June 26, 2026
During a recent personal visit to Bolivia, Viatores Christi Council member Denise Flack took the opportunity to meet staff, volunteers and local partners working with ASPEm, one of VC’s consortium partners in the EU-funded Amplifying Voices for Climate Action (AVCA) programme. Although Denise was visiting Bolivia in a personal capacity, the trip offered a valuable opportunity to learn more about the projects that will welcome Irish and European volunteers through our EU funded European Solidarity Corps AVCA Programme.
Meeting ASPEm’s staff and volunteers
Denise was warmly welcomed by Monica, ASPEm’s coordinator for international volunteers, along with other staff members and volunteers. She learned that ASPEm hosts volunteers through a number of programmes, including the European Solidarity Corps, and that volunteers generally live together in shared accommodation in Cochabamba. Denise was particularly impressed by the positive atmosphere among the volunteers she met. Those approaching the end of their placements appeared genuinely sad to be leaving, reflecting the strong relationships they had built with staff, communities and one another.
Visiting Harmonia in Tiquipaya
One of the highlights of the visit was a trip to Harmonia, a local conservation project in Tiquipaya working in partnership with ASPEm. The project began with a focus on protecting native bird species and has since expanded to support a wider range of local biodiversity and wildlife habitats.
Native trees are grown in a nursery from seeds gathered in nearby forests. Once the seedlings reach a suitable size, they are transferred to rural communities and planted in designated conservation areas. Agreements are made with communities to protect the planted areas over the long term, allowing the trees to become established and providing habitat for birds and other wildlife. Future AVCA volunteers will have the opportunity to contribute to this work through activities such as nursery support, tree planting, biodiversity conservation, environmental education and community engagement. The exact work may also be adapted to reflect volunteers’ interests and skills.
Community-based work in Sacaba
Denise also visited ASPEm’s work in Sacaba, where staff and local community workers support projects focused on the prevention of domestic violence, awareness raising and assistance for people affected by abuse. She met women from local communities who had completed training enabling them to provide information and support within their own areas. This visit highlighted the wide range of ASPEm’s work, including community development, sustainable agriculture, local food production, environmental education and support for vulnerable communities.
Preparing to welcome AVCA volunteers
From October 2026 to September 2027, Irish and European volunteers will travel to Bolivia for 11-month placements through the AVCA programme. They will be based in the Cochabamba and Sacaba area and will support conservation, biodiversity and community-based environmental projects alongside ASPEm staff, local organisations and communities.
Denise’s visit provided Viatores Christi with a valuable first-hand insight into ASPEm’s work and the environment in which future volunteers will live and serve. It also strengthened the relationship between VC and ASPEm as both organisations prepare to welcome the next group of AVCA volunteers.
Viatores Christi looks forward to continuing this partnership and supporting meaningful volunteering that contributes to environmental protection, community development and global solidarity. To learn more about VC’s ESC Volunteer Programme check out our volunteer vacancies page.