Volunteering in Guatemala can be very challenging, but learning first hand about the people of Guatemala and the challenges they face on a daily basis is one of the most rewarding experiences possible. Please note that all volunteer positions require that participants have at least an intermediate level of Spanish proficiency.

Hogares Comunitarios

The Guatemalan government sponsors this project aimed at helping the children of the very poor by providing day care and meals. The day care centers are in the homes of women throughout the country. Each project has an average of 12 children from infants to six years old. The children are either from single parent households or households affected by alcohol or drug abuse. The children are provided with breakfast, lunch, and snacks each day along with educational activities and a safe place to spend the day. Volunteers with this program will lead activities with the children, teach reading skills, and assist with some of the other chores such as cleaning, cooking, and bathing the children. Volunteers with this program need to take initiative and be creative.

Community Development

NGOs throughout Guatemala are working to improve life for the poor. Many of these community development organizations are focusing on capacity building through literacy campaigns, training, and adult education. Some organizations are focusing on business training and microcredit programs in order to encourage entrepreneurs. Other programs volunteers would likely to work in include nutrition, literacy, working with youth groups, organic gardening, appropriate technology, and health education. This program requires a minimum time commitment of three months. Volunteers must be flexible, adaptable, creative, and have the ability to work with limited resources.

Volunteer in an Elementary School

ELI works with elementary schools throughout the highlands where literacy rates are sometimes extremely low. The students are Mayan and speak Spanish as their second language. Volunteers will assist with regular classes and extra curricular activities. The schools do not teach English, but English lessons can be integrated as a supplemental activity. International volunteers will provide the students with the unique experience of getting to know a foreigner and serve as mentors and role models to the students. This program requires at least a three month long commitment from the volunteer in order to maintain as much continuity as possible for the students.

Working With the Disabled

Volunteers can work with an organization devoted to providing care and education to the disabled in Santiago Atitlán. The center focuses on occupational therapy, vocational training, physiotherapy, and providing support and training to the families of the disabled. Volunteers can get involved with ongoing projects according to their skills and interests. This is a rar opportunity to learn about the issues facing the disabled and their families in a developing country.

Environmental Programs

Guatemala is one of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, but many habitats are being destroyed due to deforestation and desertification. Volunteers can assist with projects to conservethreatened cloud forest and coastal habitat. Volunteers will help with reforestation, trail building and repair, environmental education, sustainable business development, organiz agriculture, and any other ongoing projects.

Health Volunteers

Volunteers with a medical background can work with a clinic providing medical assistance to the poor. The specific tasks of this project will depend on the skills and past experience of the volunteer. Volunteers with this program must be comfortable with medical Spanish and be prepared to work with limited resources.