Description

AMMAC Volunteers have the opportunity to make a real difference in some of the poorer communities in and around Monterrey, Mexico. Volunteers spend their days doing a variety of different programs. Most mornings are spent at the local market collecting food for distribution to outlying areas later in the day. Other ongoing projects include working with a local orphanage, spending time at elderly care facilities, and organizing medical/dental brigades.

Living Conditions: 6-10 Volunteers live together in a hostel like setting on the second floor of a Mexican family's house. Volunteers eat and interact with this family on a daily basis.

Activities and Excursions: Every two weeks volunteers have the opportunity to go on cultural excursions. Previous trips have included: Las Grutas de Garcia (caves), La Cola de Caballo (a local waterfall and hiking area), y Paseo de Santa Lucia (city center, boat ride). Weekly activities can include salsa lessons, museum trips, local music performances, among other things. Two hours of Spanish classes a week are also included in the program fee.

Highlights

Our most exciting project at the moment is the construction of the first tire house in Monterrey. Discarded tires filled with soil are used to form the walls. Stucco or adobe plaster is then used to cover and seal the tires. Once the walls have been built, the roof is attached.

Some of the benefits include thicker walls that help to maintain cooler temperatures inside the house (in a region that can be as hot as 45° C or 113° F during the summer months). Additionally, the construction methods are simple, the materials are readily available and the houses are durable.

To the right is a picture of the home in its early stages and our group of volunteers with some members of the community.

Qualifications

Volunteers need to be at least 17 years of age and have to desire to live and make a difference in Mexico. Spanish is not required but is beneficial. Men and women are welcome (families with children are also welcome).

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

USD 150-200 per week

Cost Includes:

• Excursions
• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Language instruction
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country

Program Fees Include:

The program fee is determined based on the length of stay. The program fee starts at 200 USD per week and a minimum commitment of 2 weeks is requested. Volunteers who serve more than eight weeks pay a discounted fee of 150 USD for each additional week beyond the first eight weeks. These fees include airport pick up and drop off, housing, 3 meals a day, excursions every 2 weeks, local transportation, and 2 hours of Spanish class per week.

Volunteers can also receive contributions from businesses to help cover the cost of their program fee. All donations are tax deductible.

Salary/Pay

0

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

17-80

This Program is open to

Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Dormitory
• Group living
• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

in Groups of 3-10

Application Process Involves

• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2 to 4 Weeks

AMMAC's Mission Statement

To connect Generosity with Necessity. Providing the most basic needs to the less favored population.

Year Founded

2000