About the Project

Gaia Pacha is an environmental organization founded in 2006 by a group of young Bolivian environmental professionals. It focuses on environmental awareness, protection, and sustainability for communities at risk, aiming to mitigate the effects of environmental degradation. The name “Gaia Pacha” combines the Greek term “Gaia,” referencing Lovelock’s theory of Earth as a living entity, with the indigenous Quechua and Aymara term “Pacha” (from Pachamama), meaning “Mother Earth.” This fusion reflects both modern scientific theory and ancient wisdom, expressing the concept of a living Mother Earth through complementary worldviews.

Gaia Pacha’s efforts are directed towards four key dimensions to ensure sustainability:

• Research & Technology: Investigating environmental challenges and developing technological solutions.
• Training & Education: Raising awareness and educating communities on environmental issues.
• Environmental Policy: Engaging in advocacy and contributing to environmental policy development.
• Conservation & Ecosystems Restoration: Working to protect and restore natural ecosystems.

Location

Cochabamba

Accommodation

Host Family

Volunteer Tasks

• Educational Project at the Manuela Gandarillas Center for the Blind: Gaia Pacha is involved in organizing workshops and ludic activities for partially-sighted young people who attend a daycare center. The activities are focused on informing the children about the environment and they have recently designed a sensory garden for the children.
• Workshops at the Natural History Museum: Gaia Pacha has set up an agreement with this museum to provide educational workshops focusing on the environment and natural sciences.
• Environmental education program for children at Aldeas Infantiles SOS-Cochabamba: a program to implement an environmental education program for groups of visiting children that is both accessible and enjoyable.

Volunteer activities associated with all of these programs include designing and implementing educational materials, planning projects to raise environmental awareness among young people.

Volunteer Requirements

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be responsible, enthusiastic, committed to Bolivia’s sustainable development, and eager to learn and share
• Have an intermediate Spanish level
• Be able to work for a minimum period of three months
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and work well in a team

Child Protection

Please note that you will be required to sign ICYE’s policy Care to Engage on Safeguarding Children.