The Role of the Volunteers
Most volunteers at UPAVIM have found their experience to be demanding but extremely rewarding. Working and living in a developing country demands a lot of energy and flexibility, which is something that needs to be considered before making this decision. For instance, materials are limited. We also require a minimum of 4 months, but prefer a year’s commitment.
As well as the actual tutoring, volunteers make home visits, meet with the scholarship committee periodically, and Saturday mornings they plan and participate in extra-curricular activities such as games, sports and art projects with kids in the program. They also meet with the principals and teachers in the three schools located in La Esperanza to find out what the different classes are studying and to facilitate good relations between UPAVIM and the schools.
During vacation (October to January), the program becomes more of a summer camp, focusing on activities such as theater, athletics, games, art, and reading.
Although the tutoring program requires much from the individual, many have found room for their own creativity and interests. The program is constantly improving through the special talents and ideas of volunteers.
All together, these responsibilities consume eight hours of work per day during the week and every other Saturday, depending on the number of volunteers. On days when there are no students in the tutoring program volunteers are expected to report to the main office for an alternate job assignment. The rewards for this kind of work are the new friendships, insights into another culture, improving your Spanish, and many other enriching experiences.
