Written for a Lonely Planet publication....

 

 

 

As intrepid travelers, my husband and I love to experience new places, eat authentic foods, and explore new cultures by meeting people who challenge our perspectives and stereotypes.  The excitement of creating a new day in an exotic place is both exhilarating and addicting.  When first dating in college, we paid our bills and then scrounged up every last penny off the floor of our beat-up old Chevy Nova to get in the car and drive away.  When Christopher came along many years later, we incorporated him into our travels.  Laden with baby paraphernalia, we started out slowly by taking him to Alaska for his first birthday, and then moved on to increasingly challenging regions as he became more adept at adapting to novel situations (and as our load became lighter!).  Through the years he has developed into the best possible travel companion, able to spot important landmarks, understand local languages, and carry his own weight, literally. 

 

The idea of a year-long sabbatical began percolating when Christopher was about two years old.  I had just begun a new job as a school psychologist, and my employee handbook indicated that after five years of work I could take a year of unpaid leave.  Enchanted by a friend’s tales of the beauty and diversity of Venezuela, we took a two-week test run there and fell in love with the Latino lifestyle.  Because Spanish is essential to my work, I easily sold my employer on the idea of spending a year improving my language ability.  Being an engineer in a small consulting firm, Fran encountered somewhat more difficulty convincing his boss but he eventually came around.  We dug through guidebooks and realized the vast range of sights and experiences available in South America, so we decided to spend the entire year there.    We developed a budget with the intent to travel inexpensively and independently, taking advantage of public transportation whenever possible.   

 

     In narrowing down our travel options, Fran and I had developed a list of goals for the year and volunteerism filled several of those, including spending quality time as a family, giving back to the community, making meaningful connections with locals and gaining insight into their culture, improving our Spanish, and learning more about our work-related interests.  Discouraged by the high costs of volunteer organizations on the Net, we informally began networking to scout out alternatives.  Quite fortuitously we met two women at a social gathering who were connected with the organization, FUVIRESE (Foundation of Life, Reality, and Service), in Baños, Ecuador.  Through them we contacted Dick Egan, the agency’s representative in the United States and a member of Rotary International.  Our skills and goals perfectly matched up with the opportunities available there.  Even more fortunate, Dick was planning to go to Ecuador at the same time as we were, so we made arrangements to meet Dick shortly after our arrival in Quito.  He organized our transportation from Quito to Baños, introduced us to the agency, and found an apartment for us to use during our month there.  This connection eased our transition tremendously into the Ecuadorian culture. 

 

FUVIRESE, Baños, Ecuador

     Only a few hours from the capital, the adorable town of Baños lies at the base of an active volcano, surrounded by verdant Andean peaks.  Safe and easy to explore by foot, the tiny town contains an amazing variety of restaurants, bars, and sights that appeal to foreigners of all races and ages.  After settling into our apartment, we met Alfonso Morales, the founder and co-director of FUVIRESE.  Disabled during military duty, Alfonso created the organization to assist handicapped children and adults by providing them with wheelchairs and services such as education and physical therapy, as well as making Baños more accessible to them by building ramps in the sidewalks.  Christopher and I volunteered in the classrooms, assisting the children with a variety of physical and mental disabilities.  Our daily responsibilities included helping the children with all kinds of curriculum, from standard class work to adaptive skills such as outings to the grocery store, cooking soup, and swimming lessons in the town’s thermal pools.  I also subbed for a teacher during a family emergency, and provided some suggestions about creating visuals and behavior management systems for the students.  The activities appealed to Christopher, and he even donated some of his used home-schooling books to the agency.  A short distance away from the school, Fran lent his engineering expertise in the taller, or workshop, creating wheelchairs through funding from Rotary International.  Ultimately, the hope was that after developing the technology, FUVIRESE could earn money from wheelchair sales.   

 

Through volunteering at FUVIRESE, we met all of our pre-trip goals, and then some.   Because the teaching staff was accustomed to speaking simply and slowly, Christopher and I could easily understand them and our Spanish skills developed rapidly.  Interestingly, Fran’s vocabulary grew to encompass a variety of materials and tools used in the taller.  Professionally, I gained a greater understanding of schools and service delivery to this underprivileged population, while Fran learned a great deal about the resourcefulness required to construct just about anything in a third world country.  But perhaps our most meaningful connections occurred with the people we met through the experience.  One of the school teachers put on a special performance just for us complete with traditional costumes, dancing, and music.  She even allowed us to try on some of the outfits!  We developed a strong bond with Alfonso, and almost every weekend we all journeyed to different places in Ecuador to visit his friends.  We collected handcrafted keepsakes in the large indigenous markets in nearby Riobamba and the northern town of Otavalo, and fell in love with the rainforest in Tena.  We ate food prepared by his mother in her home, and we danced in a local bar with his cousins.  One of our favorite memories involved a biking adventure and hair-raising cable-car ride through the misty mountains surrounding the town.  Alfonso rode in a special wheelchair and trailer, Fran had Christopher tucked into a tiny chair over the rear wheel, and I peddled solo.  We attracted so much attention I felt like a celebrity! Christopher formed a special relationship with Alfonso, and I was thrilled to be able to provide him with such an inspirational role model.   

 

One unexpected result of our volunteering was our friendship with Daveed, a fellow traveler from Holland.  We journeyed to Otavalo together and hiked around the area.  Throughout our year in South America, we connected with Daveed several times, and our relationship with him is one of the most cherished outcomes of our trip.  We also did not anticipate the patterns and routines that we quickly fell into during our time working at FUVIRESE.  We experienced stresses similar to those encountered at home, and realized that while volunteering is not paid, it is still work.  Truly desiring an escape from our daily routines, we agreed as a family to pursue additional volunteering opportunities that did not resemble jobs that we had so recently left.  Instead, we focused on Christopher’s primary interest, animals.

TO VOLUNTEER, CONTACT:

FUVIRESE (Fundación de Vida, Realidad y Servicio;  Foundation of Life, Reality, and Service) 

CIWY, Villa Tunari, Bolivia

 

Tipped off by Daveed and the South American Explorer’s Club, we headed to the Bolivian rainforest to give what we could to the animals at CIWY (Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi).  Located in the village of Villa Tunari in the heart of the Amazon Basin, this almost entirely volunteer-run organization strives to rehabilitate exotic animals kept illegally in captivity.  Promising to give the full 15-day commitment, we emptied our pockets and strode into the monkey park at suppertime.  Before we could say “monkey shines,” Fran and I found ourselves covered in monkeys.  Two frisky ones ran down my back and began rummaging around in my underwear, and Fran wore two around his neck in a bizarre, wiggly necklace.  The workers extricated us from this unusual reception and as some monkeys approached Christopher, they ordered us out of the park.  Many of the animals have been abused by children and they do not take kindly to them.  Christopher and I stayed close to the agency headquarters, feeding the birds and turtles there and cleaning their cages.  While I don’t consider myself an animal lover, we grew to love our little charges, including a feisty toucan, a sweet parrot, and eleven snuggly parakeets.  At feeding times, a parrot often sat on my shoulder to squawk loudly in my ear while a tiny hawk peeped overhead looking for a handout.  Occasionally we snuck off to visit other members of the community.  My favorite residents quickly became a group of baby armadillos, whose rubbery texture reminded me of squeaky toys.  Christopher enjoyed a playful baby puma named Roy, put in Daveed’s care.  Whenever Christopher walked by, Roy jumped out from a nearby bush and tried to tackle his feet.  Avoiding being bit by the monkeys, Fran busied himself constructing cages for the birds and hauling heavy loads up to an isolated place in the jungle for a new puma pen.  

 

The work was hard, dirty, and exhausting, but the rewards were definitely vale la pena (worth it).  Christopher was able to get first-hand experience caring for animals and working alongside of a veterinarian.  By the end of our stay, he was even more committed to the profession.  Being way off the beaten path, Fran and I thrived on the exotic locale of the rainforest and felt quite privileged to be close to such fascinating creatures.  Perhaps most important, the relationships we forged at CIWY constituted an incredible unforeseen bonus of our time there.  Unified by our common goal, volunteers regularly ate together at lunch and cooked communal meals most evenings so that we all could save money and enjoy each other’s company.  We took part in some traditional celebrations and learned about cultures from all over the world.  For example, the large Israeli contingency prepared a special Hanukah meal and talked about the meaning of the holiday with us.  For our part, Fran and Daveed whipped up a delicious birthday dinner for me while Christopher single-handedly organized teams to play the card game, Harry Potter.  With a lovely British woman, Kate, I made a potato salad that reminded one American of the 4^th of July celebrations back home.  In a poignant farewell speech, a young Israeli man summarized his feelings of incredulity about all of us coming together, “only to give, not to take.”  Through the giving, we will all carry a little part of CIWY with us always.

TO VOLUNTEER, CONTACT:

CIWY (Comunidad Inti Wara Yassi) 

STINASU, Galibi Beach, Suriname

        Still pursuing our developing love of animals, our final volunteer experience in South America took place on Galibi Beach in Suriname.  Through a government-run organization called STINATSU, we investigated our options to see the giant sea turtles, primarily greens and leatherbacks.  STINATSU is a fantastic agency that enables visitors to Suriname to explore various parts of the country ranging from dense rainforest to coastal regions.  They can arrange a variety of opportunities, from fully guided tours to simply assisting independent travels to organize transportation and reserve a place to stay in the national parks.  Volunteer programs are also available to assist in research both in rainforest settings and on the Caribbean coast.  Attracted by the price, as well as wanting to be a part of the rhythms of the beach and contribute to the preservation of the turtles, we signed up for the minimum ten-day commitment.  We brought our own food and housing was quite basic.  The experience enabled us to have a truly magical view of several huge leatherbacks laying their eggs.  However, once there it became clear that our services were not needed and that the volunteering program was still in its infancy.  Because we wanted to use our time to see some more of Suriname, we left early.  Unfortunately, this difficult decision created some tension between us and the staff there but after much discussion together, we felt it needed to be done.  Families interested in this option should ask STINATSU detailed questions about the expectations regarding this program to ensure that any time and effort expended is worthwhile.   Perhaps a shorter "tour" of the area would be preferable to a volunteer experience for some families. 

        Walking along St. Riviere Beach on the northeastern coast of Trinidad, we discovered a grass-roots organization that collects baby turtles that hatch during the day.  It was very easy for us to join them on their walks, picking up the tiny turtles and tucking them into tubs to protect them from land predators.  They release the hundreds of babies under the cover of twilight to increase their chances of survival.  This surprisingly easy opportunity to volunteer was great fun and we highly recommend it to anyone visiting the lovely Caribbean island of Trinidad. 

  

Overall, volunteering as a family is a wonderful way to come together, explore new experiences, and learn more about each other that just isn’t possible in the living room at home.  Not only did we find out about each other’s specific interests, but we also developed good cooperation skills to maximize each person’s strengths and compensate for their weaknesses.  Our communication absolutely had to improve, as we talked with each other about our goals and aspirations for the experience as well as problem-solved issues that arose throughout the commitment.  We highly recommend it for all families!  

TO VOLUNTEER, CONTACT:

Cornelis Jongbawstraat 14 (Next door to the Eco Resort) 

Tel:  00(597) 476597/ 421683/ 427102/ 427103 

Fax:  00(597) 421683 

www.stinasu.sr 

stinasu@sr.net 

Fabulous government-run agency that will custom-create a trip to the wide variety of Nature Reserves in Suriname, including Galibi Beach to see the huge sea turtles laying their eggs, and the pristine rainforests in Raleighvallen and Brownsberg National Parks.  Stinasu will provide a completely planned guided tour, will make some basic transportation and lodging arrangements and allow travelers to visit independently, and will arrange volunteer opportunities as well.  Very reasonable prices that directly support conservation efforts.  Highly recommended! 

 

Le Grande Almandier 

#2 Hosang Street, Grande Riviere, Trinidad 

Tel:  670-2294 

Telefax:  (868) 670-101 

info@legrandealmandier.com             

Adobe open-air hotel, restaurant, and bar located right on the beach where the sea turtles (leatherbacks) lay their eggs and local conservation organization collects hatchlings to release at sunset.  Comfortable rooms with fans, private bath, and balcony with hammocks for US$68/night.  Will arrange jungle hikes and night walks to observe turtles.  Unfortunately, we discovered that some of our money stored in hotel “safe” was missing; the owner took this off our bill and we discussed procedures needed to ensure that this is an isolated incident.

 

The first time we volunteered in South America, I was too young to know how to do it so I couldn’t really help plan it.  Then while we were traveling, I was able to plan and volunteer more.  At our first place, FUVIRESE, I liked going on the field trips to the hot springs and other places but I didn’t like having to go every single day.  When we were volunteering there, we met other people like our friends Daveed and Alfonso.  Alfonso is a nice guy and we did a lot of things with him.  He was in a wheelchair but he could do many of the same things normal people do.  Over time we kept meeting Daveed in many different places on our trip.  He was fun to play cards with even though he didn’t like the game, "Harry Potter," much.  

After FUVIRESE my Mom and Dad asked me if I wanted to volunteer to help animals.  I really wanted to go so we went to CIWY.  I liked taking care of the animals at CIWY.  It was fun to watch the birds and play with the baby puma named Roy.  I wasn’t allowed to be in the monkey area but I got to go a couple times with Hadar.  One of the times, a girl monkey treated me like her child.  Then another monkey came over and started playing around and I got bit on the arm.  It did not hurt and I wanted to go back again the next day.
  

Leatherbacks are a protected species of turtles.  At Galibi and St. Riviere beaches, I liked helping to collect baby turtles because it was cute to watch them climb out of the sand and around inside the bucket on top of each other.  It was also cool to see all the baby turtles going out to the sea in huge mobs and the mothers laying eggs.  I found out that I really like turtles! 

         I liked volunteering because I want to help people and animals.  I really like taking care of animals and seeing how they live.  I might want to be a veterinarian and volunteering helped me figure that out.  Even though some of the stuff at FUVIRESE was fun, I also know now that I don’t want to work in the schools.  I learned that it’s really important to stick with what you are doing because people are counting on you.  I would tell parents that before you volunteer, ask your child what kind of volunteering they want to do.  It is important because if you don’t do it, they might not help very much.  But otherwise I would recommend volunteering to everybody! 

 

TIPS AND RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

1)      Develop a list of goals with your travel partner(s).  Make sure the volunteer experience will address the goals for all family 
           members. 

2)      Do a trial run whenever possible. 

3)      Choose a location that you will enjoy.  Look into the activities available in the area and make sure to build in some time to do them.   

4)      Ease your family into the culture through volunteering.  The connections made will assist you in a variety of ways, from cutting the
            language barrier to finding inexpensive lodging.   

5)      Be realistic about your housing needs.  You may all be too tired to interact with a host family and need the privacy that an
            apartment can offer.  Be aware that children don’t always know and follow social norms and therefore may do something that can
            embarrass you (e.g., complain about and refuse to eat the host family’s food).   

6)      Treat volunteering as work.  If you want a holiday, pursue something very different from what you do professionally.  Make sure
             you have the energy required for the commitment. 

7)      Get a sound commitment from all family members.   Recognize your children’s limitations and plan accordingly.  Because they may not
            truly understand everything a volunteer opportunity entails, be prepared to take over their responsibilities if need be.   

8)      Make sure the site is child-friendly and safe.  Ask about how your child can contribute.   

9)      Talk to the people who work at the site, as well as volunteers.  Clarify the expectations as much as possible.  Stress your family’s
            skills and limitations to ensure a good fit.   

10)     Identify your advocate or person that you can go to when a problem arise.  Make sure that person can speak your language or a
            translator is available.   

11)      Develop a support system.  Socialize with the other volunteers and take advantage of organized events and spontaneous
            suggestions whenever possible. 

12)      Be patient and tolerant, and above all, keep a good sense of humor!  

Transitions Abroad Magazine
Tel:  802-422-4827
www.transitionsabroad.com
This magazine is loaded with up-to-date information on traveling, volunteering, and language-learning throughout the world.

Two books that focus on volunteer vacations:

McMillon, Bill, Doug Cutchins, and Anne Geissinger (2003).  Volunteer Vacations:  Short-Term Adventures That Will Benefit You and Others, Eighth Edition.  Chicago Review Press, Inc.
This reference book lists short and long-term volunteer opportunities all over the world, and includes some narratives of volunteer experiences.

 Michaels, Bonnie, and  Michael Seef (2003).  A Journey of Work-life Renewal:  The Power to Recharge and Rekindle Passion in Your Life.  Managing Work & Family, Inc.
www.mwfam.com
This book blends narrative with practical information about this couple’s year-long sabbatical spent traveling,
learning, and volunteering around the world.