Community Development Volunteer Work Project            

ISV community development volunteer work projects are specifically designed to make a difference in the lives of people in developing countries who struggle with poverty, a lack of communal resources (such as running water or basic health care), sub-standard housing, and those who are working to improve their communities through sustainable development alternatives. These projects are ideal for participants who earnestly desire to invest in people’s lives. Daily activities are focused on tasks that directly benefit the local community, i.e. light-construction, painting, gardening, teaching English to children, initiating recreational activities & children's programs (incorporating music, theater games, puppets, dance, clowning and magic) and related tasks within the community. ISV participants are also instrumental in helping to develop new initiatives within the host communities for increased revenue, e.g. in areas like tourism and production of organically grown foods.

The volunteer work projects are run in collaboration with a variety of local and international organizations, including not-for-profit, charity and grassroots organizations. Accommodations vary with each project, ranging from home stays within the local community, to hostels and bunkhouses. All meals are included during the community development work project, and the food generally reflects the local cuisine.

ISV envisions that the experience provided will promote cross-cultural awareness and acceptance, and enlighten participants to the socio-economic challenges faced by developing countries and communities. No prior experience in community work or relevant fields of study is required in order to participate.

ISV’s social community development projects will take place in Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Thailand and Croatia.

ISV’s Commitment to Underprivileged Children

ISV community development volunteer work projects are specifically designed to make a difference in the lives of people in developing countries who struggle with poverty, a lack of communal resources and a lack of resources for their children. ISV has a heart for the children of these communities and believes that every child has the right to a basic quality education. ISV makes a commitment to make a difference in children’s lives through the ISV Children’s Program.

The ISV Children’s Program gives underprivileged youth a chance to learn effectively, showcase their talents and gives them a tool for a successful adult life. The ISV Children’s Program empowers volunteer educators with the freedom to develop innovative lessons based on the Children’s Program Manual that reflect the realities and interests of the community. The ISV Children’s Program is designed to develop basic academic skills in English, Math, Geography and the Natural Sciences through creative teaching methods. Ecological and sustainability concepts are integrated as much as possible and woven into the lessons. The ISV Children’s Program has an inherent and continuous fun element which makes learning entertaining and exciting. Arts and Crafts, Music and Dance and Physical Education are integral parts of the program that fuel a child’s imagination.

The essence of the volunteer work with the ISV Children’s Program is to inspire and instill a fun and creative learning process that will spread through the communities and continue throughout the lives of the individuals themselves. When volunteers educate and share their life experiences with children in their communities, the volunteers help others and themselves to fashion a world view based on firsthand knowledge and grass-roots experience. Volunteers will help children develop life skills, social skills, communication and leadership skills to be the successful adults building the sustainable communities of tomorrow.