Volunteer Environmental Education Placement

About Para La Tierra

Fundación Para La Tierra is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of fragile habitats in Paraguay. Our vision is to change the course of Paraguayan environmentalism by inspiring people to appreciate the value of nature. We are working together with the Paraguayan government, local community members, national and international NGOs, and national and international volunteers and interns to protect Paraguay’s unique environment.

Para La Tierra achieves this mission through three primary programs: Scientific Research, Community Engagement, and Environmental Education.

We founded our Eco-Club program Voces de la Naturaleza in 2015 in order to transform the way that Paraguayan youth learn about their environment. Our curriculum is centred on our 3-C’s System. We believe that through Creativity, Curiosity, and a Connection to Nature we can provide our club members with the soft skills they need to become Eco Leaders, that is growing adults who instigate action for the benefit of the community that supports them and the environment that surrounds them.

Throughout the past 7 years, our Voces de la Naturaleza program has grown into a network of 36 Eco-Clubs that spans 8 states of Paraguay. Led by volunteer facilitators, our clubs provide a safe space for hundreds of children (aged 7-14) to engage their creativity and learn about the natural world.

About the Environmental Education Placement:

We are looking for passionate students who can stay for at least 3 months to help kick start our newest Eco-Club Initiative. We host a myriad of different activities that are still developing alongside our community’s needs. This means that no two days of your stay will be the same.

This program offers a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in education, while making a real difference in the world.

Responsibilities will include:

• Planning lessons, games, and activities aimed at children aged 7-16
• Be creative in coming up with new ideas to actively involve children in fun and educative activities
• Contributing to the overall design of the curriculum
• Leading activities, assisting in lessons, and chaperoning groups on excursions
• Interacting with Paraguayan children in a variety of settings (1-on-1, as a teacher in front of a class, as a tutor or assistant to small groups, as a group leader, etc).
• Cleaning up and organizing materials before and after events
• Serving as an ambassador for the PLT Eco-Club during all external events
   

Requirements:

• Proficiency in Spanish (ability to communicate) as the children only speak Spanish
• Experience in education or camp counselling
• 19 years of age or older
• Experience working in developing countries (preferred)
   

Conditions:

Para La Tierra charges students to cover costs of room and board. The price includes all living costs during their stay with us and a personal pick-up upon arriving. Students receive three meals a day, unlimited coffee, tea, yerba mate and diluting juice, as well as a bed in shared accommodation with hot showers and access to WiFi. It also includes organized activities & trips for our students such as barbeques, game nights, beach trips and much more.

The fee further covers administrative costs associated with the stay, and a small contribution to Para La Tierra's conservation and education projects.

Weekly basis pro rata payments are accepted in special cases. There is a 25% discount for South American nationals.

Costs: $1,195 per month for the 1st 2 months and $995 for each subsequent month.

Application:

The application period is rolling and there are no start or end dates, so the trip can be organized to suit the project and the person. Students must be available to stay for a minimum of three months.

To apply please email your CV and a short cover letter to olivia@paralatierra[dot]org.