Program Search Results

Goal of Program

The Olancho Aid Foundation is a Catholic non-profit organization that seeks to provide a quality education and clean drinking water to our community in Honduras. Two distinct volunteer programs help the Foundation accomplish these goals: the traditional volunteer program and the specialist volunteer program. The Foundation recruits a cohort of up to ten foreign volunteers every semester to participate in the traditional volunteer program. The focus of this program is on community, spirituality, social justice, and simple living. It is a cultural exchange program that allows students to practice English with native-English speakers and offers volunteers opportunities for personal, professional, and spiritual growth. The specialist volunteer program is geared toward experienced professionals and experts in their field who work to fill a specific, immediate need in the Foundation. Specialists serve as leaders and mentors within the Foundation administration.

Type of Placement

Traditional volunteers serve in roles within the Foundation as needed, most often in either the bilingual (English/Spanish) high school or elementary school. Specific assignments will be discussed through the interview process and during orientation once on the ground in Honduras. Some potential roles include ESL tutor or teaching assistant The Foundation is also seeking specialist volunteers who have extensive experience in their field (5+ years) to serve as a Human Resources Specialist, an Early Childhood Education Specialist, and as a Mission Team Assistant (fluent Spanish required).

Service Area

The Foundation serves the city of Juticalpa (pop. 129,000) and the surrounding impoverished rural communities that suffer from high unemployment, lack access to clean water, and basic education.

Service Length

Traditional volunteers commit to serve approximately four months that align roughly with school semesters. Specialist volunteers serve a minimum of six to eight weeks (on a case-by-case basis).

Program Size

4 - 10 volunteers

Requirements

Volunteers must have 2+ years of post-high school experience and be willing to participate in a Catholic community. Specialist volunteers must also have 5+ experience related to their specific roles.

Financial Arrangements

Monthly stipend (for volunteers who serve at least four months), travel medical insurance, housing, housing, local SIM card, local transportation, and wireless internet.

Living Arrangements

Volunteers live in community near central square in Juticalpa, easy access to pharmacy, grocery store, fruit market. Housing is furnished with kitchen, indoor plumbing, electricity, and running water.

Training

Volunteers are required to attend orientation before beginning service that covers Foundation and Diocese policies, cultural differences, safety precautions, and school procedure.

Application Deadline

Volunteer and Mission Team applications are accepted throughout the year. We strongly encourage those seeking January and August terms of service to apply at least 3 months prior to the start dates.