Escuela Salesiana María Auxilidora
Site Overview
Escuela Salesiana María Auxiliadora is an all-girls Salesian school serving students from Kindergarten (age 4) through secondary school. Located in a densely populated but welcoming peripheral neighborhood, the school serves approximately 500 students. The environment is warm and family-oriented, with a tropical climate and a community known for its simplicity, kindness, and hospitality.
The girls are open, affectionate, and eager for accompaniment, attention, and care. The school provides a nurturing Salesian environment focused on education, personal growth, and loving presence, especially for girls growing up in vulnerable contexts.
Available Ministries
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Education
Location
Time Commitment
Opportunities
Ministry Background
The school has previous experience welcoming young women volunteers who have worked closely with students in both academic and pastoral settings. Volunteers are integrated into the daily life of the school and community, supporting the ongoing mission of education and accompaniment.
Purpose & Objectives
The purpose of this placement is to support the academic and pastoral life of the school through daily accompaniment of students. The volunteer assists with academic activities during the morning and afternoon, provides academic reinforcement in the afternoons, and offers general support to the religious community.
Depending on the volunteer’s skills and formation, she may also assist students through tutoring, enrichment activities, or other educational support.
Programs, Activities, & Other Projects
On Sundays, the school welcomes approximately 200 young people (boys and girls ages 12 and up) who participate in workshops such as:
- Baking
- Sewing
- Handicrafts
- English
- Computer skills
- Other practical and educational workshops
The volunteer assists with organization, accompaniment, and support during these Sunday programs, which are an important outreach to the broader community.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Support the religious community in all school activities throughout the week
- Assist students academically during morning and afternoon sessions
- Provide academic reinforcement in the afternoons
- Support Sunday youth workshops and activities
- Offer catechesis when possible
- Participate in community prayer, activities, and outings
- Maintain a consistent, loving presence with students
Saturdays include personal time as well as community outings and shared activities.
Practical Qualifications/Skills Needed
- Ability to work with children and adolescents
- Willingness to animate, accompany, and support young people throughout their formation
- Availability, organization, and adaptability
- Resilience and emotional maturity
- Practicing Catholic faith
- Openness to community life and Salesian spirituality
Useful Academic Preparation
A background in education or a teaching-related credential is strongly recommended in order to effectively support girls and young women in their academic development.
Useful Experience
- Experience working with children and youth
- At least one year of volunteer service preferred
- Any additional skills (languages, arts, tutoring, technology, etc.) are a plus
- Comfort living, sharing, and working closely with the religious community
Area Information
Sobre todo en los refuerzos academicos de la tarde, asistencia constante con las estudiantes, por la tarde asistencia y los domingos colabora con los jóvenes en la asistencia o en algun taller como inglés.
Involvement with the religous community
Area Information
Sobre todo en los refuerzos academicos de la tarde, asistencia constante con las estudiantes, por la tarde asistencia y los domingos colabora con los jóvenes en la asistencia o en algun taller como inglés.
Special Challenges & Conditions
At times, walking and public transportation are necessary to attend Mass or travel locally. The area is considered safe, but the volunteer should be comfortable navigating daily life on foot and using public transit when needed.
Housing & Community
Live with Religious
Housing
The volunteers live with the religious community and share in prayer, meals, and work.
Room
Daily Eucharist
Bathroom
Launder
Everyone is responsible for their own washing. There is space and supplies to do so.
Access to ATM
Local Diet
Meals are simple and nourishing. Volunteers are encouraged to communicate any dietary needs in advance so accommodations can be made when possible.
Local Medical Facilities
Clinics and basic medical services are available near the school.
