Purpose: Provide guided didactic tours of the petting zoo to Oaxacan schoolchildren and assist with minimal care-taking of the animals.
Location: Oaxaca, Oaxaca, Mexico
Time Commitment: 3 months, 30 hours/wk
Level of Spanish Needed: Intermediate
English Level Needed: Basic
Skills/Qualifications:
Ability to interact dynamically with children
Ability to handle animals
Sensitivity to Mexican culture and ability to communicate with teachers and/ or parents
Ability to listen and work as a team member
Ability to work independently when necessary
Responsibilities
This volunteerīs primary focus is working with the public when groups of schoolchildren arrive with their teachers and occasionally parents. While previous experience with children is not necessary, an outgoing attitude and ability to adapt to unexpected situations is necessary.
Diplomacy is also is very important because the tour guide has the the most impact and is the most memorable person seen by the public. This person must be able to impart the pedagogical goals of Divertigranja, which at times may be misunderstood by the adult visitors, while taking care not to alienate anyone. In addition, the volunteer must be comfortable working with animals, removing them from their cages and teaching children how to properly handle them. The volunteers secondary focus is to assist with the care of the animals, which may include feeding, cleaning of cages, and occasional reparations.