TRAVEL WITH PURPOSE

"Small actions to change the world"

More than 22,515 volunteers since 2010

Our commitment

At Cooperating Volunteers, we are dedicated to creating a positive and sustainable impact in five key areas: social inclusion, women’s empowerment, environmental and animal conservation, local leadership, and awareness. We strive to foster an inclusive environment that empowers women and promotes diversity while leading conservation initiatives to protect our planet. Through strengthening local leadership and raising awareness, we aim to inspire meaningful change that benefits our communities and the world.

Our commitment to the communities we collaborate with aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We recognize the importance of contributing to a fairer, more equitable, and sustainable world. By aligning with these global goals, we not only advance toward a brighter future for our communities but also inspire other institutions to join the fight for a more sustainable planet.

In April 2024, Cooperating Volunteers signed the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs), a joint initiative of the UN Global Compact and UN Women. Through this, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting women not only at the local level but also globally and in the business sector.

COOPERATING NGO

Cooperating NGO

In September 2023, we launched our own NGO, “Cooperating NGO”, with the goal of carrying out international cooperation initiatives that contribute to the comprehensive and sustainable development of communities in various countries. Cooperating NGO works hand in hand with local organizations, and all projects are led by their leaders. In this way, Cooperating NGO acts as an intermediary, focusing on ensuring that each community’s development is driven by its own people.

For more information, you can visit Cooperating NGO.

OUR POLICIES

To strengthen our social and environmental commitment, we have developed a series of policies aligned with the respect for human rights, the environment and animals, children’s rights, non-discrimination, and equal opportunities. These policies reflect the alignment of our values both within the company and in our programs, ensuring that all our staff, partners, and participants adhere to these standards. 

If you would like to learn more about our Policies and Commitments, you can do so at the following link:  Policies and Commitments.

AREAS OF COMMITMENT

Social Inclusion

At Cooperating Volunteers, social inclusion is a cornerstone of our corporate commitment. This is why we have partnered with the foundation “A LA PAR”, which is dedicated to promoting the rights and active participation of people with intellectual disabilities in our society. This partnership reflects our ongoing effort to create a more inclusive and equitable environment, where everyone has the opportunity to contribute and thrive.

Women’s Empowerment

Empowering women is at the heart of our mission at Cooperating Volunteers. Examples of our efforts can be found in Tanzania, Uganda, and Kenya. In Kenya, we support women’s groups in Diani Beach and Gatanga by helping them create and sell handmade products and participate in other activities. In Zanzibar, the program focuses on basic education, financial education, and business development. In Uganda, we provide materials and training to mothers to help them create and sell products, and we offer sewing workshops for women in vulnerable situations. Learn more here.

Conservation

At Cooperating Volunteers, we actively work to protect the flora and fauna in our destinations. Through various projects in Africa, Asia, South America, and Europe, we have undertaken initiatives such as beach clean-ups, reforestation, animal care, environmental education, sustainable farming, and recycling. From planting educational gardens in Uganda to conserving sea turtles in Mexico, Cooperating Volunteers and our participants work closely with local communities to tackle multiple challenges.

Local Leadership

We are committed to promoting local leadership and supporting the local economy by fostering employment in our communities, providing meaningful opportunities, and empowering families. We are proud to share that 80% of our team members are locals, serving as the backbone of our organization and working hand in hand to ensure a high-quality experience and a lasting positive impact on our projects.

Awareness

Our commitment also extends to collaborating with initiatives like the “Copa Colegial” student basketball championship, where we reward the winning youth with participation in one of our sports programs. Through these actions, we aim to promote social development and raise awareness about the positive impact each individual can have on society, emphasizing the importance of getting involved in causes that contribute to the common good. 

PROJECTS

With over 2,245 participants and more than 112,250 hours worked in 2023 alone, the joint efforts of Cooperating Volunteers and our participants are essential to the development of our projects in the communities we support. Recognizing both the participants’ dedication and the work of our operations on the ground is of crucial importance to us and a source of great pride.

Here are some of the achievements accomplished in recent years across some of our destinations:

Granting 16 full scholarships at New Salem School, funding 32 school uniforms, providing dental care to over 70 students, and donating school supplies and medications to schools and hospitals. 

Kenia – Diani Beach

Construction of two classrooms, two restrooms, a well, a water tank, and a cooking space at “Mama Gladys.” Fundraising for a water tank, restrooms, and infrastructure improvements for Little Bright, Elite, and Humble schools. 

Kenia – Diani Beach 

Fundraising to improve New Salem School with lighting and furniture, supporting 13 children to attend Mum Benta, Elite, and Mama Gladys schools, and enabling dental visits for over 50 children. 

Kenia – Diani Beach

Collaboration with a women’s group in Gatanga, contributing to their economic and social well-being. Find out more on our LinkedIn

Kenia – Gatanga

Partnership with the Entito Maasai Empowerment Centre, supporting women’s rights, access to education, and better living conditions. Learn more on our  LinkedIn

Kenia – Maasai Mara

Support for 55 girls at the Surman Sasthan orphanage with clothing and study materials.

India

Funding eye surgery for a child from the Shreshta orphanage.

India

Construction of classrooms, a library, and a restroom, along with providing school supplies for 180 students at Gopal School.

India

Fundraising to cover annual schooling for children and infrastructure improvements at schools such as Mama Elly, Eloim Day Care, and Sunrise of Hope.

Tanzania – Arusha

Installation of a water tank to provide clean water access at a school.

Tanzania – Arusha

Providing medical supplies to public hospitals in Arusha and supporting food and rent for various projects.

Tanzania – Arusha

Awarding over 170 scholarships for children to attend Brilliant Brains, Busoro, and Kyamazima schools.

Uganda

Supplying over 200 mattresses and 400 mosquito nets to communities, homes, and orphanages at Brilliant Brains, Busoro, and Kyamazima.

Uganda

Investing in infrastructure at Brilliant Brains, Power Aids, and Canaan Schools, including classroom construction and solar panel installation.

Uganda

Delivering clothes, shoes, books, and food to “La Joie des Enfants” and repairing the playground to ensure safer sports activities.

Senegal

Providing diapers, milk, clothing, baby food, and hygiene products to the Nianing daycare.

Senegal

Raising funds for medical supplies and financial support for the Malicounda health center.

Senegal

Each of these achievements reflects the joint efforts of Cooperating Volunteers, participants, and the communities we work with. None of this would be possible without collective dedication. In 2024, we are committed to strengthening these partnerships and expanding our initiatives to ensure a lasting positive impact on the communities we serve.

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UNIVERSITY PRACTICES

Our volunteers will be able to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.

What does volunteering focused on university practices involve?

At Cooperating Volunteers, we make agreements with different universities to validate university credits with the aim of traveling in a more responsible and economical way.

The specialties we work with are extensive: medical volunteering, nursing, education, social work, psychology, physiotherapy, engineering, architecture…

The practices can be carried out in our designated destinations for this purpose, as well as in Spain.

If you choose an international destination, it’s a unique way to live an unforgettable and enriching experience, as you will have the opportunity to continue your education in another country, with a completely different culture.

Stepping out of our comfort zone and being part of the various projects at the destination will allow us to grow both personally and professionally, creating a more extensive curriculum.

And we are fully convinced that this experience will accompany you throughout your life.

You will be able to visit hospitals, schools, centers, orphanages, and participate directly and actively in the daily lives of all those people at the destination, always accompanied by other professionals willing to collaborate hand in hand with you and guide you in daily tasks.

If your university is not part of the agreement with Cooperating Volunteers, you can contact cristina@cooperatingvolunteers.com so that we can get in touch and make this experience a reality. 

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERING

Corporate volunteering consists of tailored programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills.

It is proven that teamwork directly impacts productivity. 

Collective effort surpasses individual capabilities, promotes diversity of skills, stimulates creativity, and facilitates problem-solving in the face of various challenges.

Therefore, it not only maximizes efficiency but also enriches the work environment.

We conduct corporate volunteering programs that consist of customized programs for your company, designed to develop teamwork skills, improve performance, and foster unity among employees.

We tailor projects to the corporate identity and size of the company, and we can adjust them to any destination and time of the year.

The advantages of corporate volunteering include:

  • Improving communication.
  • Group unity.
  • Cultural integration in different situations.
  • Employee training.
  • Increased Corporate Social Responsibility.

The future is aligned with a more responsible society, and participating in social projects positions our company among the list of revolutionary businesses that want to be part of the change.

If you resonate with this message, corporate volunteering is a unique experience both individually and collectively, and at Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the process to make it a unique journey.

FAMILY VOLUNTEERING

Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. 

Spending quality time with family and being able to disconnect from our hectic routines is not only enriching but also necessary.

Sometimes we forget to communicate, connect, and dedicate time to each other. Each one of us lives focused on our jobs, schools… And it’s necessary to find the opportunity to pause and take care of ourselves.

Quality time spent with family strengthens emotional bonds, promotes communication, and contributes to the emotional well-being of its members. And of course, it creates lifelong positive memories.

At Cooperating Volunteers, we suggest moving away from those ‘more superficial’ trips (which can also be fantastic), but we invite you to live this experience to bring out our most empathetic and humanitarian side.

Family volunteering gives us the opportunity to be part of a positive impact, promoting values of solidarity and social responsibility.

There are many families who choose to experience these trips focused on cooperation and direct involvement with different communities around the world, where living conditions are very different and sometimes entirely precarious.

Projects are tailored to different ages, allowing us to work together.

An incredible way to fill our suitcase with memories, learning, and knowledge.

And although stepping out of our comfort zone often feels daunting, we assure you firsthand that it’s worth it.

At Cooperating Volunteers, we accompany you throughout the entire experience, from start to finish, to make it unforgettable.

SENIOR VOLUNTEERING

At Cooperating Volunteers, we believe it’s never too late for anything, especially for volunteering and living a unique and unforgettable experience.

There are many people, increasingly so, who opt for responsible travel that involves social work.

Accustomed to organized and mostly touristic trips, at Cooperating Volunteers, we want to advocate for a more enriching experience, one that transforms us from within and allows us to be part of the change the world needs to see.

We can adapt both the destination and the duration of our projects to fit your needs.

It’s an opportunity full of emotions that allows us to significantly contribute to different communities and their evolution. And you can participate in different areas such as education, social support, or assistance in different centers.

Some of the benefits include:

  • Sense of purpose: Provides a sense of purpose by contributing your skills and experiences to meaningful causes.
  • Emotional well-being: Reduces feelings of isolation and establishes social connections.
  • Personal development: It’s continuous learning, skill development, and discovering new activities while keeping the mind-body active.
  • Physical health: Keeping active.
  • Stress reduction: The act of helping others reduces stress and contributes to mental health.

Living this experience will undoubtedly be a before and after. 

SOCIAL VOLUNTEERING

A volunteering initiative with leadership and impact through the educational action program.

When we talk about social volunteering, we refer to all those actions and activities carried out altruistically, selflessly, and with the aim of addressing multiple problems and needs of different communities, always focused on education and self-sufficiency.

Education is essential because it provides the tools and knowledge necessary for personal, social, and economic development.

Our goal is to create self-sufficient communities and provide opportunities for the future personal development of each member. The message is not to ‘give’, but to accompany in the process of training for self-managed provision.

At Cooperating Volunteers, many of our destinations and projects embrace this type of volunteering. Some of our projects include: community programs, education, women’s empowerment…

And although they are completely different from each other, they share a single objective: progress towards a society that can embrace us all in the same way.

If you are someone who is restless, who needs to see a change in the future, volunteering is an experience tailor-made for you.