Guatemala

You can become involved in a range of community aid projects in Guatemala. With such a wide variety of projects this program has something to suit everyone.

You have the opportunity to contribute to healthcare, childcare, teaching, construction and animal care / animal rights projects.

Guatemala is one of the poorer Latin American countries, yet considered one of the most beautiful to visit. While sharing your knowledge and compassion you will gain an in-depth experience of the country and its culture that will stay with you the rest of your life.

Projects

Childcare and Orphanages At the childcare and orphanage placements volunteers assist the children with basic hygiene education, homework, organising games and activities, organising workshops and provide the children with love and attention. There are many different childcare placements available in Guatemala, including day care centres, school and orphanages, and many of the children suffer from poor domestic lifestyles and substance abuse in their families.

Healthcare (working with the elderly) Volunteers will work in the nursing homes and senior centres in and around La Antigua, with the aim of creating a compassionate and friendly atmosphere for the vulnerable elderly population. Volunteers will provide one-on-one attention, basic healthcare, assist with meal and medicine distribution and organising recreational activities. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own ideas to this placement as well.

Teaching English At teaching English placements volunteers will be assisting teachers in educating local students in English. Volunteers will assist with workshops, organising educational games and activities and tutoring. Volunteers may also participate in fundraising and the collection of educational materials, and will be placed in either poor public schools, community centres of libraries.

Construction At construction projects volunteers assist with the construction and/or renovation of schools and orphanages and the surrounding grounds. Volunteers will typically be involved with laying bricks, carpentry, painting, laying tiles, landscaping and gardening. The building projects are to help the community improve their schools and orphanages. Be prepared to be patient and flexible, and to get your hands and clothes very dirty.

Healthcare (Clinic) Volunteers work at either one of the rural clinics surrounding La Antigua, or in clinics for mentally and physically disabled children. There are roles for licensed professionals, medical students and pre-med students, however volunteers require at least intermediate Spanish as the staff they will work with have limited English. Volunteers should be aware that the range of activities available to them will depend on their experience as well. Notarized documentation of your medical school, nursing school, or other medical credentials will be required.

Animal Care and Animal Rights Volunteers assist in the protection of domestic animals such as cats and dogs who do not enjoy the family status as their counterparts in the West. These animals are often neglected and abandoned, and volunteers will provide medical treatment, recreational activity and human contact for the animals. In addition, volunteers may have the opportunity to participate in educational programs for local schools, spay neuter programs, rabies vaccinations, and the construction of dog runs and fencing.

Program Schedule Start Date: Every Monday of each month. Volunteers should arrive in La Antigua on the Sunday before this in order to attend the orientation session on Monday. Length: From 1 week – 24 weeks Hours: Volunteers will be helping for 3-4 hours at their projects each day (Monday- Friday).

Costs A US$97 application fee (fully transferable) will secure your place on the program, with your program fee due for payment eight weeks before you begin your placement. You only pay your application fee once and then you can access any of our volunteer programs over the next 5 years. Program Fee – from US $45 a day Childcare, Teaching English Projects • Cost for 1 week - US $1397 • Cost for 2 weeks - US $1597 • Cost for 3 weeks - US $1797 • Cost for 4 weeks - US $1997 • Cost for 6 weeks - US $2247 • Cost for 8 weeks - US $2497 Construction, Healthcare, Animal Care and Animal Rights Projects • Cost for 1 week: US $1397 • Cost for 2 weeks: US $1597 • Cost for 3 weeks: US $1797 • Cost for 4 weeks: US $1997 • Cost for 6 weeks: US $2297 • Cost for 8 weeks: US $2597 * Placements longer than 8 weeks are available, please contact us or apply online for details.

What’s included in your program fee: Accommodation: Home Stay. Meals: 3 meals daily. Project Donation: Included. Airport pickup: On arrival date. Training: In-country orientation and training. Supervision: In-country staff supervision. Support: Pre-departure personal support from your volunteer coordinator, 24/7 in-country support from partner, and 24hr emergency line. Extra: Spanish lessons (one week), weekly Salsa lessons, internet usage at our partner's headquarters, a monthly volunteer party, and a certificate of completion from our partner organisation What’s not included: Flights, insurance, visas, vaccinations, project transportation, departure from the program. We recommend you allow a weekly budget of US $25 for your other expenses such as bottled water, personal items, beverages, transportation and entertainment.