Description:
Our Mexico Rediscovered Program allows volunteers to experience the realities of rural Mexican life, far from the glitz and glamour that the popular coastal Mexican resort towns offer international tourists. Mexico, a country of two realities, has long been associated with beautiful beaches, Margaritas, and lengthy midday siestas, but Mexican society is deeply polarized between a minority of the wealthy upper class and the majority of the population, rural farmers, who struggle to keep their communities intact.
Our Mexico Undiscovered program takes place in the town of Chalcatzingo, whose name derives from the ancient Nauthl language and means "Place most prized by the Chalcas", "Venerated place of sacred water" or "Place of precious jades" is located at the base of the Cerro de la Cantera, a twin-peaked outcropping in the south-eastern part of the state of Morelos, about two hours from Mexico City.
Chalcatzingo, most well known as an archeological site which boasts dozens of carvings depicting mythical and religious themes associated with agriculture and fertility, holds remnants of various cultures reaching back to 3000 B.C. and the Olmec Empire.
Volunteers will work side by side with local community members of Chalcatzingo to implement sustainable development practices. The community, which once had access to water for crop irrigation, now suffers from a lack of water because governmental authorities in Mexico City constructed a dam to redirect Chalcatzingo's water for city use. With limited access to water for irrigation, the agricultural community is suffering and many locals have seen their loved ones migrate into Mexico City, and beyond, in search of jobs. Volunteers will help revitalize the community through numerous projects such as implementing a recycling program to reduce the impact of solid waste in the environment, building up corrals on communal land where the community is trying to create a community business by breeding a special breed of sheep that are adapted to Chalcatzingo's warm climate, revitalizing the local schools and teaching English, installing compost latrines to improve sanitation, and working on preservation efforts to protect the ancient ruins of Chalcatzingo from deterioration.
Projects vary depending on the number of volunteers, which projects were finished (or not) with the prior group, what priorities have changed, weather conditions, which supplies are available, and often the interest and fitness level of the volunteers. For these reasons, specific projects are often not fixed until the week prior to your arrival and can even change upon arrival.
Highlights:
Ample time has been included in the project itinerary for leisure activity. After a day of hard work volunteers will have time to relax with the community hosts or explore the town independently. A series of cross-cultural learning activities, such as cooking demonstrations, language lessons, and games of fútbol (Spanish for soccer) are planned to be a fun, yet educational, way to become immersed in a new culture. One afternoon will be devoted to taking a guided tour of the Chalcatzingo ruins and stepping back in time to explore the ancient Olmec Empire.
Qualifications / Skills Needed:
No special skills or qualifications necessary.
Languages:
English
and Spanish
Cost in US$: 1180.00
Cost Includes:
Emergency evacuation services,
Excursions,
Food,
Housing,
In-country orientation/Training,
In-country staff support,
Medical insurance,
Registration fees,
Travel while in host country
and Written materials pre-departure
Experience Required: no
Typical Volunteer Projects:
community development
Typical Volunteer: The typical Globe Aware volunteer tends to be a working professional, between the ages of 25 and 45.
Age Range: All ages welcome.
This Program is open to
Worldwide
Participants.
This Program is also open to
Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangements:
Group living
and Home-stays
Participants Travel to Mexico
Independently
Typically Participants Work
in Groups of >10
Application Process Involves:
Typically The Application Process Time Is 2 to 7 days
Post Services Include:
Globe Aware's Mission Statement: Globe Aware seeks to promote lifelong advocates for a better world and to sustain the world's cultural and natural resources. The organization, together with the local community hosts, develops effective local solutions to global problems in non-religious, non-political, multi-international environments. The aim is to expand and foster cross-cultural peace and understanding between Americans and the rest of the world, to preserve culture and promote sustainability. Globe Aware expeditions provide volunteers the opportunity to live and work side by side with a host community. The hosts provide a safe and interesting setting in which to learn, help, and have fun. The volunteers help to empower the host communities in creating renewable, self-sufficient programs. While Globe Aware's financial assistance benefits the community economically, it is actually the involvement and collaboration between the volunteers and community that is the greatest mutual benefit.
Year Founded: 2001