Sports and Recreation Volunteer

  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: 3-6 months
Dates: rolling dates

Description: 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. In addition to general library service as described above, applicants for this position will focus on a sports and recreation project. Aimed at kids of both sexes, we have a special need for a strong sports and recreation program for girls as there's nothing else in town. Sports and recreation may include soccer, volleyball, basketball, badmington, jogging, swimming, hiking and related activities. Preferably you master skills in any of the listed sports or others, have skills working in small groups and have an intermediate level of Spanish. You'll be expected to be a self-starter and to organize groups and activities on your own or with the help of other volunteers or community folks. Volunteers could participate in this project for short or long term, the longer the better as it would help establish the program. The Foundation lacks staff or offices, the volunteer IS the staff person in charge of the program working under the overall guidance of the executive directors. Volunteers may use this experience as an internship project or in fulfillment of academic requirements at no cost to them.

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. Las Terrenas is a beautiful beach community surrounded by lush mountains, gorgeous waterfalls and natural views. It is also a main tourist destination and one in which social exploitation at various levels exist. We trust that volunteers will not be part of the system of exploitation but would be engaged in creating alternatives for children and youth that use the library and benefit from the Foundation's programs.

Qualifications: Qualified individuals would have a) previous experience in sports and recreation, b) basic skills in a variety of sports or recreational activities, c) intermediate Spanish language ability, d) knowledge and experience in group dynamics, e) a strong commitment to enhancing self-esteem and cultural identity through sports and recreation, and f) a strong desire to do good in a respectful, culturally appropriate and meaningful way. Applicants will be self-starters, able to work under minimal supervision and principled enough to be able to commit to set goals in spite of limited resources.

Minimum Education: Associates

Cost in US$: $900-1000

Experience Required: yes

Previous experience in sports training/teaching, or as a sports person desirable; previous camp experience desirable, previous youth work desirable.

Typical Volunteer: A recent college graduate, some travel overseas, average language skills, interested in community work, likes to work independently, previous community work, willing to learn a new culture, self-starter, likes to travel.

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 2-8

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Other
• 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