society and also for our personality. Further we want to get to know an other culture, different ways of living and working, improve our spanish knowledge and learn how to deal with problems that people have here.

At first we didn't know that the organization is really at the beginning in the Dominican Republic and everything is still in a process of development. To be part of this process has advantages and disadvantages, of course. On the one hand we had to recognize that nothing is perfect and that there is still a lot of work to do and that this won't be easy. Furthermore the life in this country is slower and in a way lazier and more relaxed than the life in europe, to which we are used to. On the other hand there are much advantages for us: its a great experience to be part of this developing process. We are learning a lot at our work, how to deal with difficult situations and always stay positive, thats the most important thing we learned here. When you solved one problem the next problem comes up. But actually that's the reason why we are here, there are a lot of challenges and problems which have to be solved. We are going in the right direction, little by little.

At the end its a great experience and very helpful to learn how to deal with the life and yourself.

A other aspect we want to speak about is the life beside the work in the organization. The organization is located in Santa Barbara de Samaná. It is the capital of the Province Samaná in the north of the Dominican Republic. It's a small city with the character of a village. The people are friendly and very helpful. What is very important for the community of this village is to say hello to the people on the street even when you don't know them. That manner is a part of their culture and will help the volunteers to get integrated. That leads to the next point; with the right attitude volunteers can have a nice time here. The "right" attitude means to be open minded, because without that you can not get along with a other cultured person. Samaná is a really peaceful place nevertheless there is always something going on and it is a good combination of young and old. The social life is very important for the people here, they are very open and interested in getting to know new people. We found a lot of good friends here. Even though we have to say that it is not a city with big clubs and shopping-malls. You have little shops and on the promenade there little bars. But Samaná is a great starting point to go to nearby cities like Las Galeras or Las Terrenas. In Las Terrenas are more options to go out in the night. There are clubs, a lot of restaurants, beach bars and shopping places. In Samaná are a lot of Activities you can do, Samaná has a beautiful landscape and there are a lot of places you can travel to. For example the national park Los Haitises, the waterfall in El Limón, the island Cayo Levantado and a lot of very beautiful beaches with a lot of options for watersports like surfing or diving. The most famous thing in Samaná is watching the whales which are coming between December and February to get there birth here. There are a lot of places and things to discover in Samaná.

The place where the Volunteers are housed is an apartment for 5 persons. There are three sleepingrooms, one single room with a bathroom and two double rooms. One living room with two couches and a dining table. An other Bathroom a big kitchen and a balcony with a beautiful view to the sea. For general living conditions in Southamerica this apartment is very good and clean. Nevertheless we had to get used to this living conditions first.

All in all we are really happy with our choice to stay here in Samaná with this organization, even though there are many problems that have to be solved. We are growing on our tasks and we are learning a lot.

Last year, I decided I wanted to make an impact on the world and do something to help others. I found Aldeas De Paz, and their multimedia program, and decided to quit my job and head to the Dominican Republic for 10 weeks.
While talking to the program's director, I quickly realized this was a very small program and the multimedia program still needed to be launched.
Despite the fact it was only a few volunteers, I was excited, and I was really looking forward to taking the Spanish classes offered on the website. I arrived in Samana, on June 6th, with my camera, tripod, and 2 mics.
For 2 weeks, it was only me and an NGO manager, in the guest house. The manager is wonderful, and the only person that was interested in helping the volunteers.
For two weeks, I attempted to find more information on the Documentary's topic, "Sexual Exploitation of Children," and find people to interview. During this time, I was robbed. Luckily, my money was returned, but due to a communication error with the director, I had to confront the man, who claimed to know where I lived, face to face.
Not to mention, during this time, the director gave out my PERSONAL phone number to a local gym instructor, who then proceeded to harass me. I felt so uncomfortable, I stayed away from the gym I already purchased a membership at.
I quickly learned the Spanish lessons would go nowhere. The "textbook" was from the 1990's, which was fine, if we used it. In 10 weeks, we did less than 30 pages in the workbook. My instructor was much more concerned with forming a relationship with me than teaching me Spanish. Mid-summer, I talked to the director about the lack of Spanish I was learning, but a few weeks later he claimed we never had that conversation and called me a liar.
Three volunteers came while I was there. Two of them left early because of how unorganized the program was. One of those two, booked his ticket back to the United States after being there for 3 days because the program listed on the website was not running.
I spent my entire time there, focusing my energy on the documentary, learning Spanish with the locals, and traveling around that beautiful country.
When I returned to the states, the director sent an email to ALL the volunteers, EXCEPT ME, asking for feedback on the Documentary. Yes, He asked for feedback on something I worked on, but left me out.
If you are looking for an excuse to travel the DR, then this program could be great, because it's affordable living. However, if you're looking for any support, a large group of volunteers, or developed programs, save your money and look elsewhere.

I had three important criteria's before I decided to go to Aldeas de Paz in Santa Elena de Uairen in Venezuela. First of all I wanted to get practical experience in manageent, specifically in a multicultural environment. Second of all I wanted to learn Spanish, because I always wanted to know a third language well. My final criteria were that I wanted to go to South America, because I wanted to explore the continent.
I decided to use four months in the foundation, because this was the first place that was totally open to give me the responsibility I wanted, that not just offered Spanish classes, but encourages people to learn as much as possible as fast as posssible. That the NGO is located in Venezuela only gave me more motivation, because I wanted to go a place where they actually needed my help, and a place where I could get a culture shock, but in the most positive way.

After a long journey from Denmark to Caracas, and 24 hours in the bus to Santa Elena de Uairen, I was more than tired when I arrived. I was picked up by Kelvis the director in Aldeas de Paz, who with a big smile, tried to explain me the way to the car that would bring me to our hourse on the top of the mountain right by the village. When I arrived, I met the founder of the place, Manfred, who had dinner and a room ready for me.
The time after that went faster than I would ever had imagined! Every week I got more responsibility, and before I knew it I was standing with the responsibility that I asked for. Sometimes it was also hard, because as a manager at the foundation I had to always be on the top of what was going on, and what people needed. When people live close together on a mountain you gain so much trust and friendship with the others very quickly, but it also means that sometimes there is communication problems and culture differences, which has to be dealt with. Every weekend was free, and we often used the time to see different waterfalls in the area, to explore the Gran Sabana or hang out in the village. I also went with some volunteers to see the Angel Falls, and do the Roraima trek as well. These two places, I will never be able to forget as well.

Aldeas de Paz promised me I could get as much responsibility as I wanted, that I would learn Spanish, I would have a great cultural experience and that I would have the opportunity to do and see all the sights I also dreamt of. They delivered all of it and even more! I loved knowing what we really did for the kids, the community and how we as volunteers were there for each other. I loved my relaxed life there, and I will never regret that I choose to spend my time in the foundation.

I will strongly recommend this place, for someone who wants to try a different lifestyle, wants to help others, and who wants to be in control of what, when and how much work they want to do. I would recommend it to a person who would love working outside in the shade, while looking at all the mountains in the horizon, and hearing the Spanish tones playing from the radio in the kitchen.

To who ever, that is reading this; I hope you will love this place, as much as I did.

During my six week stay at Aldeas de Paz, I was able to enjoy the perfect balance between work and relaxation. During the week I worked in the NGO Management program as well as helped with the school children. Weekends were spent exploring the beautiful country that is Venezuela.

As part of my internship I spent a number of days with the indigenous community at Chirikayen. As an anthropology student, I found my time there fascinating. I am so happy that Aldeas de Paz offers this program.

Through these experiences, I have a renewed focus on what my goals are i.e. starting my own NGO, and how I can better achieve them.

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay and felt right at home from day one. I really feel that the staff and fellow volunteers do their best to make your time with them pleasurable and a valuable experience that lasts a lifetime.

My stay at Aldeas de Paz was really great.
I have learned a lot about myself and others. You not only get to know the Venezuelan culture but also a lot of others due to all the different countries the other volunteers come from.
In my 4 months here, I have seen people from 17 to 57 come and leave, from at least 9 countries and even more cultures - not to speak about all the different characters.
I can truly say that it never gets boring with all the people here and the work with the children is really great, too. My farewell was very heartbreaking when all the children begged me to stay or at least to come back.
Of course, you have to adapt a bit to the Venezuelan culture. Sometimes it takes a while to find things that you want to buy. But usually people here are very friendly and helpful.
And Santa Elena is really safe and situated in the beautiful setting of the Gran Sabana. You can see two table mountains from the Foundation, there are a lot of trips you can do on the weekends and the sunrises and sunsets are usually amazing!

The foundation is a great space. It is very homey, and to my surprise I felt at home from the first day (usually I don't accustom that easily). What I really liked about the foundation was the humble atmosphere; everyone lives together as a big family. It doesn't have a feeling of an "organisation" or hotel or anything like it. Even Manfred, the founder, lives with us, sleeps in a hammock on the grounds and participates in weekly cleaning chores (his is the cooperative bathrooms). It is a very laid back atmosphere and I felt like a family member there.

Manfred is teaching Kelvis to be the new Coordinator of the foundation. He is a Venezuelan guy (the uncle of manfreds daughter) and lives at the foundation with his brand new family; wife Betania and baby Susana. It's great to live so close to Venezuelans. Really improves language skills and culture exchange! They are wonderful people.

I signed up for ecological building (youth care and community, actually) expecting that that would be what I would be doing for two months.
This was not the case, for the better though. I got to engage in everything a bit, a lot of teaching at the community school and some eco work (for example I tried to design an ecological playground for the foundation) and was also involved with NGO work. I figured a big part of volunteering is helping wherever you can, apart from your own goals (in my case it was to gain building experience as I am studying architecture)

Working with the children is extremely rewarding. Although circumstances are poor, they make it rich and truly seem to enjoy the attention volunteers give them. And vice versa: we enjoy and benefit from their enthusiasm.

Everything was different from what I expected it to be. This constant changing of everything is something very present in Venezuelan life, and maybe even more as a volunteer in Venezuela. It's challenging and wonderful to learn to accept this rhythm and for me one of the best things of the whole trip!
It's a very cliche thing to say but "go with the flow" is the most suitable slogan for it.

Venezuela is a breathtakingly beautiful country and the Aldeas de Paz surroundings are stunning.

Basically, I can only encourage people to go to Aldeas de Paz! I feel I have learnt a lot in those two months about the culture, Spanish, and also myself (I guess this comes inevitably when you live so close to others for a while)

It was a wonderful program. I really enjoyed it as a mom, sharing it with my 18 year old daughter. It was so wonderful to know that we were helping children to learn some English and have fun playing soccer, swimming, and riding horses, where otherwise they would have nothing at all to do but play in old cars.

Visiting children and their parents in the hospital was very rewarding. These families had nothing to do at all during their days there, and I know that we brought them some joy.

Staying with the natives was an incredible lesson. This was so special. I went there hoping to show my daughter how lucky we are to have all the amenities that we do in America. Instead though, I think we left with the kowledge that you need so little in the way of materialistic goods to be happy and that what makes one truly happy and healthy, is a solid community, healthy work outdoors and cookiing your own food from scratch, without any chemicals.

Aldeas de Paz is one of the most diverse,exciting and caring programs i've ever seen. The day to day work that the organisation carries out and it's work with specifically the children aims to and i'd like to think makes a sustainable and lasting difference to the people and community.