Volunteering in Popayan
Summary: Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with others in Popayan. Here are several organizations you might consider supporting.
Volunteering is a fantastic way for expats to immerse themselves in the local community of Popayan. It provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, both locals and fellow expats, while making a positive impact. By sharing your time and skills, you can help support various causes, improve your Spanish, and gain a deeper understanding of the city's culture. Moreover, volunteering can help you build a social network and create lasting friendships.
Fundación Fútbol Con Corazón
Fundación Fútbol Con Corazón uses football as a tool for social change, promoting values such as respect, teamwork, and responsibility among children and youth. Volunteers can assist with coaching, organizing events, or supporting administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available throughout the week.
Website: futbolconcorazon.org
Location(s): Various sports facilities in Popayan
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 2-3 hours per week
Fundación Mi Sangre
Fundación Mi Sangre focuses on education, culture, and entrepreneurship to empower young people and promote peace. Volunteers can help with teaching, mentoring, or supporting cultural events. The foundation offers flexible scheduling, with opportunities available on weekdays and weekends.
Website: fmsangre.org
Location(s): Various locations in Popayan
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 2-4 hours per week
Fundación Colombo Británica
Fundación Colombo Británica promotes bilingual education and cultural exchange between Colombia and the UK. Volunteers can assist with English teaching, translations, or cultural events. The time commitment varies, with opportunities available both during the day and in the evening.
Website: fcbritanica.org
Location(s): Various schools and cultural centers in Popayan
Time Commitment: Varies, typically 2-3 hours per week
Fundación Social
Fundación Social works to improve the quality of life for vulnerable communities through education, health, and community development projects. Volunteers can help with teaching, healthcare support, or community outreach programs. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available throughout the week.
Website: fundacionsocial.org.co
Location(s): Various communities in and around Popayan
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 2-4 hours per week
Fundación Vuelos de Papel
Fundación Vuelos de Papel promotes reading and literacy among children and youth through storytelling, workshops, and creative activities. Volunteers can assist with reading sessions, workshop facilitation, or event organization. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available on weekdays and weekends.
Website: vuelosdepapel.org
Location(s): Various schools and community centers in Popayan
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 2-3 hours per week
Fundación Si Mujer
Fundación Si Mujer empowers women through education, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for women's rights. Volunteers can help with teaching, mentoring, or supporting events. The foundation offers flexible scheduling, with opportunities available both during the day and in the evening.
Website: simujer.org
Location(s): Various locations in Popayan
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 2-4 hours per week
Fundación Sendero de Libertad
Fundación Sendero de Libertad works to prevent and treat substance abuse through education, therapy, and reintegration programs. Volunteers can assist with teaching, counseling, or supporting recreational activities. The time commitment varies, with opportunities available both during the day and in the evening.
Website: senderodelibertad.org
Location(s): Various locations in Popayan
Time Commitment: Varies, typically 2-4 hours per week
Fundación Colombo Americana
Fundación Colombo Americana promotes cultural exchange and bilingual education between Colombia and the United States. Volunteers can assist with English teaching, translations, or cultural events. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available throughout the week.
Website: colombamericano.org
Location(s): Various schools and cultural centers in Popayan
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 2-3 hours per week
Fundación Alianza por la Educación y la Cultura
Fundación Alianza por la Educación y la Cultura promotes education, arts, and culture to empower vulnerable communities. Volunteers can help with teaching, workshop facilitation, or event organization. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available on weekdays and weekends.
Website: alianzaeduculturapopayan.org
Location(s): Various schools and community centers in Popayan
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically 2-4 hours per week
Fundación Amigos del Viejo Caldas
Fundación Amigos del Viejo Caldas works to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Popayan and the surrounding region. Volunteers can assist with guided tours, event organization, or restoration projects. The time commitment varies, with opportunities available both during the day and in the evening.
Website: amigosdelviejocaldas.org
Location(s): Various historical sites in Popayan
Time Commitment: Varies, typically 2-4 hours per week
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.


