2024 was our first official year operating as a volunteer agency in Colombia. It's time for a recap of a very special year.
When the first volunteers from Germany reached us in February, it became clear within just a few weeks that we were on the right path with our idea and could make a significant impact. The collaboration with the foundations worked excellently from the very beginning, and our first volunteers left with a backpack full of unforgettable experiences.
Amina and Yannick have been our first guests at Bucara Voluntours.
It was the starting shot for a heartfelt project that had only just begun and quickly proved to be a success. By March, groups of five or more people from various countries and age groups were already joining us. While we initially expected mostly young volunteers, our program turned out to be especially popular among older adults.
Our volunteer program is primarily focused on activities with children. In cooperation with various foundations, we promote cultural exchange and educational support for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. This year, our volunteers have helped numerous children with English classes, sports activities, and academic support.
Happy children and happy volunteers - this has always been the vision of Bucara Voluntours.
A special highlight for our volunteers has always been the visit to the "Nuevos Horizontes" foundation at the prison in Bucaramanga. Before the visit, there was often great nervousness and tension – our guests did not know what to expect. However, what followed was, for most, one of the most valuable experiences of their entire stay in Colombia.
The foundation has launched a program that not only helps inmates with addiction issues overcome their dependence but also offers them new life perspectives.Instead of dangerous criminals, our volunteers encounter reflective and spiritual men who have fundamentally changed their outlook, learned from their mistakes, and are now working toward a second chance at freedom
The "Nuevos Horizontes" Foundation - Quite the opposite of what you'd expect from a Colombian prison.
Throughout the year, our recreational offerings steadily grew. From pottery courses where you can shape your own cup, to salsa dance lessons, paragliding, and arepa cooking classes – there is something for everyone.
In June, we traveled with our volunteers for the first time to Barichara, considered the most beautiful village in Colombia, just a few hours from Bucaramanga. The picturesque landscapes there offer not only tranquility but also thrills – whether it's river rafting, zip-lining, or bungee jumping, boredom is certainly not an option.
We also showcased Bucaramanga itself in its best light through our unforgettable city tours and breathtaking hikes. The city is considered one of the most underrated travel destinations in Latin America. Though it is hardly known to tourists, there is much to discover. In no time, you can reach the largest canyon in Latin America or impressive lagoons.
A lot more than volunteering: Our program offers a lot of activities to discover Colombia in an authentic and fun way.
Another major success was the opening of our own Spanish school, the Bucara Spanish Academy. What started as a small part of our program developed into a professional language course offering, making us the first Spanish school in Bucaramanga. Our team now consists of five experienced language instructors.
Bucaramangas first official Spanish school: Started as a side project, meanwhile hosts more than 100 lessons through 5 teachers each month.
All these activities have made our volunteer program well-known in just one year. In 2024, we welcomed over 100 volunteers from 30 countries. On the Volunteer World platform, we are now listed as the most popular program in Colombia. And we have only just begun. For 2025, we plan to expand our offerings and deepen our collaboration with the foundations.
Our goal remains to donate as much of our proceeds as possible to children in need, connect them with people from all over the world, improve their English skills and openness to the world, and provide them with new perspectives.
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