Our Concept - Our mission and vision

OUR PRINCIPLES – MEANINGFUL ETHICAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

We are independent from political, religious or business interests and maintain independence by completely funding and operating our programs with the practical and monetary contributions of volunteers and interns.

Aldeas de Paz is committed to delivering meaningful ethical volunteer programs by prioritizing community needs and fostering sustainable development. We promote responsible volunteering by providing pre-departure information, ensuring cultural sensitivity, and advocating for ethical and responsible volunteer practices. We prioritize transparency, collaboration, and fair compensation for local staff and partners.

Our mission is to encourage a culture of peace and foster cross-cultural exchange for people of all races and nationalities. Furthermore we practice voluntary community service where we provide additional opportunities in education, sports, culture, health care and social development. We assist our beneficiaries to develop their potential and improve their own lives.

Offering volunteers and interns the great opportunity to work side by side with locals, learn new skills, study Spanish and immerse themselves in the Latin and Caribbean culture. We share the values of peace, justice and tolerance. And also focus on the preservation of cultural values and the empowerment of young people while valuing local knowledge and working with cultural sensitivity. Our volunteer opportunities are truly the microcosm of a world where people join together. Giving priority to improving life for humanity and promoting a culture of peace as a practical way to both prevent and resolve conflict.

A typical volunteer or intern needs to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge, have a desire to take initiative and dedicate a lot of care and passion to the position. Friendliness, care, commitment and patience are among important qualities.

THE CONCEPT: You are never too old or too young to work with us here at Aldeas de Paz. We have had volunteers of all ages come to participate in activities that have been both rewarding and character building. Of course, we welcome individual volunteers, families and groups regardless of age, experience, or background. We encourage families to join us together so that they can work and grow while contributing to the community. In the past family volunteering has been a key experience for children, the parents and the communityon the whole. It is also possible for groups of friends to come and volunteer here together. Just contact us and we will inform you about the opportunities.

We support volunteers and interns to form schedules which work for them and to work in any combination of activities. Volunteers and interns decide how many hours they want to work. We recommend a minimum of four days a week. But you may work up to five days and as many hours as you wish. Indeed, we focus on quality and not on quantity.

We do not require volunteers to have any previous Spanish language experience, even though previous Spanish skills are very helpful. We offer free Spanish language lessons on a regular base. To help make the volunteers’ time more enriching and also offer specific vocabulary lessons with an amazing teacher from the community. That’s our concept.