Experience:
Organisation:
Name: Sam
Hometown: Cambridge
Destination: Cochabamba, Bolivia
Project type: Care work in an orphanage
Organisation: Projects Abroad
What were your impressions of your destination?
Cochabamba is a lovely city to live in, not too touristy so it feels local and you get a real feel for it. It's bustling and busy and full of life, there are dangerous areas (especially with the political troubles) but as long as you're not stupid it's not particularly unsafe.
Was the work interesting and challenging?
I worked afternoons in an orphanage in Cercado, just outside of Quillacollo which was a 40 minute truffi (minibus) ride out of Cochabamba. I spent the time I was there helping the girls with their homework, preparing meals with the girls and organising projects to entertain/improve the lives of the girls. Whilst there we initiated the painting of the dormitory to brighten it up and also a few "arty" projects.
What was your accommodation like? Did you feel comfortable and welcome at all times?
TAPA provided accommodation with a local host family which was a 10 minute walk to the centre of Cochabamba. The house was small with beautiful gardens so we tended to eat and socialise outside, especially when it was sunny (most of the time!). I had my own room and the "family" consisted of language teacher Franz, his elderly mother (who lived on their farm during the week) and Franz's friend/boyfriend (not sure!). Although unconventional, the family worked and the house was always busy with family members and friends from the attached office coming to lunch and dropping round. It was a great atmosphere! The family really liked having volunteers around and when I was there, we were two English volunteers and one German one. Helpfully Franz never spoke English unless really necessary so my Spanish improved quickly... which really helped when working with the children as they often just wanted to talk about themselves and what they've been through.
Were you happy with the organisation and the staff that were responsible for you during your stay?
TAPA have an office in the centre which is very welcoming and provides a base for explorations. The staff are amazingly helpful, whatever you throw at them. They show you where your project is, usually stay with you on the first afternoon to help you get acquainted and deal with language problems, as well as showing you around the city when you arrive.
Do you feel that you got value for money on the project?
Although it was expensive I felt that the money you pay TAPA is worth it, they really provide a good support network and are really helpful with everything, plus the fact that they are COMPLETELY flexible with dates and how long you go for made them the company for me. I would always recommend them and will hopefully volunteer/work for them in the future!
Would you recommend the project to others?
Yes
