Volunteer for Mayan Development in Guatemala

Description

As a volunteer in this project, you are expected to take part in many of the programs listed below:

Ecological Management - This involves daily work in the nature reserve: trail blazing, reforestation, working in the tree nursery, restoration projects, learning about medicinal plants, working in the Natural History Museum, gardening and agriculture.

Environmental Education - The nature reserve educational program runs from February until September. Over 1200 students are transported to the reserve in groups of 10-15 for ecological courses. Activities for the students include adopting a tree, recycling, planting trees, making maps, measuring trees, identifying birds, etc., depending on the grade level. Volunteer responsibilities involve organizing classes, organizing resources for classes, teaching (basic Spanish needed), maintenance of museum and education center, and outreach programs.

English education - One of the most valuable resources a volunteer can offer is the ability to communicate in two languages, English and Spanish. Volunteers can work with a variety of schools, including elementary, junior high, or high school levels, or work with groups of adults that have a special interest in learning English.

Rural literacy program - You can work at the newly established library in San Andres and other reading initiatives within schools and communities in the region.

As a volunteer you will live with a local family in San Andres. You will live in a separate house adjacent to the host family or in a separate room that has its own entrance. Rooms include bed with all bedding material, mosquito netting, desk, lights, electrical outlets, chairs, shelving, and an electric fan. Rooms are made of concrete blocks, have wooden or metal doors, and typically tin roofs. Host families are trained to cook healthy meals, wash all fruits and vegetables properly, provide purified water, and maintain clean living conditions for the volunteer. Host families are not required to do your laundry; however, most families do offer this service. It is easy to find local women who will wash your clothes for about $3 per load. The most difficult part about living with a family is communication. None of the host families or staff members (with the exception of the director) speak English. It is advisable to learn some basic Spanish before coming. However, by living with a family, volunteers can feel more like a member of the community, and families will help introduce volunteers to other members of the community.

FAST FACTS:

Project Duration: Min 2 weeks
Project Costs: US$540 for 2 weeks plus $120 for each additional week.
Location of project: San Andres is a small town located on the northern shore of Lake Peten Itza
Arrival Airport: Flores (airport code FRS)
Volunteer work: environmental work, teaching and light construction
Number of Participants: 5 - 15
Age limit: 18 - 70

WHATS INCLUDED IN THE COST:

Accommodation: room with host family
Food: 3 meals a day
Airport pickup: Included on arrival day
Orientation kit: full project details will be sent following registration
Training: Pre-departure preparation and local orientation
Support: Local staff and 24hr emergency support

WHATS NOT INCLUDED:

Flights, Insurance, Personal expenses and Visa (if required)

Requirements:
Min age 18
Families with children are also welcome
Basic English or/and Spanish
Good physical fitness
Motivation to work with people and nature
Full travel & medical insurance
Immunizations (please consult your doctor)

Requirements

Language

English