Live and Volunteer in a Typical Pemon Aboriginal Community

  Venezuela

• Other Cities in Venezuela: 
Santa Elena de Uiaren

Term: Throughout the year 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: All year round, leaving to the community on Fridays (get here on a Thursday)

Description: This special assignment gives you close insight into the Pemón indigenous life and culture, and is very rewarding for the caring individual, ready to support the worthwhile cause of preserving and nurturing indigenous traditions. Volunteers with a genuine interest in anthropology, cultural influences and differences will enjoy this placement. Integrate yourself into this strong community next to the flat-top mountains, enjoy the different pace of life, the fantastic views and your volunteer work. This is a great opportunity for volunteers to live alongside indigenous people in this remote and beautiful part of Latin America.

The Sabana is the home of the Pemón Nation, an ethnic minority of about 6,000 people. They are encountering problems such as sour soils poor in minerals, which make cultivation very difficult, so that after a relatively short period of time they slash and burn further parts of forest. This, together with increasing anthropogenic pressure, illegal mining, new population settlements and so on, leads to forest fragmentation with strong negative impact on ecosystem functionality and the continued vibrancy of Pemon culture.

The community of Chirikayen is a small rural village an hour's drive (by 4wd) from Santa Elena in the heart of the beautiful La Gran Sabana national park. It has a population of only 200 people and is located amidst breathtaking surroundings close to the Chirikayen Tepui (flat-top mountain - 1650m). Chirikayen enjoys a healthy climate and environment. Chirikayen has a primary school, a health care station, a basic shop and a church.
Amenities are very basic. There is electricity for only 3 hours a day when a generator is run. Clothes are washed in the river. The program coordinator and some locals speak fluent English. You will stay with a host family in a traditionally built house. You will enjoy comfortable hammock sleeping and share delicious meals, traditionally cooked and served.

Highlights: Activities include:
* Conservation activities like research and protection of wildlife, and caring for seedlings.
* Sustainable community development projects such as ecotourism and organic agriculture.
* Working with the members of the indigenous communities in the areas of the protection of river basins, water sources, and relative wildlife.
* Reforestation of areas affected by burning or mining activities, and gardening using indigenous techniques.
* Recreational and creative activities with small kids and school children.
* Teaching English to Pemón tourist guides and school children.
* Building and maintenance work on communal infrastructure.
* Initiating an environmental education program and exchanging knowledge of the rainforest and savannah habitat.

Qualifications: You do not need special skills nor do you have to speak fluent Spanish, but you need to be flexible and willing to get involved in a range of activities. A pro-active attitude is essential and it helps to have patience. Pemón aboriginals are wary of losing their cultural identity. Any skills that you have in areas, from sports and music, English teaching, to art or "handy man skills", will be more than welcome and help ensure that you get the most out of your placement and contribute fully to it.                     

Cost in US$: depends on length of stay

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Typical volunteers are very flexible, are creative and self-motivated, and are interested in indigenous cultures

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Venezuela Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2-7

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network
• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Job and Internship Network

Peace Villages Foundation's Mission Statement: Peace Villages Foundation support disadvantaged communities and their members in the process of achieving sustainable development, social justice and peace and promotes Culture of Peace through enriching cross-cultural exchange and voluntary community service for people of all ages, races and nationalities. We provide additional opportunities in humanitarian, educational, recreational and environmental fields and assist our beneficiaries to develop their potential and improve their own lives. Our vision is to share the values of peace, justice and tolerance, fundamentally focusing on the preservation of indigenous cultures and the empowerment of young people while valuing local knowledge and working with cultural sensitivity. Because local people know and understand what is appropriate for their own communities, we assist them in carrying out the objectives they deem important. 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.

Year Founded: 2000