Volunteering in Nueva Gorgona
Summary: A great way to meet others in Nueva Gorgona is by volunteering. Here are several organizations where you may be interested in helping out.

Welcome to Nueva Gorgona! As an expat, you might be looking for ways to connect with the local community, practice your Spanish, and make a positive impact. Volunteering is an excellent way to achieve all three. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture, meet like-minded individuals, both locals and expats, and contribute to the development of your new home. Here are some organizations where you might be interested in volunteering:
Fundación Casa Esperanza
Fundación Casa Esperanza is a non-profit organization that focuses on supporting vulnerable children and their families. They provide education, health, and social services. Volunteers can assist with teaching, organizing activities, or helping with administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers needed mainly during the week.
Website: fundacioncasaesperanza.org
Location(s): Nueva Gorgona
Time Commitment: Flexible, mainly weekdays
Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project
The Panama Amphibian Rescue and Conservation Project is dedicated to saving amphibians from the chytrid fungus, which is threatening them with extinction. Volunteers can help with husbandry tasks, maintenance of the facilities, and educational programs. The project requires a minimum commitment of one month.
Website: amphibianrescue.org
Location(s): Gamboa, about an hour from Nueva Gorgona
Time Commitment: Minimum one month
Fundación Pro Niños de Darién
This foundation aims to improve the quality of life for children in the Darién province through education, health, and community development programs. Volunteers can assist with teaching English, sports, arts, and other creative activities. The time commitment is flexible.
Website: proninosdelddarien.org
Location(s): Darién province, some travel may be required
Time Commitment: Flexible
Spay Panama
Spay Panama is a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the population of stray cats and dogs through sterilization programs. Volunteers can help with clinic work, animal handling, and community outreach. The time commitment varies, with clinics held regularly throughout the year.
Website: spaypanama.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Panama
Time Commitment: Varies, clinics held regularly
Fundación Pro Integración
Fundación Pro Integración works to improve the lives of people with disabilities through education, rehabilitation, and job training programs. Volunteers can assist with teaching, physical therapy, and vocational training. The time commitment is flexible.
Website: prointegracion.org
Location(s): Panama City, about an hour from Nueva Gorgona
Time Commitment: Flexible
Fundación Tortuguías
Fundación Tortuguías is committed to the conservation of sea turtles and their habitats. Volunteers can help with beach patrols, nest monitoring, and environmental education programs. The time commitment varies, with more opportunities available during the nesting season.
Website: tortuguias.org
Location(s): Various beaches throughout Panama
Time Commitment: Varies, more opportunities during nesting season
Fundación Calicanto
Fundación Calicanto focuses on empowering women and promoting sustainable development. Volunteers can assist with educational programs, microenterprise development, and community projects. The time commitment is flexible.
Website: calicanto.org
Location(s): Panama City, about an hour from Nueva Gorgona
Time Commitment: Flexible
Fundación ProAVI
Fundación ProAVI is dedicated to the protection and conservation of wildlife in Panama. Volunteers can help with animal care, rehabilitation, and environmental education programs. The time commitment varies, with opportunities available throughout the year.
Website: proavi.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Panama
Time Commitment: Varies, opportunities available throughout the year
Fundación Alalay
Fundación Alalay works to improve the lives of children and adolescents living on the streets through education, health, and social services. Volunteers can assist with teaching, recreational activities, and mentoring programs. The time commitment is flexible.
Website: alalay.org
Location(s): Panama City, about an hour from Nueva Gorgona
Time Commitment: Flexible
Fundación Mundo Posible
Fundación Mundo Posible aims to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life for communities in need. Volunteers can help with educational programs, community projects, and environmental conservation efforts. The time commitment is flexible.
Website: mundoposible.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Panama
Time Commitment: Flexible
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Health Care in Nueva Gorgona
- Discovering the Best of Nueva Gorgona
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Panama
- Best Places to Live in Panama
- Real Estate in Panama
- Health Insurance in Panama
- Pros and Cons of Living in Panama 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Panama
- More Advice about Retiring in Panama
- Members Talk about the Cost of Living in Panama