Blind and Visually Impaired - Suriname

About the project

Working Hours

As mentioned above, but can be adjusted in consultation.

Other Staff / Who You'll Be Working With

The management team is led by a director. The rest of the staff includes 30 permanent employees, around 20 local volunteers, and temporary interns and international volunteers.

Language Spoken at the Project

Dutch is also spoken in Suriname.

Holiday Periods

There are occasionally special holidays. Volunteers can decide how to spend those days and are free to join in any special events or celebrations happening locally.

Accommodation

The volunteer house is well-secured and features Wi-Fi, a laundry area, kitchen, swimming pool and common areas for relaxing. Rooms have air conditioning, a wardrobe, and a double bed. Bathrooms and toilets with both hot and cold water are available. Not all rooms have a private bathroom and toilet. Rooms are not shared unless volunteers specifically request it. A housekeeper is available in the volunteer house.

Transport to and from the Project

Volunteers typically travel by bicycle or public transport.

Items That Are Useful for the Project

If you’ve got a bit of extra room in your luggage and would like to bring something for the project, it’s greatly appreciated! Just check in with us first so we can advise on what’s most useful.

Pick-Up Service

We use a trusted taxi service with a regular driver we’ve made clear arrangements with. Volunteers provide their name and flight number beforehand, and we stay in regular contact with the driver. Volunteers arrive at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (Zanderij).

Free Time

Check out our list of additional trips to see what you can do in your free time! We’ve got some amazing excursions lined up. And since you’ll already be in such a beautiful country, it’s a great opportunity to explore a bit more and experience what Suriname has to offer.

Local Contact Person

Rita is your main contact in Suriname. She’s a passionate 57-year-old woman who is patient, reliable, warm-hearted, loving, persistent, determined, peaceful, and safety-conscious. She’s also a proud mum of two adult sons.

Her background is in financial administration, but she currently works as a clinic assistant in the endoscopy department at a hospital, supporting the gastroenterology (GI) specialist.

In her spare time, she runs a reading centre where she supports young people with homework and much more. Rita is also the local contact person for Volunteer Worldwide.

In short: an amazing woman with strong willpower, focus, and total dedication.

Volunteer profile

This project is for volunteers who want to support the development of people with visual impairments. You’ll assist in the education and care of blind and visually impaired students at the Louis Braille School, and support activities and physiotherapy sessions.

This project is open to volunteers aged 17 and up.

Qualities That Matter:

Interest in Care and Education
A genuine passion for working with blind and visually impaired people is key.

Initiative and Proactivity
You’ll need to be comfortable working independently and taking initiative when needed.

Patience and Empathy
Understanding and patience are essential when working with people with visual impairments.

Cultural Sensitivity
It’s important to respect local customs and traditions.

Flexibility and Adaptability
Be ready to adjust to different situations and working conditions in Suriname.

Communication Skills
You’ll work closely with local staff and fellow volunteers, so good communication is important.

Team Spirit
Collaboration is a big part of the project, so being a team player really helps.

What to Expect:

You’ll help with teaching and guiding blind and visually impaired students, support social activities like community gatherings, and assist with administrative tasks such as cataloguing books and copying teaching materials. Working hours are flexible and can be adjusted in consultation with the local team.

Your stay in Suriname offers a unique chance for both personal and professional growth, cultural discovery, and unforgettable experiences.

If you’re passionate about care and education, and ready to commit to a meaningful challenge, this project in Suriname could be exactly what you're looking for. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those who need it most.

For parents

We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.

Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.

We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.

Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.

We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.

You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.

If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Warm regards,
The team at DO MORE TRAVEL.

Costs

Average cost for a 5 week stay: $438/week

• 2 weeks: $1057

• 3 weeks: $1595

• Each additional week: $299

*All prices are in AUD.

What's Included:

Before Departure

• Online introduction meeting

• Comprehensive info pack about Surinamese culture, customs, and all your pre-departure preparations (including insurance, money matters, and travel tips)

• Pre-departure training

• Help applying for your Police Check (VOG)

• Access to the online volunteer community

• Visa application support

• Assistance with booking your flight (upon request)

During Your Trip

• Airport transfer to the project site

• On-site introduction

• Help with visa extensions (if needed)

• Ongoing support throughout your stay

• Accommodation at the volunteer house

After You Return

• Evaluation session

• Certificate (available on request)

• Option to stay active in our WhatsApp community

• Memories for a lifetime!

Not Included:

• Flights

• Vaccinations

• Visa

• Police Check (VOG)

• Meals

• Travel insurance