Community Library Volunteers

  Dominican Republic

• Other Cities in Dominican Republic: 
Las Terrenas

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, 1-2 years and over 2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: Rolling dates, all year-long.

Description: In addition to regular library services, volunteers may lead in arts and crafts workshops, provide tutorial and academic support services, teach sports or languages, or invite small group of children and/or youth for special events.

After initial training, volunteers get to know first hand the users of the library, from small children to adults. At the library users are given individual attention or group assistance, based on their needs. They may want to do homework, read for pleasure or may need assistance learning to read or bettering their reading and writing skills. Some come to learn basic computer navigation skills. In each case the volunteer provides quality time, individualized attention and helps create an atmosphere in which it's fun to read, to learn and to socialize.

Since its foundation the library has become a safe place for children in the community. We invite kids from nearby schools to participate in special events. None of this work had been possible without the assistance of local and overseas volunteers.

Highlights: The best way to introduce our volunteer program is as follows: Ours is a partnership for peace and justice. Volunteers come because they want to be do good work and to help better the quality of life of the people in this community (which is the Foundation's mission).

We see volunteers as committed, self-starters, "free-agents" who already agree with what we attempt to do and want to support our efforts. We trust that volunteers will be mature enough to realize what's happening in their surroundings and will take upon themselves the responsibility of maintaining program standards and uphold the Foundation's values, particularly since we do not have the staff or resources to provide constant supervision or traditional program management.

Qualifications: Individuals assist in the operations of the only free community library in town. This implies general management (cataloguing, shelving, physical space management) but, more importantly, assisting children, youth and adults with academic tasks such as homework, individual research, reading and math tutoring and one on one assistance. More than a collection of books the library is truly an activity center where all Foundation volunteers start their work, get to know the audience and decide what individual projects to take on.

The library contains almost 5,000 books in 6 languages and in all levels, from initial to university. The library is open five days a week, 10-12 am and 2:30-5:30. On Wednesdays is closed in the mornings and open 2:30-7 pm.

Minimum Education: Associates

Cost in US$: USD 200 program fee, plus food/lodging and transport.

Food would depend on dietary needs. A Dominican meal (rice, beans, eat) may run USD 3-5, you may spend USD 5-15/day depending on your choices.

Most everything is within walking distance, but all other transport, from overseas or in-country, is your own.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: College student or college graduate, but we've had younger and older participants.

Age Range: 18-70

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

Participants Travel to Dominican Republic Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of 2-5

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Fundacion Mahatma Gandhi's Mission Statement: To enhance the quality of life of the people with whom we work, using suitable resources, in an authentic and continuous learning environment. [Mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con quienes trabajamos, usando recursos idoneos, en un ambiente autentico y de aprendizaje constante.

Year Founded: 2005