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VOLUNTEERING OPTIONS
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 300 children
in our care You
should be aware that if you want to volunteer then you should be prepared
for living in the jungle. 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 or the boat may leave without you. 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: Short
Term Volunteers (Volunteer Vacations) Our volunteer vacation program is a great opportunity for travelers to learn about and experience our important work while making their way through Guatemala. Our Backpackers hotel is one of our major sources of funding for the orphanage and this programs helps us to cover the costs of caring for the over 250 in our care. You will enjoy the beautiful surroundings and comforts of our hotel while experiencing the joy in spending your days at the orphanage working with the children. The program cost is $250/week and includes your accommodation, meals and transportation to and from the orphanage every day. The boat usually leaves the hotel around 7:30 every morning and returns at around 4:00pm but these times are subject to change based on the logistics of the day. Your breakfast is at the hotel so it’s good to make sure you are up nice and early to make sure you are on time for the boat. Lunch is eaten with the children at the orphanage and your dinner is at the hotel. Your duties will depend on the schedule of the volunteers and activities at the time of your arrival but usually volunteer vacation participants are involved in activities such as arts and crafts, reading with the children, helping in the library; helping in the English, Computer or Phys. Ed. classes; working in maintenance projects or on the farm; helping in the kitchen and in any other area that you may be needed in. There are lots of opportunities to play football with the kids during their lunch break and participate in other games and activities. It’s a fun filled day and your help is much appreciated. Have a look at our slideshow for a better idea of our work. Fill
out the Volunteer Vacation application form
here Long Term Volunteering Long term volunteers must be able to stay for at least 3 months be at least 24 years old and have a basic grasp of conversational Spanish. As a long term volunteer, you will live on site at the volunteers’ house in the Children's Village.
Volunteers that dedicate
three or more months to the Casa will be assigned responsibilities that
require some type of consistency. These volunteers will fill positions
such as English teacher, art teacher, teacher aid, librarian, physical
education teacher, house supervisors (orientadores) or administrative
positions. The priority is always to insure that the house supervision
positions are filled first. When all positions are fully covered, volunteers
with a background in agriculture and a basic grasp of Spanish can also
apply to work in the agriculture program.
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. 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 program. The clinic tends to
the medical needs of the children and staff of Casa Guatemala as well
as the villagers who come in from the nearby Mayan communities. Medical
supplies are always needed and visiting medical professionals are encouraged
to inquire about the various medicines needed if they are able to bring
donations with them.
If you have an idea or a proposal for a project that you can work on then please email us to discuss it further. Many groups that visit often take on these kinds of projects which help us with the upkeep of the buildings and improve the quality of life for the children. Please be aware that to implement a project you will have to provide the resources required for it. We are happy to help you with fundraising ideas and platforms to get your group started. Some projects that people have completed in the past: • Installation of
a Water filtration system Work in the HotelAnyone with a background in the hospitality industry who speaks fluent Spanish is welcome to work in our small business venture, Hotel Backpackers. Food and board is provided, and you do not need to pay anything but you must be able to commit for at least a month. By working in the Hotel you will be contributing directly to Casa Guatemala, as this is the one of main sources of income for the orphanage that is always consistent. The types of jobs available include: Kitchen, wait staff, host and promoter of the hotel´s services for the local sailing community and internet marketing person. 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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Why
Volunteer?
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 onetime, non-refundable, tax-deductible donation
of US$300.
Special
Projects