Description

Women's rights issues in Guatemala are gaining worldwide attention, as the country has the highest rate of abuses against women than anywhere in Latin America.

The root causes for abuses against women are many and are attributed to complex social issues. Some assertions and contributing factors are:

Domestic violence. Again, due to impoverished conditions and substance abuse problems among male heads of household. Acts of domestic violence against women are especially high among indigenous women as they lack basic life skills and they are not able to communicate in Spanish.

The abuses are a continuation of the country's civil war era when women were viewed as potential mothers for future opponents and would-be threats to the then government establishment.

A dominant patriarchal culture and as a result of more women entering the workforce, many men blame women for their unemployment.

AMPED's women's rights project in Guatemala houses up to twelve women and their children. Project efforts concentrate on helping women and their children leave abusive home environments through empowerment and community education.

AMPED volunteers may be involved with the following:

* Helping women with job training and teaching them basic life skills
* Helping with the children in one of the project's five daycare centers by caring for them and organizing activities
* Developing community education programs to help women and children recognize abusive situations and increase awareness about available resources; and
* Accompanying the women and children to their doctor visits.
* Observing and accompanying the work of the social worker and other members of the staff.

Highlights

Authentic cultural immersion experience as participants live with a local host family in addition to interacting with the locals in the community and at their project placement.

Participants receive 2 hours of FREE Spanish lessons Monday-Friday for the duration of their stay, up to 120 hours.

Qualifications

Must be female at least 18 years of age and have an intermediate Spanish level.

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Starting at 609

Cost Includes:

• Food
• Housing
• In-country orientation/Training
• In-country staff support
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

Includes project set-up arrangements, meals and accommodations in Xela, orientation, and 24/7 emergency in-country staff support. Participants will also receive information regarding their placement prior to their departure. Placement information, will include in-country contact information, alternative accommodations for delayed arrivals, currency exchange, phone and internet communication, laundry, etc.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

While participation is not limited to this demographic, the average age is 18-26. Participants that are flexible and open minded when it comes to cultural differences, ways of life, and work pace are those that tend to benefit most from their experience abroad, as do those that demonstrate initiative with regard to recommending and implementing changes to improve the project and to assist the staff.

Age Range

18 and over

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

2008