Some content was translated automatically. Show original
Denmark
I had a mixed experience at La Escelita: I had a great time with the other volunteers and liked working with the lovely community of Chame. Still there are some things I would have liked to known before going. 1)The organization sees the 20 hours of volunteering per week as a minimum, you work more. 2)There is a baby staying in the house. The way she is disciplined is a culture shock. 3)The 'women's project' is more structured around the volunteers skills, rather than the needs of the community. There are no guidelines for working with the vulnerable women(fx.victims of abuse)
over 3 years ago
Hello! First of all, I want to thank you for your support and dedication during your time as a volunteer in our project in Chame. We are glad to hear that you enjoyed your experience alongside the other volunteers and the community.
I’m taking this opportunity to address your concerns, as I believe it’s important to clarify a few points:
- Collaboration hours: On the platform, we indicate a minimum number of collaboration hours for activities at the volunteer house and in the schools, such as storytelling or after-school tutoring. These hours are necessary to provide support for the various activities of the project. However, we understand that needs can vary, and we are always open to adapting to the circumstances.
- Children and parenting: In our house, there is a 2-year-old girl present. As part of her development, exploration, and learning process, we give her love and teach her in the best possible way. It’s important to note that the way children are corrected can vary culturally, and we respect local cultural practices. However, I want to emphasize that if at any moment there is any kind of maltreatment, we will take the necessary measures in accordance with the law.
- Work with women: In our project, we assign volunteers according to their skills and knowledge to work with women and youth. However, for certain aspects that require psychological attention, therapies, or other specialized services, we have qualified professionals. It is important that volunteers work within their capabilities and that the more complex cases are handled by qualified staff.
We value and appreciate your feedback, as it helps us improve constantly. However, it is essential to remember that volunteering in a country with different cultures and customs requires flexibility and adaptability.
We thank you again for your support and encourage you to share any other concerns or suggestions you may have. We remain committed to improving our work day by day and providing an enriching volunteering experience for everyone.
Spain
My experience in the organization was overall really good! The kids are amazing and i learned a lot. Also, i had a great time with the other volunteers. Regarding the work time, in the platform said it was 20 h/week, however, the host expressed that she expects 20h/week minimum, so this should be more clear as some volunteers may have other expectations. The organisation and goals were sometimes unclear. In the house there is a family with a super nice baby which was nice, however, some cultural differences (most of them regarding the way of approaching the baby) could be culturally shocking.
over 3 years ago
United States
The organization volunteer experience was a fantastic experience. There was a lot of different activities to do throughout each day. The impact that we created for different families in the community could be seen each and every day. Evelyn is always caring and works with each volunteer to assign tasks that are best suited for their skillsets. There was ample time during weekends to take trips across Panama, and Evelyn was very knowledgeable in terms of recommendations. I highly recommend this opportunity to anybody traveling through Panama.
over 4 years ago
United Kingdom
Arriving in Panama for my first volunteering experience I had no idea what to expect. However I was quickly welcomed into a friendly volunteering house and shown the ropes! It is close to supermarkets and some local attractions. I would definitely recommend a visit to the 'Las Cajones', San Blas Islands and the Valle de Anton. All in all this was an incredible experience and I hope to be back in years to come. One thing I wish I did differently was coming with a slightly better base of Spanish, however I managed and my Spanish quickly improved.
over 4 years ago
Argentina
Mi experiencia fue muy positiva. Me sentí bienvenida desde el inicio. Evelin tiene muchas responsabilidades y aun dedica tiempo para los voluntarios, se nota su experiencia y reconoce el trabajo del equipo. Compartí con voluntarios de gran corazón y convivir con los tres niños fue una experiencia única y enriquecedora. Les tomé mucho cariño, me abrieron el corazón y me encantaría volver a verlos, cad integrante de la casa tiene una personalidad unica. La casa está en buenas condiciones y se ofrece comida con un de 15 dólares, accesible. Recomiendo este lugar como una gran experiencia.
over 1 year ago
Dominican Republic
Hola! En verdad fue mi primer voluntariado y me encantó, fue una maravillosa experiencia me sentí como en casa, buenas atenciones y una de las cosas mas importantes fue socializar con personas con diferentes costumbres, entre varias culturas mezcladas, es un lindo reto lograr y disfrutar el objetivo del voluntariado A pesar de irse tan rápido el tiempo! Gracias! 😍 Agradezco a todo el personal por sus atenciones en verdad muy lindas! , en especial nuestra anfitriona estrella Evelin🌟 excelente ser humano llena de carisma entusiasmo ! Dios los bendiga a todos ! 🙏
over 2 years ago
Spain
Una gran experiencia en Chame. Me sentí como en casa gracias a Denis que estaba siempre pendiente si necesitaba algo, me explicaba la vida en Panamá, me enseño recetas de comida típica y muchas más cosas. Siempre estaba de bien humor y nos alegraba los días a los demás. Mirna me enseño que música se escucha allí y me conto su historia de vida. Adis fue una buenísima coordinadora, me ayudo ha hacer material, estaba siempre pendiente de si necesitaba algo, me dio ideas a donde ir o que hacer. Esta es una buena oportunidad para conocer la realidad de los niños y niñas de Panamá.
over 2 years ago
Spain
Me encanto la experiencia. Evelin y Mirna me hicieron sentir como en casa y estuve muy a gusto conviviendo con ellas. En todo momento Evelin me ayudó ante cualquier duda y tuve muy buena acogida desde el principio. Participé en el proyecto de escuela y me gustó mucho, todos amables conmigo y aprendí mucho. Evelin tiene un proyecto muy bonito, se implica mucho con la comunidad y así lo transmite a los voluntarios. Chame es un pueblo muy tranquilo y seguro y en los días libres hay lugares bonitos donde ir. Gracias por la experiencia y por los días tan buenos que pasamos. Recomiendo 100%
over 2 years ago
Bolivia
Estuve un mes completo trabajando en el proyecto de mujeres en la organización. Personalmente, fue muy provechoso ya que durante este tiempo pude conectar realmente con las personas con las que trabajaba dentro y fuera de la organización. Agradezco la confianza para poder proponer actividades y talleres que puedan ayudar a la causa.
about 3 years ago
Brazil
A experiência foi incrível! Fui muito bem recebida por Evelin, Nagore e todos da casa. Tive a oportunidade de estar ao lado de crianças muito gentis e carinhosas e ajudá-las no desenvolvimento e nas atividades escolares. Saio do Panamá com vontade de voltar e um carinho enorme por Chame, todas as chicas da casa, voluntários e pelas crianças.
over 3 years ago
