Description

Volunteer in Children's Homes in Yucatan
Volunteers can work with an orphanage or at a child welfare organization in the city of Merida or in one of the Mayan Villages around Yucatan. The children come from a variety of situations including loss of one or both parents, physical and sexual abuse and extreme poverty. Some of these children are in the orphanage on a temporary basis and others stay until they reach the age of 18. The orphanage provides shelter, education and all the children basic needs.

There are two types of centers, the Casa Cuna receives children from 0-6 and provides basic care for boys and girls that are being abandoned, neglected or are waiting for adoption. Volunteers will spend time with the children leading activities and games, helping at meal times, and teaching basic skills to the children. Volunteers are welcome to assist with daily activities with the children and chores around the center.

The second type of center is the Casas Hogares for children ages 6-18 where the children are divided into Boys Homes and Girls Homes. The children in this home are looking for shelter and are referred by another organization or sent by their family when they can't take care of them. Volunteer will spend time with kids, playing games, leading social and cultural activities, teaching, and giving them the attention they need. Participants are welcome to get involved with sports or art activities and become a role model and positive influence for these kids.

Highlights

Experience the incredible beauty and culture of Mexico while assisting local organizations and gaining a deep understanding of the people and culture. Volunteers and interns work in community run organizations. Participants have plenty of time to explore the country during the weekends. The Yucatan Peninsula has many wonderful attractions and almost endless possibilities for adventure.

Qualifications

Volunteers must be active, creative and self motivated. Please, keep in mind that this position requires a basic to intermediate level of Spanish, especially in the rural areas, where Spanish is the second language.

Minimum Education

High School

Languages

• Spanish
• English

Cost in US$:

Varies depending on duration. Contact us for details

Cost Includes:

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

Program Fees Include:

Pre-departure Support: ELI Abroad's staff is very knowledgeable and happy to help volunteers and interns to prepare for their travels.

Airport Pickup: Volunteers are met at the airport in Mérida and provided with transportation to their host family.

In-country Orientation: Each volunteer program starts with a two to three day orientation which covers important topics on the logistics of living and working in México, city tours and help with transportation.

In-country Staff Support: ELI Abroad's Mexico´s coordinator is very resourceful and on call 24/7 in case of emergency.

Accommodations: Volunteers will stay with a local host family where they will be provided with a room and breakfast and dinner each day. By living with a family, volunteers will learn about the day to day rhythms of Mexican life first hand as well as sample traditional meals not usually available in restaurants. Host families are eager to welcome volunteers and are a fantastic resource for learning about the local culture and sights.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Typical Volunteer

There is no typical ELI Abroad volunteer. We work with people from all over the world and a variety of backgrounds. ELI has placed volunteers ranging in age from 18-81. Successful volunteers are flexible, upbeat, energetic, and inquisitive.

Age Range

18-81

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Home-stays

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

ELI-Experiential Learning International's Mission Statement

ELI's full name, Experiential Learning International, reflects our philosophy. We believe that the most compelling life lessons come through experience, and that international experiences are among the most profound influences on our sense of self and our view of the world. ELI facilitates flexible international learning programs for independent travelers by partnering with local organizations to give participants the opportunity to experience and contribute to sustainable ongoing local projects throughout the world.

Year Founded

2001