Support People and Children with Diabetes - Suriname

About the project

Working Hours

8:00am - 3:00pm (Other times can be arranged by agreement)

Other Colleagues / Who You Work With

There is a head supervisor. Staff with permanent contracts are present, as well as interns and other volunteers. Personnel includes qualified doctors; diabetic nurses/wound carers; wound assistants.

Language Spoken on the Project

Dutch is also spoken in Suriname.

Holiday Periods

There are occasionally special public holidays. Volunteers are free to decide how they want to spend these days and are welcome to take part in any activities offered.

Accommodation

The volunteer house is well secured and has Wi-Fi, a laundry area, a kitchen, a swimming pool, and common areas for relaxation. The rooms have air conditioning, wardrobes, and double beds. Bathrooms and toilets with hot and cold water are available. Not all rooms have private bathrooms and toilets. Rooms are not shared unless requested by volunteers. The volunteer house has a housekeeper.

Transport To and From the Project

Volunteers get around by bike or public transport.

Materials the Project Could Use

If you have some extra space in your bag and would like to bring something for the project, it is greatly appreciated. Please check with us first about what useful items to bring.

Pickup Service

We use a reliable, regular taxi service with whom we have set agreements. Your name and flight number are provided in advance. We stay in constant phone contact with the taxi service. Volunteers arrive at Johan Adolf Pengel International Airport (Zanderij).

Free Time

Check out the additional trips available to see what you can do in your free time! We have some really great excursions for your downtime. And since you’re in such a beautiful destination, it’s definitely worth exploring more of the country!

Contact Person

Rita is the contact person in Suriname. She is a driven 57-year-old woman with qualities such as patience, reliability, warmth, kindness, perseverance, determination, peacefulness, and a love of safety. She is the mother of two adult sons.

Her background is in financial administration, but she currently works as a medical assistant in the endoscopy department at a hospital with a gastroenterologist (stomach, intestines, and liver specialist).

In her free time, she runs a literacy centre where she supports young people with homework help and much more. She is also the contact person for Volunteer Worldwide.

In short: a very amazing woman with strong willpower, focus, and dedication.

Volunteer profile

For this project, we are looking for volunteers who want to support people and children with diabetes in its early stages. You will work alongside a multidisciplinary team to improve the health and education of patients.

This project is suitable for volunteers aged 17 and over.

Important Qualities:

• Affinity with Healthcare: Enthusiasm for medical care is essential. A background in nursing is an advantage.

• Initiative and Proactivity: Being able to work independently and take initiative is important.

• Patience and Empathy: Being understanding and patient when working with patients.

• Cultural Sensitivity: Respect for local customs and traditions.

• Flexibility and Adaptability: Adjusting to different circumstances in Suriname.

• Communication Skills: Good collaboration with local staff and other volunteers.

• Team Spirit: Cooperation is key.

What You Can Expect:

As a volunteer, you will assist with foot checks, blood pressure and glucose monitoring, and education about diabetic wound care. Working hours are usually from 8:00am to 3:00pm but can be adjusted by arrangement.

Your stay in Suriname offers opportunities for personal and professional growth, discovering new cultures, and unforgettable experiences.

If you have a passion for healthcare and are willing to commit to a challenging environment, this project in Suriname is perfect for you. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the quality of life for people living with diabetes.

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.

Included in the Price

Before Departure

• Online introductory meeting

• Information pack with details about the culture and customs in Suriname, as well as a checklist of all necessary preparations, including info on insurance, money matters, and travel tips

• Pre-departure training

• Assistance with obtaining a Certificate of Conduct (VOG)

• Access to the online community

• Help with your visa application

• Help booking your flight (on request)

During Your Trip

• Airport transfer to the project site

• On-site orientation

• Assistance with visa extension (if needed)

• Support throughout your entire stay

• Accommodation in the volunteer house

After Your Trip

• Evaluation session

• Certificate (on request)

• Opportunity to stay active in our WhatsApp community

• Memories for life!

Not Included in the Price

• Airfare

• Vaccinations

• Visa

• Certificate of Conduct (VOG)

• Meals

• Travel insurance