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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 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 VacationsLive 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 $235 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 VolunteeringLong term volunteers must be able to stay for at least 3 months. As a long term volunteer, you will live on site at the volunteers house in the Children's Village. In order to help with the programs and operational costs of the organization such as food and lodging, all volunteers who work at the Children's Village are required to make a non refundable tax-deductible donation of US$300. If you are selected to take a teaching position in the school and your stay is 12 months or longer, a refundable deposit of $300 is required upon your arrival but will be returned to you at the end of your twelve month stay. At the same time, Casa Guatemala will pay a monthly stipend of Q1000 = U.S.$133 for your services. Please note, only fluent Spanish speaking teaching professionals are eligible for these positions.
Doctors & NursesPeople 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. Those willing to stay for at least 3 months are required to pay the long term volunteer fee of $300 and stay full time at the Children's Village while those staying on a short term basis are required to sign up for the Volunteer Vacation package. (See Short Term Volunteer Opportunities.) Read more about our needs for the clinic.
Special ProjectsIf 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:
Work in the HotelAnyone is welcome to work in our small business venture, Hotel Backpackers. Food and board is provided, and you do not need to pay anything. By working in the Hotel you will contributing directly to Casa Guatemala, as this is the one of main sources of income for the orphanage and is always consistent. The types of jobs available include: Chef, cook, wait staff, receptionist, host and promotor of the hotel´s services for the local sailing community. Paid stipends are available for selected professionals from the hospitality industry willing to commit a minimum of one year.
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.
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