KEY SERVICE PROJECTS
Our community enrichment programs participate in a number of projects that enhance quality of life in a developing community; from cleaning up a river or a neighborhood, constructing or refurbishing schools, clinics, community centers or residences, to planting trees, flowers and vegetable gardens! Volunteers to expand their worldview by experiencing the language, art, cuisine, and customs of another culture.
Important: : You must coordinate with our staff to enter Colombia with a “Permiso de Permanencia PIP 6 STAMP” on your passport. If you are already in Colombia as a Tourist, you will have to change your stay status into that of a 'volunteer.' MHF staff can help you through this process.
Important: : You must coordinate with our staff to enter Colombia with a “Permiso de Permanencia PIP 6 STAMP” on your passport. If you are already in Colombia as a Tourist, you will have to change your stay status into that of a 'volunteer.' MHF staff can help you through this process.
|
EMERGENCY MEDICINE - First Responders (EMT-Paramedics) & Health Professionals
Opportunities to train and share with Colombian first responders in the fields of medicine, and firefighting will offer an unforgettable and valuable experience for anyone who has worked in the field. Much logistical planning is required for this opportunity so it especially important to follow-through on participation commitment -- a background check may be conducted to verify the participants experience, in addition to a video interview by the volunteer site’s staff may be requested.
|
|
CHILDREN - CHILDCARE CENTER FOR SEX WORKERS - Social Work, Health, Education
This childcare center hold a critical role for the community as well as for these families. Every Friday to Monday approximaely 35-50 childen are dropped-off by their Mothers. The children are fed, clothed, and educated away from their Mother's working environments.
|
|
YOUTH - YOUTH HOME FOR GIRLS - Social Work, Health, Education
Educators who have a passion for instilling their love for reading in youth are welcome to volunteer at Minga House. We need you! Would you like to help? You can spend days, weeks, a whole GAP year with us! This center has up to 100 girls ages 11-17 who have either emporarily or permenently lost their families. They are great need of love, compassion, positivity, and tools for their future.
|
|
SENIORS - SHELTER FOR HOMELESS ELDERLY - Social Work, Health, Education
Opportunity to learn & train hands-on with the staff exists daily. The shelter houses 10-14 elderly as well as a free medical clinic run by visiting Colombian volunteer professional nurses & doctors. Their relentless spirit of service and boundless resourcefulness to care for the elders, is astounding. But you are welcome to lend a hand.
|
|
ANIMAL RESCUE - DOG HAVEN MANAGEMENT & VETENERIAN ASSISTANT
A dog haven is different from the typical animal shelter. These dogs are either too old or too sick or disabled to likely be adopted anymore unless a recovery intervention takes place. Most of these dogs will live out the rest of their lives in this private facility 100% supported by volunteers. With some creativity and determination, it is still possible to provide them with extended healthy lives. Volunteers/interns may experience all aspects of animal shelter management.
Those interested in becoming a vetenerian have a fantastic opportunity to shadow a professor of Veterinary Medicine of the University of Caldas. You will experience consultation diagnosis and surgery. |
|
MIGRATORY BIRD LAKE HABITAT - CONSERVATION ASSISTANT - Learn more about tropical ecology, bird biology & conservation! Gain hands-on experience and practical research skills! Participate in campaigns on a variety of environmental issues; to assist in the provision of a comprehensive Environmental Health Service which will focus on the local environment through a combination of advice and education. Colombia has 1886 bird species; most in the world! The lake is home to many migratory birds!
|
|
ENGLISH TEACHER - SERVICE BREAKS - Whether you are already teaching English in Colombia are in-between teaching contracts or vacation. On you time off you can enjoy the Coffee Region! You can visit legendary Salento & the Cocora Valley, enjoy a traditional coffee tour in Hacienda Guayabal, visit the Natural Hot Springs of Santa Rosa, hike up the paramo of the mystifying Nevado Ruiz, enjoy Parque del Cafe, go horseback riding or take-in a jeep ride in the esplendor of the coffee landscape, explore beautiful urban Manizales & Pereira, catch a professional soccer match, and truly experience the unique cultural flavor, warm hospitality, and the amazing Eje Cafetero.
|
|
CLUB & SCHOOL SPORTS - Kinesiology, Sports Health, Physical Fitnesss, Rec & Leisure
Historically sports have played a pivotal role in breaking down cultural barriers and transforming societies worldwide. Sports change lives, affect politics, fuel economies, and shape cultures. Our Sports Without Borders program unites young athletes and underprivileged children in order to promote team work, encourage athletic achievement, and inspire positive social change in the areas of education, health, and wellness. This program offers athletes and sports enthusiasts a unique opportunity to teach skills while experiencing another culture.
|
|
COMMUNITY HEALTH - Pre-Med, Nursing, Health-related students and professionals
Pre-health students will receive intensive training on taking vitals, basic triage and sorting medications. In the clinical setting you will be able to participate only under the supervision of a local licensed professional. You will be allowed to take vitals, conduct patient intake, observe the examination, diagnosis and treatment of community patients as well as help to distribute medications. Students and professional are welcome to participate.
|
|
BEAUTIFICATION & CONSTRUCTION - COFFEE FARM WORKER COMMUNITIES
Volunteers will help to revitalize the shanty neighborhood of Barrio Horizontes by
engaging in a housing project, the beautification of a public park, and salvaging a playground recently damaged by floods. |