Aldeas de Paz (ADP) is a sustainable and transparent eco-village community and grassroots NGO based in Santa Elena de Uairen, Venezuela, near the borders with Brazil and Guyana in South America. ADP is independent from political, religious or business interests and maintains independence by completely funding and operating its programs with the practical and monetary contributions of volunteers. The community promotes the -Culture of Peace- through enriching cross-cultural exchange for people of all races and nationalities and practices voluntary community service where it provides additional opportunities in educational, recreational and environmental fields and assists its beneficiaries to develop their potential and improve their own lives. ADP Eco-Village and Community shares the values of peace, justice and tolerance, fundamentally focusing on the preservation of indigenous cultures and the empowerment of young people while valuing local knowledge and working with cultural sensitivity. ADP Volunteer opportunities are truly the microcosm of a world where people join together giving priority to improving life for humanity and promoting a "Culture of Peace" as a practical way to both prevent and resolve conflict. Volunteers and interns are the driving force of our charity, both through their volunteering and through their financial contributions. A typical volunteer/intern needs to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge, has a desire to take initiative and dedicates a lot of caring and passion to the position. Friendliness, care, commitment and patience are among important qualities. We welcome individual volunteers, families and groups regardless of age, experience or background. Volunteering with ADP is a great opportunity to work side by side with locals, learn new skills, study Spanish, and immerse oneself in the Latin and indigenous culture. You are interacting with the community, building relationships and making a positive impact. History: In the 1990's, Manfred Mönnighoff, left his successful business career in Holland behind to become a social activist and entrepreneur. With his intention of helping to create and promote a "Culture of Peace" by putting his professional skills to work he joined small grassroots NGO's in Asia, Central and South America as a volunteer and finally in 1997 started his first humanitarian project in Merida, Venezuela and succeeded in 2001 in forming the legal constitution for a volunteer-based NGO in Caracas, Venezuela, called Fundación Aldeas de Paz. In 2003 he founded the Aldeas de Paz community in Santa Elena thanks to donor support as well as the collocation of his own life savings. These days the Eco - Aldea de Paz is welcoming new permanent members and especially idealistic people are encouraged to join.