MISSION TO BOLIVIA

 A UNIQUE MISSION EXPERIENCE AMONG THE RURAL POOR

Come join Maryknoll in Bolivia!  Volunteers work in a variety of Maryknoll projects in and around Cochabamba.  Although a working knowledge of spoken Spanish is a necessity, volunteers have the opportunity to work in mission in a number of different capacities - teaching English to adults or children; working with children; teaching religion in a "Fe y Alegria" school; planning retreats for students and teachers; prison visiting; working on social development projects.  Volunteers are responsible for their airfare and medical insurance.

Meet Carrie Fuller who worked with Maryknoll in Bolivia

Carrie Fuller, a Catholic school teacher from Ocala, Florida spent last year as a short-term Maryknoll volunteer teaching at a rural boarding school in Capinota, Bolivia.  As she tells it, her days were packed: "On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays I taught in a Catholic Fe y Alegria high school instructing freshman religion, a freshman reflection and values class, and three creative expression classes, which is a mix of drama and performing arts.  I invited a music group from Cochabamba to give a music workshop and a theater director to give  theater workshops.  If absolutely loved connecting with and working with the students through the arts.  I also served on the pastoral team at the school, planning retreats, Masses and other events that served the spiritual needs of the students and teachers."

"On Thursdays, I headed to Ucuchi, an even more impoverished, tiny community about six miles outside of Capinota.  There I taught first-through sixth-grade religion in the local elementary school.  Finally on Wednesdays and occasionally on Saturdays I volunteered at the Maryknoll mission center in Cochabamba, where I had studied Spanish before my volunteer service.  I was part of a team that designed and led leadership workshops for Catholic youth."

On her return to the US, Carrie is teaching Spanish and religion at Trinity Catholic High School.  She says: "As I weave my missionary experience into both my religion and Spanish classes, I hope to offer new perspectives to my students about the inequalities of the world as well as the beauty and insights of other cultures."

PROJECT DIRECTOR:  Dan Moriarty

JOB DESCRIPTION:

Tutoring disadvantaged rural youth.  Homework help.  Teaching Religion, values, leadership, etc.  Engage in social development projects.  Working in creative pastoral ministry.

DURATION:  

2 months to a year

HOUSING: 

The project director will arrange housing with a family.  Volunteer will be expected to pay living expenses.

COSTS:  

The volunteer would be expected to pay airfare to and from Bolivia.  At times, he/she may wish to take some meals at local restaurants.  A meal would average $12.  Local transportation (taxi, bus) is inexpensive.  The volunteer would be responsible for any needs she/he may have outside of the actual lodging and regular meal schedule.

SUPPORT:  

Projects are located in the vicinity of Cochabamba.  A Maryknoller  would accompany the volunteer on a regular basis.  Also, the Maryknoller director would be available to assist the volunteer should he/she need to buy anything or need special services (travel agent, money exchange, basic shopping, postal services, etc.).

CHALLENGES: 

The rural school project is work intensive.  One is never alone there! Spanish is spoken by all the youth and it would be necessary for the volunteer to have a working knowledge of the Spanish language.  A Spanish course of six weeks is offered in Cochabamba at the Maryknoll Language Institute.   Since Maryknoll is sponsoring this project, one need not be concerned about personal security issues.