Description:
Indigenous women in the rural areas of Guatemala often lead tough, hardscrabble lives marked by alcoholism, poverty, and depression. Trends like the erosion of native culture and racial discrimination have also negatively impacted indigenous women. Several social workers and social organizations within Guatemala have been working to provide basic economic, family and health education to rural women from native communities. Through volunteering with World Endeavors, one can make a difference in the lives and development of women by donating their time and expertise to ongoing social initiatives. These initiatives give women the tools and opportunity to improve themselves and their family's economic and social conditions.
World Endeavors volunteers assist a local social worker in providing workshops for indigenous women. The workshops focus on a variety of subjects, including: human rights, women's rights, reproductive health, cooking, handicrafts, and economic development. Volunteers with specialized skills are welcome to share their expertise.
Highlights:
Upon arrival in Guatemala, participants are met at the airport and given transportation to their volunteering location. They will receive an orientation that will familiarize them with the town and the surrounding area, Guatemalan culture, and their volunteer program.
Participants will stay with local Guatemalan host families. Host families are very welcoming and enjoy having visitors stay with them. All host family accommodation includes 3 meals per day. Living in a host family setting is the best way to practice your Spanish, and participants frequently make friendships that can last a lifetime.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
Volunteers of both genders are encouraged to participate. Minimum to intermediate Spanish proficiency is required.
Intern Types:
Development,
Family and Home Studies,
Human Rights,
Social Work
and Women's Studies
Languages:
English
and Spanish
Cost in US$: Please inquire for cost details
Cost Includes:
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Language instruction
and Written materials pre-departure
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
adult education,
economic development,
family planning,
gender issues,
human rights,
indigenous issues,
minority groups,
public education,
self help,
social services, social work,
teaching
and women
Age Range: 18 and older.
This Program is open to
World Wide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangement:
Home-stays
Participants Travel to Guatemala
Independently
World Endeavors's Mission Statement: World Endeavors is a provider of unique international volunteer, internship, and study programs. Our mission is to become a catalyst for positive change in our community and the world through quality international programs.