6-Week Youth Volunteer Program with AIESEC in Bolivia

Fundación Natura Viva invites volunteers to join the Green Leaders project in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia, focused on climate change education and community action. The six-week Global Volunteer opportunity involves working with students and community members; the announcement does not specify an application deadline.

About the Green Leaders Volunteer Project

The project contributes to Sustainable Development Goal 13, particularly education, awareness and capacity-building related to climate change mitigation, adaptation, impact reduction and early warning. Volunteers help participants understand climate issues and consider practical ways to reduce environmental harm.

During week one, volunteers meet with a representative of the opportunity provider to understand the community context and urgent climate-related needs. They analyse national and local climate issues, prepare material for the sessions and workshops planned for later weeks, and determine how project outcomes will be measured and what materials will be used.

Week two begins with an introductory session for beneficiaries, including an introduction to the volunteers and project objectives. Activities include climate change documentary viewings and a round-table discussion about causes and effects. Volunteers also lead a practical demonstration of the greenhouse effect and ask students to research local impacts, such as sea-level rise, rising temperatures and desertification.

In week three, participants discuss climate action initiatives in their respective countries and take part in a workshop on the 3 Rs of ecology. They use a Climate Change Scorecard to consider ways of reducing greenhouse gas pollution at home and at school. Students are also invited to suggest other ways to save energy, reduce pollution or remove carbon dioxide, and those ideas are added to the scorecard.

Week four covers carbon footprints and how everyday lifestyle choices affect climate change. Participants calculate their current carbon footprints based on their lifestyles, then discuss more sustainable alternatives at home. Together with students, volunteers also organize a climate-awareness event for social media, developing a catchy hashtag and encouraging students to share information through their platforms. If internet access is unavailable, the project can instead hold a one-day in-person awareness campaign.

During week five, volunteers plant a tree or create a garden at the school to help make it greener. They develop a competition or challenge encouraging participants to change habits, such as recycling or composting, and build an Ambassadorship Program to help sustain activities in later phases. The week also includes an Earth Hour session, when all activity stops for one hour.

Week six is devoted to a closing session with beneficiaries, collecting project data through surveys, interviews or focus groups, and analysing outcomes. Volunteers prepare a final project report and present it to AIESEC members and representatives of the NGO or non-profit organization.

Benefits

• Learn about the Sustainable Development Goals and participate in a social-impact project.
• Gain international exposure to different cultures and industries.
• Develop leadership values including striving for excellence, demonstrating integrity, activating leadership, acting sustainably, enjoying participation and living diversity.
• Receive AIESEC support during selection, including assistance with applying to opportunities and decision-making.
• Receive AIESEC support after selection, including visa support, help finding and providing accommodation, and assistance on the first day of work.

Who Should Apply

This project is suited to people who know Spanish and want to engage students and communities in practical climate education. The backgrounds associated with the opportunity are finance, education and environmental engineering. Volunteers interested in similar volunteer opportunities can also explore other opportunities for youth.

Key Highlights

• Location: Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia.
• Duration: six weeks.
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 12:00 pm.
• Locally spoken language volunteers need to know: Spanish.
• Focus: climate change education and action linked to Sustainable Development Goal 13.
• No application deadline is stated in the announcement.