Teach in Colombia
Your family can run workshops and assist the teachers on an island just off Cartagena, using a cognitive learning approach that encourages children to remember, recognize, apply, reflect and develop new knowledge
About this project
The Foundation is located on Tierra Bomba Island, near Cartagena, Colombia, since 2010.
The Foundation was created in response to the social and economic challenges faced by the community. Many families live with very limited economic resources, and some children and young people begin working at an early age, sometimes around 10–12 years old, which can lead them to leave school.
Their work focuses on creating opportunities for children and young people through education, sports, environmental awareness and community development. Children are supported to stay in school by providing school supplies and through a sponsorship program.
It is also a surf program, using sport as a tool for motivation, personal development and connection with the ocean.
Environmental education is an important part of their work because Tierra Bomba faces significant challenges related to waste management.
They therefore work with children from an early age on recycling, environmental awareness, climate change and ocean conservation. They participate in beach cleanups and environmental workshops, as well as activities involving art and other creative approaches.
Another important initiative is the Plastic Bank, Olas Paz, which serves the wider community. Residents can bring recyclable plastic and exchange it for household items, school supplies and, on some occasions, drinking water. The collected plastic is also transformed into products such as surfboard fins, creating a connection between environmental protection, education and local economic opportunities.
There is also a sewing workshop where reused fabrics are transformed into new products. This initiative is operated by mothers of children involved with the Foundation, creating additional opportunities for women in the community.
Your main activities:
- Helping run workshops
- These may focus on technology, environmental education, art or climate change.
- Surf classes on the weekends
During the 2nd half of the day, you can support different activities depending on the Foundation’s needs and your own skills.
You may help with murals, the community garden, carpentry, the skate park or improvements to spaces used by the children.
You can also provide individual academic support to children or young people who need additional help with reading, writing, languages or other skills such as Excel. The activities are therefore flexible and can be adapted according to the needs of the children and your experience and abilities.
Key information:
- Time commitment: Families typically
generally spend half of their day working directly with children or young people through educational activities.
For example:
Monday: Language class with the children.
Tuesday: Workshop with young people, which may focus on technology, environmental education or climate change.
Wednesday: Life Skills / Life Project class with young people. These sessions are normally supported by a psychologist from Cartagena.
Thursday: Art class with the children.
Friday: Surf class with the children in Tierra Bomba.
Saturday: Surf class with the young people in Cartagena, who have more experience.
The other half of each day is spent helping in the community or providing individual tuition.
- Daily hours: Sessions typically run from 9:30am to 11:30am, with a further two hours in the afternoon
- Best months to visit: This project welcomes visitors year-round. For the most comfortable weather, May through October is ideal
- Family friendly: Yes. Younger family members can connect easily and immediately with the children there.
- Minimum age for children: We recommend this project for families with children aged 6 and above.
Successes to date:
One of the most recent achievements was receiving the Albert Ballin Global Environmental Award from Hapag-Lloyd in Germany in May 2026, recognizing their work and global environmental impact.
The foundation has also been featured by international media that have highlighted their work in the community.
In terms of impact, they have:
Supported the schooling of more than 300 children and young people.
Removed more than 100 tonnes of waste from beaches.
Developed a social and sustainable business model that transforms waste into economic opportunities for the local community, particularly for young people and women.
Supported young surfers who have gone on to represent the department of Bolívar and Colombia in regional and Latin American competitions.
Some of the young people who started as children are now around 20 years old and are representing the region through their partnership with the Surf Federation. This is particularly meaningful because it demonstrates how long-term support can create opportunities for children and young people.
This project is for you if:
- You are looking for a project that enables you to interact meaningfully with the local people
- You love teaching or being a reading partner
- You want to get immersed in the Colombian and Afro-Caribbean culture and play a part in a story of upliftment and empowerment
- You are empathetic, open-minded, and respectful
- You have experience working with children (ideally)
- You have experience in teaching children how to surf (not required).
Nearby Leisure Activities:
- Cartagena — a magical town, with wonders around every corner
- Isla Baru — famous for its long stretch of white sand
- El Totumo — a mud volcano filled with mineral-rich, warm mud
Suggested Colombia Itinerary
Bogota and Beaches - with Purpose
Example Price: US$5,995 per person
Discover the highlights of Bogota and Cartagena with your private guide, marvel at the Salt Cathedral, enjoy the charms of Villa de Leyva, and experience genuine human connection whilst teaching near Cartagena
Trip Highlights
- Bonding as a family as you make a difference teaching at an inspiring Foundation near Cartagena
- A walking tour of Bogota
- Colonial Villa de Leyva
- The incredible Salt Cathedral
- A private walking tour of Cartagena
- Snorkeling in the Rosario Islands
Price Includes
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Private transfers
- Expert local guides
- Breakfasts and meals as specified
- Volunteering costs
Note: Price excludes international flights; these can be arranged for you, including by private jet
Sample Day by Day
Day 1 Arrive Bogota, private transfer to The Four Seasons
Day 2: Private guided tour of Bogota, including La Candelaria and Botero’s sculptures (B,L)
Day 3: Depart for colonial Villa de Leyva via the Zipaquira Salt Cathedral. Stay at Boutique Hotel de Carmel (B,L)
Day 4: Return to Bogota and fly to Cartagena. Stay at Casa St Agustin (B)
Day 5-6: Make a difference teaching and being a reading partner in an inspiring Foundation (B,L)
Day 7: Private guided walking tour of the highlights of Cartagena (B,L)
Day 8: Private boat trip to snorkel and explore the Rosario Islands (B,L)
Day 9: Fly home (B)
Note: This is a sample itinerary, to give you an idea of what is possible; we delight in crafting unique itineraries to match your exact requirements
Note – this is purely a sample itinerary, designed to show you what is possible in Cartagena, and we delight in crafting trips to your exact preferences. Inclusions and exclusions may vary accordingly.
You can customize this trip to suit your specific requirement, in fact any aspect of the itinerary can be altered, from excursions to accommodation.
Here are some suggestions to customize this itinerary:
- Tayrona National Park — palm-shaded coves, coastal lagoons, rainforest and rich biodiversity
- Coffee Region – Learn about coffee production, and take in some epic hikes
- Vibrant Medillin and Cali
- Discover the lesser-known Colombian Amazon
