We offer a variety of free volunteer placements throughout the local community on the island of Bocas. All we ask is that you take some spanish classes or stay in our accommodation. The following free volunteer opportunities are available at our Bocas del Toro location in Panama:
Volunteer in Sea Turtle Conservation
With less stringent enforcement of environmental regulations in Panama, much of the turtle conservation work in Costa Rica is being undermined in Panama. The turtle’s traditional movements along the coastline bring them also to Panama and research has shown that a huge number of turtles protected in Costa Rica are being killed in Panama.
Tasks
A normal day of volunteer work starts at 10:00 p.m. You will join asmall team that sets out to patrol the beaches for egg laying turtles. Upon contact you will tag, measure and monitor the turtle. Depending on the turtle’s location you may also relocate the eggs to a hatchery for a safer location. Depending on the number of turtles, patrols stop between 5:00 and 6:00 a.m. A late breakfast allows you to settle down for the rest of the day and relax to the sounds of the jungle backdrop. You might want to use this time to study some Spanish.
When
March till end of June. You can do volunteer work before or after your Spanish language study. It is required you work for at least one day.
Costs
Be prepared to pay $16 as a one time payment for the entrance to the national park and than $20.00 per day to the local organization. This $20.00 is paying for the accommodation and 3 meals a day. For more information write: turtlevolpanama@yahoo.com or call: +507 – 65842451 and try to get in touch with Clara. She is busy most of the time, but if you leave a message, she will get back to you as soon as possible. If you can’t get in touch with her before arrival in Bocas, don’t worry, it still can be arranged once you are here!
Requirements
No previous experience or foreign language skills are required, but you must be able to work as part of a team, have a strong interest in wildlife and conservation and be respectful to the local community. Conditions are basic.
Volunteer at a primary school on a neigboring island
Although the school on the Island Solarte is administred by the Panamanian Ministry of Education, due to its small size, there are not enough trained teacher to give the local children the education that they need. Candy, the Managing Director and Main Teacher can have some help with teaching English.
Tasks
Work at the school basically in the mornings from 8:00 till 12:00. You will assist English classes and maybe even teach your own class (if you want). It is great if you can bring some English storiebooks or other English teaching materials.
When
You can volunteer at the primary school in Solarte whole year round except during school holidays. This year, 2011 is the fist year in which a new system for holidays has been adopted so please check with us if the schools will be open during the time you visit.
Costs
It is FREE to volunteer at the primary school home as long as you take some Spanish classes or stay at our hostel.
Requirements
No previous experience is required. It is easier if you speak basic Spanish. Please dress properly (no slippers, shorts pants or skirts and no tank tops please).
Volunteer at an Old Peoples Home in Bocas del Toro
The circumstances in the elderly home might be quite different from what you are used to back home, especially with regard to the housing. You can do things like talking to people or playing cards or help serve out the food at certain times of the day.
Tasks
Every afternoon at 16:00, there is a possibility to go to the elderly home to read a story to the elderly people.
When
You can volunteer at the old people’s home in Bocas del Toro year round.
Costs
It is FREE to volunteer at the old peoples home as long as you take some Spanish classes or stay at our hostel.
Requirements
No previous experience is required. It is easier if you speak basic Spanish. Please dress properly (no slippers, shorts pants or skirts and no tank tops please).
Volunteer at the Medical Clinic in Bocas del Toro
There is a Clinic & a Hospital in Bocas del Toro that is mostly for medical emergencies, but also helps to prevent diseases by providing local people. If you can bring gifts like basic medical equipment, information or medical clothing, the local doctors will soon turn into your colleagues and you will have an unforgettable, educational time.
Tasks
If your Spanish is good enough, you are welcome to help with giving Information talks in the waiting areas to the patients. We can send you the schedule with dates and topics upon request. Topics are: care when having diabetes, preventing pregnancy’s, high blood pressure, venereal diseases, etc. You can also help to create information boards that hang in the hall of the hospital.
When
You can volunteer at the medical center year round.
Costs
It is FREE to volunteer at the medical center as long as you take some Spanish classes or stay at our hostel.
Requirements
Being a medical student or professional. Not later than 2 weeks before starting, we need to receive copy of your passport and prove status as student or medical profession.
