We are a small grassroots organization that recruits volunteers to assist our community. We are looking for volunteers who can promote intercultural dialogue, help out with educational programs, and collaborate with local groups and organizations in the areas of Education, Health, Environment, and Cultural Promotion.
Volunteer activities include: Helping build latrines, homes, schools, and bridges; developing ecotourism and clean water projects; working with local artisan groups, etc. We’re also open to suggestions!
Organization: Medo Foundation
Country: Panama
Location: Comarca Ngabe-Bugle, Chiriquí
Program Dates: Year-round
Program Duration: 2-week minimum (but we encourage longer stays when possible)
Age Requirements: 18+, seniors and couples welcome (sorry, no children or pets)
Qualifications/Skills: Volunteers should be monetarily self-sufficient, self-motivated, have a good sense of humor, and want to live in an indigenous mountain village. Basic (beginner) Spanish prior to arrival is required.
Food and Lodging Costs:
Family Homestay with Food: $210 per week (we are unable to accommodate special dietary requirements).
Family Homestay without Food: $150 per week (there are some restaurants or you can prepare your own food in the home.)
Independent Housing with basic furniture (no food) $100 per week
Contact: Adan Bejerano at fundacionmedo@gmail.com
Volunteer Application
RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST
Panama has two seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season stretches from May to January, and the dry season from January to May. Please keep this in mind when packing!
- Flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Sleeping bag or blanket
- Reusable water bottle
- Insect repellant
- Sunscreen
- Hiking boots
- Small day backpack
- Towel
- Rain gear (umbrella, jacket, rainboots)
- A few changes of clothes (conservative tops for women; no shorts)
- Women: long skirt and T-shirt to wear in the river to bathe
- Hand sanitizer and mask
- Basic first aid kit
- Spanish-English dictionary
- Small, inexpensive gift for your host family (example: colored pencils or dish soap and sponge)
- Cash in small bills
Testimonial
“We had a very special visit. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting, but the new visit exceeded my expectations. It’s a great experience to stay with a family and feel the love they have. We walked 7 miles on Monday during a tour of their farms. We swam in the river and told stories by the fire at night. It was an unforgettable experience.
