My two weeks working in Alalay were amazing...the girls were instantly friendly and loving. They all wanted attention and love.
Program Volunteer Bolivia
Project: Volunteer in an Children's Home/Orphanage in Bolivia
On my last day, I brought a chocolate cake for the girls and we danced to music in the afternoon. It was really sad to leave them as I had gotten really close in two weeks.
My two weeks working in Alalay were amazing. I was here from July 10th to the 24th.The first weekend I was here I went on a city tour with my host family. We saw the downtown centre, the cathedral and shopped for a bit at the market.
In all I had a wonderful time in Bolivia as I got to see and experience typical Bolivian food and music, as well as do something useful and gratifying in the orphanage with the girls.
When I started at Alalay, the girls were instantly friendly and loving. They all wanted attention and love. As they got more comfortable with me, there were days that were a little harder, as they frequently fought and argued with each other. However, as long as I had a lot of patience, it was well worth it.
The second week at Alalay, I was assigned three girls that I was to help with their homework, washing their clothes, and generally observe them. I found that very gratifying because I was able to get closer to them and build a better relationship.
On my last day, I brought a chocolate cake for the girls and we danced to music in the afternoon. It was really sad to leave them as I had gotten really close in two weeks. Although, I got a lot of emails so I will keep in touch with most of the older girls.
In my free time, I went to Guembe which is an ecological park with an aviary and Butterfly conservatory. I also went to a few markets, such as Ramada, 24 de Septiembre and la Nueva Feria. There at one of the little shops that sell almost anything for really cheap prices. I also went to Rio Pirai which is a nice area with lots of restaurants and bands playing Bolivian music.
In all I had a wonderful time in Bolivia as I got to see and experience typical Bolivian food and music, as well as do something useful and gratifying in the orphanage with the girls. I would definitely recommend uVolunteer to others, especially working in the Orphanages because the kids are so sweet and always need more attention.
Reisa Evans
