ELI partners with organizations in Santa Cruz de la Sierra to create volunteer programs with a variety of organizations. The programs are designed to give participants a great opportunity to learn about Bolivia first hand while giving back to the community. All the programs require at least an intermediate level of Spanish proficiency.

Teaching and Children's Programs

We work with several organizations aimed at giving disadvantaged youth the tools they need to pull themselves out of poverty. Volunteers can work at a children's home which houses over 400 orphans, abandoned children, and children who have escaped from unsafe home situations. Volunteers will Lead activities, tutor the children, and assist with other tasks. Volunteers can also work in local schools teaching English, coaching sports, and teaching art classes. Volunteers will serve as mentors and work to motivate the children, giving the children the confidence they need to pursue their personal goals.

Volunteer With Special Needs Children

Volunteers can work at schools for the blind, deaf, and children with Down Syndrome. Volunteers will assit with teaching lessons, tutoring the students, leading activities, and spending time with the children. Many of these children do not receive all the attention and love they need to thrive, so volunteers will play an important role in improving the self confidence of the children at these schools.

Conservation Programs

Volunteers assist with either reforestation projects or animal programs at the Santa Cruz Zoo. Participants with the reforestation projects will nurture seedlings, plant trees, and observe plant populations as well as assist with any other ongoing projects. Volunteers at the zoo will assist in the care of exotic species such as Jaguars, llamas, monkeys, toucans, turtles, spectacled bears, and others. Besides assisting with the animals, volunteers can help with educational programs, marketing, general maintenance, and other projects.