Volunteer / Guatemala / Indigenous Women's Assistance in Guatemala

indigenous women's assistance in guatemala


Indigenous Women's Assistance in Guatemala

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Indigenous women in the rural areas of Guatemala often lead tough, hardscrabble lives marked by alcoholism, poverty, and depression.  Trends like the erosion of native culture and racial discrimination have also negatively impacted indigenous women.  Several social workers and social organizations within Guatemala have been working to provide basic economic, family and health education to rural women from native communities.  Volunteers can make a difference in the lives and development of women by donating their time and expertise to ongoing social initiatives.  These initiatives give women the tools and opportunity to improve themselves and their family's economic and social conditions.

Volunteers assist a local government social worker in providing workshops for indigenous women.  The workshops focus on a variety of subjects, including: human rights, women's rights, reproductive health, cooking, handicrafts, and economic development.  Volunteers with specialized skills are welcome to share their expertise.

Eligibility: Volunteers of both genders are encouraged to participate.  Minimum intermediate Spanish proficiency is required.

Back_topOrientation:

Upon arrival in Guatemala, participants are met at the airport and given transportation to their volunteering location.  They will receive an orientation that will familiarize them with the town and the surrounding area, Guatemalan culture, and their volunteer program.

Back_topHousing:

Participants will stay with local Guatemalan host families.  Host families are very welcoming and enjoy having visitors stay with them.  All host family accommodation includes 3 meals per day.  Living in a host family setting is the best way to practice your Spanish, and participants frequently make friendships that can last a lifetime.

Food: All meals with the host family (3 per day) are included.

Back_topConsiderations:

The cost of daily transportation to the clinics is not included.  Social workers travel from 30 minutes to 1 hour outside of Quetzaltenango in order to offer the clinics to indigenous women.  Volunteers should budget 4 Quetzales (about USD $0.60) per round trip.

Back_topCost and Dates :

Programs generally start on Monday of each week.  Participants can choose when they would like to start and the duration of their volunteer program.  A typical program ranges from 4 to 6 weeks.  Check with World Endeavors for alternate dates or durations.

Duration in Weeks

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

12

Cost (USD)

$1260

$1410

$1560

$1710

$1860

$2010

$2160

$2760

We encourage volunteers to apply as far in advance as possible.  Generally it is best to submit your application at least 12 weeks prior to your intended start date, but exceptions can be made if the volunteer is willing to work with World Endeavors to expedite the enrollment process.  To submit an application, download the application form found on the sidebar of this page, or click on 'enroll' at the top of this page to apply online.

Back_topCost Included:

  • Pre-departure packet to prepare you for your placement
  • World Endeavors support for any of your pre-trip questions
  • Accommodations with a local host family
  • 3 meals per day
  • Support from World Endeavors representatives in Guatemala
  • Volunteer placement
  • 24x7 emergency phone support

    • Not Included:

  • Round-trip airfare to Guatemala
  • Visa expenses and airport taxes
  • Personal expenses including daily transportation

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