This lovingly managed facility in Oaxaca is a Place of the heart - for People with trisomy 21 and for all those who treat them with respect, care and commitment. Here Children, teenagers and adults with Down syndrome are accompanied in their everyday lives and individually education, health and their social skills promoted. Many of the participants come from disadvantaged backgrounds - which makes the support they receive here all the more important.
Volunteers are right in the middle of it all: You shape the Lessons help in the Workshop, give creative leisure activities or accompany the team at medical examinations and parent seminars. You don't need any previous experience - just Heart, openness and the desire to make a difference.
If you would like to become part of an inclusive community that works with great dedication and radiates a lot of joie de vivre, then this project is just right for you.
This non-profit organization in the heart of Oaxaca, Mexico, has been working with full dedication for almost three decades. for children, adolescents and adults with trisomy 21 (Down syndrome). The project was founded by parents and relatives out of a deep need: to create a safe place where Holistic support and people with trisomy 21 are recognized as full members of their community. Since 1996, parents, professionals and volunteers have been working hand in hand to enable participation, recognition and quality of life for those affected.
All activities are clearly geared towards the vision that people with Down syndrome should be able to enjoy their Full potential develop - in the family, at school, at work and in society. To this end, the center offers Comprehensive educational, health and leisure programs which are individually tailored to the needs of the participants. Currently, 28 people between the ages of two and 65 are being looked after - many of them come from socially disadvantaged circumstances.
The heart of our daily work is the educational program, which has been in existence since 2001. It includes early support as well as specially adapted pre-school and primary school education. The aim is to strengthen the independence and social participation of the pupils through targeted support. The dedicated team of teachers is supported by specialists from the fields of speech therapy, occupational therapy and pediatrics.
But the project goes far beyond education: in Work and life skills programs young people and adults learn, for example, how to embroider fabrics or make soap - a first step towards economic independence. With great sensitivity and respect, work is carried out here to sustainably improve the self-esteem and quality of life of the participants.
Another pillar of the project is the Early support, which starts immediately after birth. It supports families during the sensitive early years, strengthens parental acceptance and supports early childhood neurological and motor development. The program is supplemented by a Health program, which ensures regular medical examinations for the prevention and early detection of diseases.
In order to strengthen the entire family, there is also a „Parents“ school" This program provides parents and siblings with valuable tips on how to deal with children with Down syndrome in everyday life.
In addition to all these offers, the participants are offered Volunteers participation in art, music and values classes.
The center is a A place of cordialitythe Inclusion and the Joie de vivre and thrives on the support of committed volunteers. Whether you are creative, like to lend a hand, teach or simply put your heart and soul into your work, you are needed and appreciated! Here you will accompany children, young people and adults with trisomy 21 on their way to greater independence, self-confidence and social participation.
Volunteers can get involved in numerous areas:
Your commitment will not only enrich the lives of the children, young people and their families - it will also change your own life in a wonderful way. You will become part of a warm-hearted community, get to know a new culture at close quarters and leave a real mark with your commitment.
If you want to experience the authentic, vibrant and culturally rich Mexico, you are in the right place. Oaxaca de Juárez just right. The capital of the state of the same name in southern Mexico is not only considered one of the most beautiful cities in the country, but also the cultural heart of the nation. With its colorful colonial buildings, cobblestone streets and very special flair, it captivates visitors from all over the world.
Oaxaca is a place where tradition and modernity come together in harmony. The city is famous for its outstanding cuisine - from the famous Mole, a typical regional spice sauce, to culinary discoveries such as roasted grasshoppers, which are offered at the lively markets. You will also find handmade art, traditional chocolate and delicious coffee from the region - enjoyment and authenticity go hand in hand here.
In addition to its impressive gastronomy, Oaxaca offers a wide range of cultural activities. Numerous Cafés, yoga studios, galleries and museums characterize the cityscape and make every day a new experience. You are guaranteed not to get bored here - whether strolling through the markets, visiting the ethnobotanical garden or attending evening events in the city's atmospheric squares.
Also the Surrounding area of Oaxaca is breathtaking. An excursion to the ancient Zapotec site Monte Albán takes you back to times gone by - the ruined city towers high above the valley and offers fascinating insights into a culture thousands of years old. Another unforgettable experience is a visit to Hierve el Agua, a natural wonder with petrified waterfalls and turquoise-blue rock pools where you can swim with a view of the mountains.
When the city lights come on in the evening, Oaxaca comes to life. Locals and visitors meet in the central squares, music fills the air and the day ends with a glass of wine in the numerous bars. Mezcal, the proud national drink of the region.
You don't need any special technical knowledge or professional experience to join us. What counts is your Heart and soul, your openness and your desire to make a real contribution. The only requirement: you should be prepared to engage with people with trisomy 21 with patience, respect and joy and to accompany them lovingly in their everyday lives.
Team spirit is particularly important in this project. You work closely with the employees, other volunteers, the families and, of course, the participants themselves. An appreciative approach, a sense of responsibility and empathy are therefore essential.
The national language in Mexico is Spanish. You will need a basic knowledge of Spanish to take part in the project, as it will help you in your dealings with local people. However, many team members speak English and will support you if you do not understand something in Spanish.
If you do not have sufficient knowledge before the start of the program, we recommend that you attend a language course at the beginning of the trip, which we will be happy to organize for you, or take part in another project where you can deepen your knowledge. The project itself works closely with an excellent language school, which means that a combination with an accompanying language course is also easily possible. In any case, your language skills will also improve in a fun way on site.
You live with a local host family in Oaxaca and have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Mexican culture. The families are personally selected by us and you usually share a bathroom with the family or other volunteers. The accommodation is simple and typical of the country, but equipped with everything you need. Depending on your wishes one or two meals prepared for you by the host family and eaten together. On Individual needs, Special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian food or special meal requests, can be catered for with prior notification. Single rooms and accommodation are available for a small surcharge.
Your everyday life takes place in a authentic, familiar environment from. You will become part of family life, gain an insight into the local culture, take part in traditional meals and improve your Spanish along the way. At the same time, you will have enough privacy to withdraw when you need time for yourself.
In Playa del Carmen lives our contact person Doris. She is originally from Germany but found her chosen home 2 years ago along the Riviera Maya. There, she works as a tour guide and can provide you with excellent travel tips and leisure activities in Mexico. In her free time, she passionately dives and is well-versed in the underwater world. During the orientation event in Playa del Carmen, she will gladly welcome you and acquaint you with the area.
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