Description

Volunteers for International Partnership works with a large number of NGOs on development programs in Guatemala. There are many organizations working in areas where the literacy rate is low, such as in rural highlands and in some Mayan populations. Providing education to this sector of Guatemalan society will help them achieve their dreams for a better future.

Semillas De Ayuda:
Seeds of Help is a local organization located in Chiantla, Huehuetenango (1.5 hours from the Mexican border). Their aim is to support rural communities in Chiantla and neighboring communities through training, education, and low cost materials for their intergral development. They have different projects such as : nutrition, illiteracy, working with youth groups, organic gardening, appropriate technology, health.

Women's Office at the Municipality of Pachalum:
The municipality of Pachalum (Quiché), through the 'oficina de la mujer', implements different projects to improve living conditions of women in Pachalum and neighboring villages. Projects they are implementing are:

* Training workshops on handicrafts, clothing, cooking, nutrition, ceramics, etc.
* Business training
* Presentations and forums on home violence, leadership, women's rights, and citizen participation
* Health journeys, medical consultations, health talks, and community diagnosis on women's conditions
* Center for handicapped children.

Highlights

In Guatemala it is possible to live in a modern environment yet experience the magic and enchantment of a legendary past. By volunteering in Guatemala you can experience the warmth and hospitality of its people, the richness of its culture and the contrast of its development. Immerse yourself in the culture by living with a host family as a welcome family member. And, study Spanish in one-to-one classes before beginning your volunteer service.

Qualifications

While specialized training is not usually required for VIP, we look for many qualities that make a successful volunteer. These include maturity, flexibility, common sense, enthusiasm, reliability, and sensitivity.

Your host community will benefit most from your sincere commitment and open-minded curiosity about local culture and individual lives.

At your host project, your success will depend on teamwork, creative problem solving, patience and openness to other points of view. Your co-workers will expect you to be a dependable, resourceful, motivated contributor who works well with others.

Languages

• Spanish

Cost in US$:

Varies depending upon program

Program Fees Include:

* Accommodations with a host family
* Language training: 80 hours of individual Spanish classes in Antigua (colonial city) or Coban/Tactic (north of the country)
* Participation in cultural activities
* On call support throughout the service
* Coordination with the host country organization of volunteer service
* Transportation to language school and volunteer project site
* Optional visits to archeological and colonial sites (additional cost)
* Orientation to volunteer work
* Welcome at airport

Salary/Pay

No salary or stipend. Program fees vary.

Experience Required

no

Volunteer Types

Age Range

18 for most volunteers, 19 if a US citizen

This Program is open to

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

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Phone/Video Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records
• Resume
• Written Application

Post Services Include

• Alumni Network

Volunteers for International Partnership's Mission Statement

Volunteers for International Partnership offers each international volunteer an opportunity to learn a culture from the inside while doing valuable community service, peer to peer, in a stimulating new environment. VIP is committed to: *Careful selection and preparation of the volunteer, host family and Host Organization. *Emphasis on the education and self-awareness gained through international community service and volunteering. *Planning the volunteer's intercultural experience to highlight enrichment from cultural differences. *Full immersion in the host culture through orientation, language training, worksite and housing selection. *Individualization of volunteer placement design to take full advantage of volunteer differences in skill, age, experience and diversity. *Effective evaluation of the experience and the Host Organization. *Strong efforts to enhance the volunteer's social adjustment to regional habits and customs. *Choosing volunteer service projects that are worthwhile, safe, meet the needs of the local community and are conducted responsibly with regard to environmental, social and local issues.