Organisation

In this project, boys between 12 and 18 years get a second chance to get on the right track. On average there are living 96 boys. It’s not a youth prison with cells, but a closed institution where they, as required by justice, have to stay for a period of 1 – 3 years. In the morning they go to school and in the afternoon they follow workshops in order to make shoes, clothing and furniture for own use, to cultivate the soil, in construction, etc.  They may also get diploma’s for this. Thus they learn essential skills in order to maintain themselves in society after their stay , and not to land up in the criminal circuit. A lot of attention is paid to social skills, structure, and discipline.

Project activities

• Helping with homework
• Teaching English
• Helping at vocational teachings or the organization of creative or sports activities
• In consultation with the board and the psychologist, the volunteer can set up projects / workshops on subjects that need attention.
• Working hours are from 14:30 until 17:30 hrs.
• Maximum 3 volunteers can work here.

What’s expected of the volunteers?

• 21 years or older
• Independent / pro-active
• Solid
• Speak Spanish well
• Motivated and flexible
• Specific training not required, additional life or work experience desired.
• Depending on your capacities, you discuss the nature of your work with the psychologist.

Accommodation and living environment

• Guest family who has experience with long term stay.  Costs $81 per week for SIW volunteers, 3 meals a day included.
• Or you can share an apartment with 1 – 2 other people. You then have your own room and share the shower, toilet and kitchen. Costs $175 per month including guess, water and light.
• Combination of first in a family and later in an apartment is possible.

Period / duration

• Throughout the year. Minimum of 3 months. Throughout, you work 5 days a week. Working hours are to be determined, usually 4 – 5 hours a day. In their summer holiday, the school is closed from December up until half February.

Local costs

• Cf. Accommodation.

Experiences

Some boys are very smart and very kind, they even want to carry my books or my bag. Others are very arrogant and are constantly trying you. But I feel very safe and at ease, so I think all will turn out well during the upcoming weeks. 

I already knew that working with scoundrels were my thing, but I enjoy it here even more than I had expected.  The boys are sometimes tough on me, especially when I don’t understand their jokes, but still they’re very kind and listen well. Some boys are also very fond of me. Then I come home and find notes with hearts on them in my bag. Still they’re asking for presents and other stuff, like drugs, but they’re not going to succeed! 

And each Saturday there is a soccer game where I also show up to encourage them what they find great, because I attract a lot of attention as the only fair-headed lady in the stadium.’

Marjolijn