Description

Maybe you have seen them in other countries you have visited as they surround your taxi at the airport or bus station. Their small hands pressed against the car window. Perhaps you have heard or read about them selling their small trinkets on the street gum, bananas, etc.; -- anything they think will earn them money. They are usually dirty and unkempt. Though their actions may prompt you to view them otherwise, they are the most innocent of victims. They are street children. To know them is to know their heartbreaking stories.

It is estimated that there are over 14,000 street children living in Guatemala's back alleys, garbage dumps, parks, and cemeteries. At ages as young as seven, many have no choice but to work to help feed and support their families. Soon realizing that their chances of survival are better alone, if they have not yet already been abandoned, they take to the streets to grasp at what they feel is their only chance of survival.

While they are young, they are able to scrape up a few pennies here and there. As they grow older their lives become more difficult. They begin to turn to a life of drugs, crime, and promiscuity and prostitution. As a result, the number infected with HIV/AIDS is on the rise.

Here are some ways AMPED volunteers can become involved with helping street children and at-risk youth of Guatemala rise above their circumstances:

* Help to provide life and job skills training to older children so that they can learn to become productive members of society;
* Participate in group counseling/therapy sessions;
* Teach the children core subjects, and health and hygiene at the project's elementary school;
* Assist with group therapy;
* Organize constructive recreational activities; and
* Help with cleaning, cooking, or painting the facility.

Highlights

Authentic cultural immersion experience as participants live with a local host family in addition to having daily interaction with the locals in the community and at their project assignment.

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

Qualifications

Must be 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, 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.

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
• Other
• Resume
• Transcript

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-4 weeks

Year Founded

2008