Volunteer Work in Santo Domingo

In Santo Domingo, our volunteer work project partner is active in community development.

With a population of more than 3 million inhabitants Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is a vibrant and lively Caribbean metropolis. Likewise, the city traces 500 years of history. In 1990, its Old Town “Zona Colonial” was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Believing in People and Commitment

More than 16% of the Dominicans live on less than USD 2.- per day, with a significant gap in income equality. Corruption, wasteful government spending, and unreliable electric service all reduce investment returns, push inflation, low-quality education, high unemployment and further nourish social conflicts, e.g. between Dominicans and Haitians. But the Dominican Republic is also one of the fastest growing economies in Latin America due to its most important economic drive force: tourism. However, very few benefit from it. As a result, communities and local initiatives are working hard to find sustainable solutions for the most pressing problems.

This program is right for you if:

  • You want to make a difference
  • You like to do something meaningful
  • You like to immerse yourself into the life & culture of a big city
  • You want to learn more about cultural diversity in the Dominican Republic
  • You want to practice your Spanish from class with the people in daily life situations

Volunteer Work

Our partner organizations will take direct care of the volunteers and cater the experience to their abilities, talents, and interests.

Volunteers should expect to work a minimum of 15 hours per week; preferred are more working hours. They can choose from three different projects: a children’s home, a community project, or an animal rescue organization. Volunteering in our social projects requires a minimum of 3 weeks of service and a minimum A2 Spanish level.

Volunteer Work Partner in Santo Domingo: Hogar Escuela Doña Chucha

Our program partner is a Center for Girls between the ages 6 and 17 from difficult family backgrounds or in difficult personal situations. They are offered classes and other activities, as well as a place to stay. At present, Doña Chucha takes care of about 100 girls and teenagers.

Volunteering experiences there include: Organizing and leading work-shops with the children (English classes, learning games, music, dance, theater, painting, environmental education etc.); supporting the Center’s office/ library team (support with statistics, organization, website/ answering inquiries), and more.

Volunteering with Hogar Escuela Doña Chucha requires a minimum of 3 weeks of volunteer work and a minimum A2 Spanish level.

Total Spanish beginners should expect to take a 4-week Spanish course to reach the required language level before starting at the project. Students who have already the required minimum language level will have minimum one week of Spanish class at IIC.

More Details:

Minimum age: 18 years

If working in one of the social projects and with children, a background check is required.

At some projects, you can also volunteer together with your friends and sign up as a group.

Our volunteer partner is located about 15 min by public transportation from IIC school. We will be glad to explain you how it works.