Volunteer work in South America

[viktar]

Planning a trip similar to that of BikersWithoutBorders.org Looking for volunteer locations in Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. I do not have enough time to go through Mexico and Central America, thus I plan to ship my bike from Miami to Quito. Anyone else interestd in philanthropic work? Also, any comments, advice, etc. would be greatly appreciated. I am leaving from Michigan, hopefully, this Fall/Winter.

[PocketHead]

Hi I will be in Ecuador about a year from now and would be interested if you're still there

[viktar]

Hi, I just checked your blog (nice one!) and it seems we have a lot in common. I've been planning this trip for some time now, but unfortunately it keeps getting delayed. This past year I've outfitted my bike, a 2000 KLR, to make the journey and I've also amassed quite a bit of equipment to live off the land, etc. My primary goal for this trip is to do volunteer work in underprivileged communities, however, as a passionate rider myself even making my way down to Tierra del Fuego will be an enormous feat. Basically, I am ready to go, but have yet to find a suitable companion - my best friend bailed on me. Thus, my proposition is that we work together to make both our dreams come true. Also, I am pretty sure we'd be able to save money and carrying capacity by combining our resources together. For example, I have a lot of your inventory list filled out. Furthermore, I can even help you establish yourself here in Michigan, as in, my friend is selling his pristine 2005 KLR now that he is no longer going. Is there any way you could leave for your trip sooner? Cheers!

[charapashanperu]

Viktar,

I have done volunteer work in Peru most of my life and have a lot of contacts and options for you. We can take this up on PM if you'd rather, but I've no problem doing it here too. If HUBBers can spend 1,700 blogs on Ewan and Charlie, then I think we can talk openly about volunteer work for the good of humanity!

[viktar]

I do not mind discussing this here, as long as everyone else is ok with it? And hopefully, this might spark the interest of others that would also like to do volunteer work or it can be used as a resource for others at a later date.

Peru would be a great place to start, since I plan to touch base with family in Ecuador before I continue south. What type of volunteer work is involved? I am a recent graduate from the University of Michigan with a degree in neuroscience and biology; however, I also have experience working as an EMT and lifeguard. I have volunteered at high schools, clinics, church communities and the hospital here at the University. Unfortunately, my Spanish is mediocre at best, but I am sure that will improve in time.

Ideally, I am looking for volunteer locations that would be willing to exchange my help for room and board (or at least a safe location to park my bike and pitch a tent.) Since I will be funding my adventure using what little savings I have, I am a broke college student with loads of debt, I can only offer my assistance in one location for up to 2 weeks to a month max. Otherwise, I may put myself in financial jeopardy and not succeed in making it all the way down.

Thank you for your help! I hope to hear from you soon.

It's Victor - PS, but Viktar will work just fine.

[PocketHead]

Originally Posted by viktar

Hi, I just checked your blog (nice one!) and it seems we have a lot in common. I've been planning this trip for some time now, but unfortunately it keeps getting delayed. This past year I've outfitted my bike, a 2000 KLR, to make the journey and I've also amassed quite a bit of equipment to live off the land, etc. My primary goal for this trip is to do volunteer work in underprivileged communities, however, as a passionate rider myself even making my way down to Tierra del Fuego will be an enormous feat. Basically, I am ready to go, but have yet to find a suitable companion - my best friend bailed on me. Thus, my proposition is that we work together to make both our dreams come true. Also, I am pretty sure we'd be able to save money and carrying capacity by combining our resources together. For example, I have a lot of your inventory list filled out. Furthermore, I can even help you establish yourself here in Michigan, as in, my friend is selling his pristine 2005 KLR now that he is no longer going. Is there any way you could leave for your trip sooner? Cheers!

Hi Victor,
The earliest I could arrive in the states is about February next year but it's also necessary to arrive at Ushuaia December 09 or January 2010, otherwise it may be too cold therefore I am not currently to worried about time.

Another thing, which sort of volunteer work were you looking at? I recently obtained my TESOL certificate in case I require it over there, not sure if it would help but maybe so.