Volunteering Options

Why Volunteer?

If you are reading this page, then you probably already know why you want to volunteer.  But just in case, here are a few reasons why you should do it:

• You will be directly contributing towards the lives of the kids here

• Its fun

• You will meet interesting people and make new friends from all around the world

• It is a unique life experience

• You can do something productive and make a difference to many peoples lives

You should be aware that if you want to volunteer then you should be prepared for living in the jungle. 

This means basic living conditions. Consider that there is no hot water for the showers, simple food, jungle critters - spiders, scorpions, flies, mosquitoes all live here too!, do will have to do your own laundry by hand, the jungle animals can be very noisy when the sun comes up, etc.

At times you will find life hard - some days things will go against you, the children might be uncooperative, you might struggle with the language.  But if you have anything in common with 90% of the volunteers that come here, your life will be touched very deeply and you will have an amazing experience that you will never forget.

If you would like to help out at Casa Guatemala, then the following programs are available:

Volunteer Vacations

Live in the Hotel Backpackers and travel each day by boat to the orphanage.  The type of work that you will do depends on the current needs.

To participate in this program we ask you to pay $150 a week.  This pays for your food, board and transport each day.

You must be at least 18 years old for this program.

Long Term Volunteering

For volunteers who are able to stay for at least 3 months.  Live in the volunteers house at the orphanage.

Long term volunteers are asked to pay $180 towards food and transport, regardless of the the amount of time they stay for.

You must be at least 24 years old in order to be a long term volunteer.

Please note that you should have basic Spanish skills at the very least in order to be able to communicate with the children.
You can study at good Spanish schools in Antigua, Rio Dulce and many other places in Guatemala.
Having Spanish will vastly improve your life at Casa Guatemala.

Doctors & Nurses

People with medical training are always required, and you may work at the orphanage in the clinic for whatever amount of time you can provide.  In order to make a reasonable contribution you should stay for at least a week.

Special Projects

If you have an idea or a proposal for a project that you can work on then please email us to discuss it further.  We are always willing to allow a reasonable project to go ahead.

Please be aware that to implement a project you will have to provide the resources required for it.

Some projects that people have completed in the past:

• Water filtration system

• Web site

• Survey of Casa Guatemala

• Extension of the Boys Dormitory

• Extension of the comedor (dining room)

• Rescreened greenhouse

• Built a playland park for the children

Work in the Hotel

You may work in the Hotel Backpackers.  Food and board is provided, and you do not need to pay anything.  By working in the Hotel you will contributing to the orphanage, as this is the one of main sources of income for the orphanage, and one that is always assured.

Apply to be a volunteer!  Fill out the application form online now.

For more information about volunteering here, you can download the Volunteer Guidelines.  Also, please read the Frequently Asked Questions.