Voluntary Work
Education
Much of your time will be spent in the classroom helping and supporting the children in classes such as mathematics, physical education, handicraft, English and computing. You’ll be given a great deal of flexibility in deciding which area of the project you wish to work on, to ensure that your own individual skills are best put to use.
Carpentry
The school also runs a carpentry workshop, where school children get the opportunity to learn how to work with timber. They are taught to handle tools, use a hammer and shown how to saw, measure, sandpaper, paint and other related skills. There are ten children per class and volunteers are needed to keep this class running.
The lessons are lead by Sam Madjus, a Canadian long-time resident of Alotenango. Sam is assisted by volunteers to ensure the children get the one-to-one help that most benefits them. This way they can learn how to use tools safely. The children also make handicrafts that can be sold to raise extra funds for the project.
Health
Another area of the project involves looking after the health of the children and families, who receive help with dental care and are provided with vitamins and food. The children are given nutritious food and drinks, such as carrot juice, a banana, an orange or a ham sandwich as well as vitamin supplements, and each morning and afternoon brush their teeth under our guidance.
Building projects
The project has three rented buildings and, with the help of volunteers, is looking to build new classrooms. No building experience is necessary as there are often accomplished professionals at the project.
At present there is a sports area used for ballgames and other sports activities, but volunteers are also required to help build new goals and make the area safer.
In addition, the project carries out social work with the families of the children and tries to create an awareness of how important education is for the youth of Guatemala.
What’s Included in the Programme
- Accommodation throughout your programme with a host family
- Two meals a day
- Airport transfer on arrival from Guatemala City airport
- Transfer back to airport at the end of the programme
- Orientation upon arrival
- Full support and assistance from your co-ordinator throughout your project
- 24 hour support number and contact for emergencies
What’s Not Included in the Programme
- All flights
- Personal travel insurance
- Lunches
- All items of a personal nature
- Visas
- Any excursions over and about your planned itinerary
- Any additional food and soft drinks/ alcohol
Prices & Durations
Guatemala Community Outreach - 2 weeks £499
Guatemala Community Outreach - 3 weeks £599
Guatemala Community Outreach - 4 weeks £699
Guatemala Community Outreach - 5 weeks £829
Guatemala Community Outreach - 6 weeks £939
