Aldeas de Paz - Peace Villages

Aldeas de Paz is a sustainable and transparent grass-roots NGO based in Samaná and Las Terrenas

ABOUT US

Aldeas de Paz is a sustainable and transparent grass-roots NGO based in Santa Barbara de Samaná and Las Terrenas, Dominican Republic. We are independent from political, religious or business interests and maintain independence by completely funding and operating our programs with the practical and monetary contributions of volunteers and interns.

OUR PURPOSE

We are a youth oriented organization with the purpose of educating, mentoring, inspiring and empowering young people. We aim to develop their potentials and help them to create opportunities for them and their community through our educational programs and recreational activities. We promote children rights and equal opportunities for all.

OUR MISSION

We promote a Culture of Peace through enriching cross-cultural exchange for people of all cultural backgrounds and nationalities and we practice voluntary community service where we provide additional opportunities in education, sports, health care and skill training. We assist our beneficiaries in developing their potential and improving their own lives.

OUR VISION

Offering volunteers and interns the great opportunity to work side by side with locals, learn new skills, study Spanish and immerse themselves in the Latin and Caribbean culture. We share the values of peace, justice and tolerance, fundamentally focusing on the preservation of cultural values and the empowerment of young people while valuing local knowledge and working with cultural sensitivity. Our volunteer opportunities are truly the microcosm of a world where people join together giving priority to improving life for humanity and promoting a Culture of Peace as a practical way to both prevent and resolve conflict.

INTERNSHIP

In addition to the volunteer programs we also offer internship placements. Interns typically come for 4 weeks to 12 months and commit from between 20 to 40 hours per week. Interns apply well in advance to inform us of their internship’s conditions and the requirements of their university or academic adviser so that we can work out a personalized work plan together. Tell us about personal expectations and goals and we will see how we can help you achieve them. We are happy to provide all materials and references necessary for interns to receive course credit for their internship. Certificates are provided to all interns upon successful completion of their internships.

VOLUNTEER PLACEMENT

Volunteering is a great way to experience another culture, make new friends and learn new skills. The beauty in volunteering lies in the fact that you are not simply passing through as a tourist. You are interacting with the community, building relationships and making a positive impact. It is an experience that may change your life! Volunteers are the driving force of our charity work, both through their volunteering and through their financial contributions. We have various programs currently under way and run by volunteers. We encourage volunteers to form schedules which work for them, and to work in any combination of programs. Volunteers decide how many hours they want to work and are free to commit from between 10 to 40 hours per week. We emphasize that we focus on quality and not on quantity!

LEARN SPANISH

Spanish language classes - volunteers and interns receive free language lessons every week. The classes focus on developing communication skills so that students are able to put their knowledge to practical use as soon as they step outside the classroom. Our teaching method enables students to develop four basic skills: listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. The idea is to learn Spanish in a natural and spontaneous way, just as students have learned their mother tongue. Our students are encouraged to speak Spanish right from the very first day, using it in typical real-life situations: the basic syllabus is supplemented by special exercises, such as role-play, situational dialogues and work projects. Outside the classroom, the learning process continues as you are immersed in the Spanish language and the Dominican culture.

HIGHLIGHTS

There are unlimited activities and sights to visit in your spare time. Visit the north coast for some of the best windsurfing or kiteboarding found in the world, go whale watching, try fun hiking, biking or even white-water rafting for those adrenaline seekers! You may also like to visit Caribbean's highest peak, Pico Duarte, or the Playa Rincon, said to be one of the best beaches in the world. Hunt around the quaint town of Monte Cristo for some great finds including bargain priced jewelry made from handcrafted beads, and try some of the local rum in one of the colorful bars!

COVID 19

Our primary responsibility is for the well being of our volunteers, our staff, our beneficiaries and of everyone invested in our programs.

The Covid 19 health situation in the Dominican Republic is managed quite well and precautionary public measures are very dynamic, similar to European and international standards. Actually there is a curfew in place until December 15, 2020: Monday to Friday 9pm – 5am, Saturday, Sunday 7pm – 5am.

Travelling to and from the Dominican Republic is perfectly possible without difficulty and Aldeas de Paz is completely operational, all our programs are active! For extra peace of mind we offer a free flexible travel date change. We are standing by to answer any questions or concerns you might have and look forward to hearing from you!

UPON ARRIVAL

Upon arrival at Santo Domingo "Las Americas" airport or "El Catey" airport (Samana) you will be met by an in-country welcome & pick-up service and transferred to the bus terminal from where you leave with the bus to Samaná or Las Terrenas. On arrival, Aldeas de Paz staff will pick you up and bring you to the accommodation where you will be based for the duration of your project. The welcome & pickup service is courtesy and included in your placement donation.

FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION

Aldeas de Paz works hard to keep the required financial contribution to an absolute minimum and to offer financial transparency by practicing an open book policy. The calculation of your financial contribution or donation is set up so that the longer you stay the less you give per week. We do this to encourage longer stays, recognizing that longer stays lead to more significant volunteer work and more energy contributed in the form of donated time in place of money! The minimum contribution starts at €140 per week and includes Spanish language classes, double room at one of our fully equipped guesthouse apartments, a special program donation as well as a personal welcome service and pick-up at the airport, transfer to the bus, bus fare and free transfer to your placement location in Las Terrenas or Samana. If you wish a single room upgrade add €50 per week and an all in Host Family homestay upgrade is €150 per week, including a private bedroom and two meals per day.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Contact Person: Manfred Mönnighoff; Project/charity name: Fundación Aldeas de Paz; Address: Samana, Dominican Republic,

Whatsapp: +1 829 7055 123

E-Mail: mail@peacevillages.org

Webpage: https://www.peacevillages.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook/AldeasdePaz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AldeasDePaz;

Twitter: @AldeasDePaz;

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Peacevillages