Volunteer Project in Guatemala
GG-SE4
Description:
This project is an orphanage that is home to over 250 children. In an effort to be financially self-sufficient, they operate a nearby Backpacker’s hostel. This long-term volunteer program offers opportunities for travelers looking to make a difference in the world. The program exists to fulfill a mission of providing a loving home, education, nutritional and healthcare to hundreds of children. It is a place for them to eat and grow, play and laugh, and to be loved, and nurtured. It is a place where they can forget about hunger and pain, and remember how to smile.
Activities:
Your position will depend on the length of time you are committing to and the skills that you bring with you as a volunteer. Generally, the volunteers are divided into four groups: teachers, house supervisors, activity coordinators and toddler caretakers.
Depending on your skills and interests, you will be helping out in the following tasks:
- Helping in the English Classes
- Arts and Crafts
- Story time in the Library
- Computer lessons
- Working with the Kindergarten classes
- Helping with the gym classes
- Working with the Agriculture classes
- Helping the kids with homework
- Sharing your love and attention
All volunteers are obligated at some point in their stay to help at the hostel.
Requirements:
Volunteers from around the world are welcome to volunteer at this project. To make sure that you get the most out of the experience we recommend the following:
- An open mind in working with different cultures and with limited resources
- Patience and respect for the children, staff and fellow volunteers
- A strong work ethic
- Minors must have parental consent and adult supervision
- For this long-term placement, only volunteers over 24 yrs old can be accepted.
Minimum:
The minimum time to volunteer at this project is 3 months. In case this project interest you but you only have a few weeks time to spend, you can choose to do a short-term placement at the same location. Please check with us for further information.
Spanish:
It is very important to have a basic to intermediate level of Spanish in order to work at this project. If you cannot get by conversationally, we recommend you to take a Spanish course before starting the project.