Quick Facts
Program code
GL-VOL100
Category
Volunteer Work, Child Care, Social work
Country
Guatemala
Location
Antigua
Program start
year round, start and end dates are flexible
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
Guatemala is a developing country where about 60 percent of the population lives in poverty. The number of affected infants and children is particularly alarming. More than one-third of them live in absolute poverty and suffer from hunger and malnutrition. Of 1000 children born, 40 will not survive their first birthday and about 45% of the children under the age of five show growth retardation due to malnutrition. Until the health care system in Guatemala is sufficiently developed to handle this problem, this unfortunate statistic will continue. Although public funds and initiatives are minimal, there are private donors who support children and babies.
Through this volunteer project, you can support a health care center for malnourished infants and children up to 11 years old. Located on the outskirts of Antigua, the center was funded with donations and opened in October 2008. It includes a fully equipped medical clinic, kitchen, dining room, bedrooms for the most critical cases of malnutrition, common rooms, and a garden with a vegetable patch.
The objective of the center is to stabilize the health situation of children suffering from hunger, to accustom them to normal feeding, and educate them about healthy nutrition all while providing them a carefree childhood they deserve. For this goal to be achieved, staff and volunteers work tirelessly each day. They create a safe, clean, and enjoyable atmosphere where young patients feel comfortable and can gain strength to improve their health.
Without the help of volunteers, it would not be possible to keep the center operating at such a high level, which is required to provide the children with a "normal" life. Through this volunteer work project, you can commit yourself to work against child poverty in Guatemala and you can give new hope and a brighter future for youth in Guatemala!
Tasks
Please keep in mind that you will have a great responsibility while participating in this project. You will be taking care of infants and children that are extremely malnourished and accompany them on their way to a "normal" life. In addition, you will encounter severe cases of malnutrition and diminished states of health.
In collaboration with the local staff and other volunteers, you will be caring for the welfare and health progress of the young patients. You will change diapers and bathe the children, feed them, play with them, and develop educational activities. Children who are old enough will help with watering the plants and caring for the vegetable garden. Here, you teach them that just as the plants need water and sun to grow, they themselves need care and food, so that their own body can grow.
You will also ensure that the facilities of the center are always clean and in good condition, taking the opportunity to teach the children about order and cleanliness as well. Collecting donations and organizing fundraisings may fall within your tasks to ensure that the project stays fully operational.
For the successful recovery and development of children, one thing is particularly important: love. Oftentimes your warm and tender care is enough for the children to feel safe and forget their troubles for a moment. Bring all your love to Guatemala and give Guatemalan children new hope!
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, three meals a day (except on Sunday) are included. 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 18 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
The volunteer program with Malnourished Children in Guatemala includes:
- Single room in a Homestay
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner (from Monday to Saturday)
- 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
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