Quick Facts
Program code
GL-VOL102
Category
Volunteer Work, Child Care
Country
Guatemala
Location
Antigua
Program start
year round, start and end dates are flexible (except for December to mid-January and during the Easter week)
Minimum duration
2 weeks
Minimum age
18 years
Contact us
Happy to help you
(+1) 954 762 7607
(+56) 9 7516 9816
(+49) 7735 425 339
skype: chileinside
8 am - 4 pm EST
Program details
The living conditions that many families in Guatemala endure cannot be compared with those in North America and Europe. The poverty rate is very high, and many people struggle to cover even their basic needs.
As a volunteer, you can do a lot to help with just a little effort. In this project, you will help at a day care center in Antigua, which cares for about 40 to 50 infants and children from 0 to 6 years old. The day care is especially important for single parents and those who sell goods in the local markets, since they work all day to be able to afford basic necessities. The day care is the ideal alternative, because the children don’t have to stay home alone or at the market and are provided with loving care and meals during the day.
There is insufficient nursing staff at the day care, so the support of volunteers is especially welcome. In addition to assisting with the care of infants and children, you are responsible for their safety and security.
You will also carry out fun activities each day, helping provide the children with the carefree childhood they deserve. Put a smile on the face of a child and bring new hope to the future of Guatemala's youth.
Tasks
As a volunteer for this project, you will support the local nursing staff in a day care center in Antigua by helping them carry out their daily tasks, such as caring for the babies and children who are between the ages of 0-6. This includes feeding and changing the youngest children and supervising and entertaining the older children. The main objective of this volunteer work project is to take away the children’s everyday worries and make their lives in the day care center pleasant and carefree. You will help with the organization of sports and leisure activities, singing, painting, and dancing.
To develop their cognitive and motor skills, you can also introduce activities with educational value. The children are cared for in different groups. Due to the fact that some of them require special attention, there is also a special teaching staff.
Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.
Accommodation
For our volunteers, typical homestay accommodations are available in the beautiful city of Antigua.
An important part of our volunteer work projects in Guatemala has always been to provide an intense glimpse into the everyday life and culture of the host country. Therefore, our volunteers in Antigua live in homestays so that they immerse into local customs, taste authentic meals, and experience the daily life of a family in Guatemala.
You will quickly realize how much your Spanish skills improve each day. Our homestays are carefully screened and selected, and many hosts have years of experience with foreign guests.
In addition to a hospitable accommodation, breakfast, lunch and dinner is included from Monday to Saturday. You will be provided with a single room, while the bathroom can be private or shared (private bathroom has a surcharge).
Location
Antigua is a beautiful colonial town in the south of Guatemala about an hour from the capital, Guatemala City, and surrounded by perfectly shaped volcanoes. Antigua is one of the most visited places in Central America. The city is famous for its Spanish colonial buildings, picturesque courtyards, interesting markets, beautiful churches and a colorful labyrinth of streets. The city is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage since 1979. Antigua is located in the highlands of Guatemala at about 1,600 meters above sea level.
Antigua has an abundance of tour operators and agencies that offer exciting tours to all parts of the country.
Whether you want to get to know the jungle, the Mayan culture, the Pacific coast or you are looking for cultural activities, in Antigua you are guaranteed to find someone who organizes exactly what you are looking for.
Antigua has an average daily temperature of 20 °C all year round, while the nights are quite cool. The rainy season is from June to October, the dry season from November to May.
Language skills
Spanish at communication level. For optimal preparation for your volunteer work in Guatemala, we advise you to take a Spanish course before the program starts. This gives you the opportunity to slowly get used to the language, culture and mentality.
You can book your Spanish course in Guatemala directly with us!
Requirements
- Spanish skills (book your Spanish course in Guatemala!)
- Minimum age 17 years
- Application at least 4 weeks before the desired start of the program. Read more about our application process here.
- Completion of a foreign travel health insurance (get your travel insurance here!)
- Criminal record check
Pre-departure and in-country support
Before arrival, our experienced team will be at your disposal to assist you throughout the booking process and travel planning. With the booking confirmation you will receive our 24-hour emergency number, so that you can reach us 24/7 in case of emergency.
In addition to the assistance given by our office staff you will be supported by our partner organization in Guatemala located in Antigua.
Costs & Services
Our volunteer project in a Day Care Center in Guatemala includes:
- Single room in a Homestay
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (except on Sunday)
- City tour through Antigua on your first day
- Advice from our experienced staff
- On-going support via WhatsApp, phone or mail
- Elaboration of your application profile in Spanish
- Your placement in the volunteer project
- Pre-departure information
- Packing list
- Country handbook
- Intercultural guide
- Orientation upon arrival
- On-site volunteer coordinator
- 24/7 emergency number
- Advice on travel insurance
- Certificate of participation
Costs
Application fee: US$ 150
Program fee: US$ 875 (minimum stay 2 weeks)*
Each additional week: US$ 160
*Program costs include a US$ 100 donation to the program site.
Additionally, you can book:
- Airport pick-up in Guatemala City US$ 40
- Spanish course in Guatemala
- Spanish courses in Latin America
- Travel Health Insurance
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Volunteer Guide
Find valuable information about volunteering abroad in our program guides. Find out about all the benefits, possibilities and challenges, that a stay abroad offers you. Read more about the great opportunities that South America Inside has at your disposal.
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