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Guatemala Community Outreach
The Guatemala community outreach project is without doubt one of our most successful community development programmes- a direct result of the fantastic efforts and achievements of volunteers who have helped change the lives of the children of Alotenango. If you’re looking to experience life in a typical Guatemalan community, while working to improve the quality of life of some of the country’s poorest families, this is the project for you.
Project Age Limit
The minimum age to participate is 18 years and there is no maximum age.
Programme Information
Established in 2002, this project is set in the small friendly town of Alotenango (about 14Km from Antigua.) The aim of the project is to provide free schooling and health education for the children of Alotenango and to develop educational and recreational facilities for the community, so that all children can enjoy their childhood free from responsibilities and pressures created by society.
The average family wage in the town is just 30 Quetzals per day (about $4) that must stretch to feed families with between 6 and 8 children. Malnutrition, lack of food, unemployment, and limited education are common problems faced by disadvantaged communities in Guatemala. Many families in this town have little or no money available for education, nutrition and basic housing. The community spirit is amazing and you’ll be made to feel right at home as a volunteer.
About the project
Although public schools in Guatemala do not charge a fee, children must have a uniform and the family must provide all school materials. Many families in Alotenango cannot afford these costs, leaving the majority of children with a very basic education and no option but to work from a very young age. Many are burdened with heavy responsibilities at an early age and have little time to enjoy their childhood.
The project was founded by a Guatemalan teacher, with the intention to set up classes for children who couldn’t afford to attend school. With exceptional support from volunteers the project is now run by a team of Guatemalan teachers, who provide free primary education to all children in the community, ranging from 5 to 18 years. Volunteers continue to play a massive role in the success of this programme, helping to shape the future of children and their families through education and ongoing community support.
Your role as a volunteer
Education: There are a number of activities and projects that need volunteer assistance. One of the main roles is helping educate and support the children in classes such as mathematics, physical education, handicraft, English and computing. You’ll be given a great deal of flexibility in deciding which area of the project you wish to work on, so that your own individual skills are best put to use.
Carpentry: There is also a carpentry workshop; here school children get the opportunity to learn how to work timber. They are taught to handle tools, use a hammer and saw, to measure, to sandpaper, to paint and other related skills.
There are ten children per class and volunteers are needed to keep the kids in line!
The lessons are lead by Sam Madjus, a Canadian long-time resident of Alotenango. Sam is assisted by volunteers to ensure extra individual help for all the children. This way they can learn how to use tools safely. The children make handicrafts that can be sold to raise extra funds for the project.
Health: The project is also concerned with the health of the children and families, and helps with dental care and provides vitamins and food. Every day the children get nutritious food and drinks, such as carrot juice, a banana, an orange or a ham sandwich. Each morning and afternoon the children brush their teeth under our guidance and they are provided with vitamin supplements.
Building projects: The project has three rented buildings, and is looking to expand with the help of volunteers to build new classrooms. No building experience is necessary as there are often experienced professionals at the project. All that is required is a bit of elbow grease and a positive attitude!
At present there is a sports area with good possibilities for ballgames and other sports activities, but volunteers are also required to help build new goals and make the area safer.
In addition, the project does social work with the families of the children. The centre tries to create an awareness of how important education is for the youth of Guatemala.
Project Orientation
On arrival at the project you will have a brief orientation. This will include being shown around the project site, being introduced to the project coordinator and staff, a health and safety briefing and an introduction to your tasks while on the project.
Accommodation
For the duration of the project, you’ll live with one of our typical Guatemalan families. Our staff personally knows all the families and their homes meet an excellent standard set by our onsite staff. All families are close friends of the onsite staff and will speak Spanish most of the time, (to help you get the most from your time in Guatemala) although there will be at least one person who can speak English.
Our families are all very warm sociable people and are very keen to accommodate international students. You will instantly be made to feel at home and will be included in all day-to-day social activities (shopping, parties, barbecues etc) throughout your stay; a fantastic insight into life in this unique and diverse country.
Your family will provide you with two meals a day (breakfast and dinner). All families are more than happy to cook any dishes that you’d like (within reason!) and many families can accommodate special dietary requirements for vegetarians and vegans. There is also a laundry service once a week.
Families belong to Guatemala’s middle class, although students should take note that living standards in Guatemala are generally lower than Western Europe or North America. Family homes are located in neighbourhoods usually no more than 7 blocks from our language school.
You will receive a key and will be able to come and go as you please. All families have hot water and flushing western style toilets and showers. You will have you own private room and generally share a bathroom with other volunteers.
Project Support
Throughout your stay in Guatemala you will have the support and guidance of our coordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
In addition you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
For further information, or to secure your place on this programme, please call the Latin America Team today on 01892 516164, or email us at latinamerica@realgap.co.uk
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