Opportunities in Antigua, Guatemala

1. Obras Sociales Hermano Pedro-(Hermano Pedro is a hospital)-Volunteers would be helping with mentally handicapped children, spending time with children of all ages.
REQUIREMENTS-minimal Spanish comprehension and a positive attitude. Fill out an application at the hospital and bring a passport sized photograph with you.

2. Guarderia Infantil(a day care center for single parent families)-Volunteers help with bathing, feeding, and playing with the children. REQUIREMENTS-knowledge of Spanish an advantage, but not required.

3. Escuela Nino Obrero(a place to help working children from 2-15 years old)-Volunteers can work as teacher's assistants, teach English, help in the library.
REQUIREMENTS-Intermediate level of Spanish, commitment of one month.

4. El Santuario de los Animales (Animal's Sanctuary)-Provides medical care and temporary housing for stray animal while looking for homes for them. Animals always need walking, feeding, washing and love. REQUIREMENTS-some knowledge of Spanish and love of animals.

5. AIDS Hospice(Located in San Lucas, between Antigua and Guatemala City)-Help care for the terminally ill in one of the only AIDS Hospices in Guatemala. REQUIREMNETS-Spanish helpful, but not essential. This kind of work is demanding and as such, volunteers should be fully aware of what is involved.

6. Familias de Esperanza-The Godchild Project -Familias de Esperanza is headqueartered in Minneapolis, MN and operates a field office just outside Of Antigua, providing health care, education, social work, women’s groups, literacy programs, tutoring and housing to people from indigenous villages surrounding the compound.
REQUIREMENTS-Long term commitment and a good knowledge of Spanish.

7. Transitions-A non-profit Guatemalan Disabilities Organization committed to serving disabled person’s needs: rehabilitative, mobility, educational, social, and vocational.
REQUIREMENTS: At least intermediate Spanish.

8. The God’s Child Project-Supports and educated needy children in a variety of different areas-school, medical clinic, Godchild project, etc.
REQUIREMENTS: Usually require a 3 month commitment and good level of Spanish.

9. Colegio Colonial Bilingue-Bilingual preschool and primary school-teachers and students are a mixture of Guatemalans and other nationalities. Teacher’s aids needed periodically.
REQUIREMENTS: Some teaching experience, or at least experience with children. Minimum 3 month time commitment.

Volunteer Opportunities in Quetzaltenango

PART TIME VOLUNTEER WORK
(For Casa Xelaju´s students)

Hospital Rodolfo Robles

· Recreational activities, on Wednesday mornings.
· To teach handicrafts to them during the morning.
· Classes on nutrition and first aid during the morning.
· Information on familiar planning, during the morning.
· Information on the diseases of sexual transmission, during the morning.
· Exchange of Spanish with the patients, two hours during afternoon.

Habitat para la humanidad

The jobs are available in the mornings or afternoons. Construction of houses in the city of Quetzaltenango and San Juan.

Mayalan

· The jobs are available in the mornings or afternoons
· Making signs for presentation of activities.
· Constructing racks in the kitchen.
· Helping with the planning staging of a benefit.
· Improving the home page of the organization.
· Other possibilities that may appear.

Proyecto la Pedrera

The office is open form Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in Casa Xelajú, or in the Community from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.

· Tutoring in English, Math, Spanish grammar.
· Program of motor development.
· Program of recreational activities inside and outside the organization.
· To teach to them to make handicrafts.
· Update of the home page.
· Support with the work of office, correspondence, translation, and publicity of planned events.

Asociación Chico Méndez

· Work in forest replenishment in Cantel.

La Casa del Bosque

· Projects for 2003 include organic agriculture, planting trees in mountains around Xela and other programs.

Salud de Tierra Colorada

· Educative Health Proyect for women and children.

FULL TIME POSITIONS

*START-UP COORDINATOR FOR ANIMAL REFUGE

In the City Zoo of Quetzaltenango, In Centro Veterinario Alina with Dr. Ricardo Figueroa, and Arcas (Animal Refuge) in Peten.
Requirements: 2 months minimum, with at least 1 year of college or related skill.
To Apply: Send resume, detailed project proposal (consult other animal shelter organizations in the US to find information on minimal needs to develop a shelter) and two letters of recommendation via email or by fax to Spanish Abroad and we will forward this to the school for you.

Who Should Apply:

*advanced-intermediate level of Spanish preferred
*strong organizational abilities
*ability to work independently in a low-structure environment
*experience working with animals in a shelter, veterinary or farm setting
*ability to work with people of different backgrounds and cultures
*excellent communication skills in Spanish and English
*fundraising experience (not required)
*computer literate (Microsoft Word and Internet)
*anyone who loves animals of all kinds!
Position Description:

Interns and volunteers will work with a local veterinarian to develop one of three new projects which have been his dream for years. These projects are:

1) Developing the first animal refuge in Xela

Planning

Developing a business model for the refuge (a viable, marketable plan); creating the policies, management system, and organizational structure of the refuge in a self-sustainable format, along with a program for animal adoption, animal care, discounted spaying and neutering of all animals, etc.

Create a written presentation on the project and submit to various international organizations (Dr. Ricardo is already working on one which interns and volunteers would finish)

Fundraising

Searching for funding, donations in your home country before you leave to come to Guatemala (from veterinary clinics, private donors, and organizations concerned with the environment or humane treatment of animals)

Searching for funding/ fundraising through benefit dinners, grants while in Guatemala

Marketing

Create a marketing strategy and propaganda (posters/flyers, radio, newspapers, TV)

Working to raise international awareness of the problem and potential solutions

Working to raise local knowledge about the shelter and its goals, the importance of spaying or neutering pets, and classes on pet care and health)

Implementation

Facilitate the renting of space for the Refuge and the design of areas for various animals

Facilitating an "adopt a street dog/cat" program, etc.

Helping to find a location and staff for the refuge on a limited budget

Providing care for refuge animals, including assisting the vet in their medical care (no knowledge necessary), feeding, cleaning, providing a lot of love and care, keeping their living space habitable and comfortable, etc.

Note: The Refuge will be equipped to handle as many types of animals as possible, from abandoned dogs who have been living on the street to wounded reptiles, birds, etc. Many animals lose their habitat in the surrounding mountain forests when forest fires rage during the dry season. Workers will concentrate a part of their efforts on environmental issues.

2) Working towards a new schema of animal control in Guatemala, starting with the city of Xela

Lobbying for changes in local government policy (right now the government pays for the systematic massacre of all stray dogs and cats every year to prevent the spread of disease. 200 were recently killed in Xela. A spaying and neutering program is humane and more cost effective in the long run)

Educating the public of the cost savings of spaying and neutering over systematic mass murder of strays

Educating the local populace on the cost savings (in vet's bills, etc.) and responsibility to spay and neuter their own animals. Building strategic relationships with local leaders Searching for funding to implement the new project/ fundraising efforts

Working to raise international awareness of the problem and potential solutions

Implementing the new project in conjunction with local vets

3) Partnering with the local Xela zoo to assist in relieving its current economic crisis and to ensure the humane treatment of animals now and in the future

Fundraising/searching for funding (right now loss of government funding means the animals

are not receiving enough medical attention, food, sanitation, etc.)

Working to change immediate conditions for zoo animals through fundraising, "adopt an animal" program, grants, educational tours, and other means.

Working to change government policies where they result in the mistreatment of animals (writing and presenting proposals to the Municipality, etc.)

Building strategic relationships with local leaders

Finding ways the Refuge and zoo can collaborate in times of need and implementing such a program

Working to raise international awareness of the problem and potential solutions

Developing a program for community awareness to prevent future economic crisis resulting in mistreated animals. This includes educating the populace (in schools, community centers, through group fieldtrips to the zoo with an educated tour guide, etc.)

Helping to develop a program at the zoo that focuses on education for the public on the conservation of natural environments, the importance of assisting endangered species, breeding programs, any other topics to be determined.

After the Refuge planning and implementation stages are complete, interns and volunteers will be recruited to work on the zoology and humane animal control projects. Intern and volunteers who begin with the Refuge project will work in a variety of areas which may include some elements from the two future projects.

*START-UP COORDINATOR FOR RURAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

Requirements: 2 months minimum, with at least 1 year of college, strong references.
To Apply: Send resume, detailed project proposal and two letters of recommendation via email or by fax to Spanish Abroad.

Who Should Apply:

*intermediate level of Spanish or higher
*strong organizational abilities
*ability to work independently in a low-structure environment
*past experience in rural travel in Latin America a bonus
*ability to work with people of different backgrounds and cultures
*a background in health preferred, but not necessary
*excellent communication skills in Spanish and English
*computer literate (Microsoft Word and Internet)
*people with strong interest in rural health and sustainable development

Position Description: The Project Start-up Coordinator will be responsible for developing and implementing, with the local rural community health commitee, a program to find potential surgery candidates and spreading awareness of this program in the Quetzaltenango region. There are three main aspects to this position. First, the Coordinator would be responsible for traveling to local pueblos and meeting with community groups, local government, individuals, schools, etc., and when there are none of these groups available, organize a local community health commitee to find groups to send to the hospital in Antigua. This includes developing basic profiles on each candidate, arranging transport, accompanying each group to and from Antigua, making arrangements with the hospital for appointments and surgery dates, and working independently and with the social services division of the hospital to arrange for transport, housing, and food costs for each patient. The Coordinator will have the opportunity to spend a large amount of their time in the rural indigenous communities of Quetzaltenango, as well as work almost completely in Spanish.

Second, the Coordinator will be responsible for carrying out fundraisers and searching for funds to help support the costs for transport, room, and board of each person who travels to Antigua for surgery. While the social service division offers a number of rooms in Antigua for free, as well as support for transportation and food, we feel it is important to do what we can to help cover the costs, and therefore give opportunities to more in need. Fundraising would be done locally as well as internationally to reach a broader donation base. This will include expanding the Coordinator's program to the internet, and other means for reaching funding sources and sharing the benefits this program offers.

Third, the Coordinator will be responsible for developing a sustainable program that continues to inform the populace of this remarkable opportunity in the future. This could be attained in many ways. Some key aspects of this element include an extensive advertising program, local health seminars in schools and communities, coordinating activities and sharing knowledge with local social organizations and other groups, and going out and talking to community members. In addition, the Coordinator will be responsible for creating a comprehensive plan for future volunteers to follow and add to, including contacts, long-term goals, past accomplishments, number and names of patients who participated, and other useful information. The main goal is to create a program that not only helps those in need now, but also allows future candidates access to the knowledge and resources they need to obtain surgery at Hermano Pedro.

The position of Program Start-up Coordinator will be very challenging, but also incredibly rewarding! The Coordinator will have the chance to work mainly with the indigenous Maya in the Xela region, and forge lasting relationships with members of these communities. The chance to see automatic results is rare in development projects, where results often take months or years. The Coordinator will be seeing the results of their work daily. Seeing the smile of a child after they have had their cleft lip corrected will make this position a lasting and incredible experience for the person who fills this position!

*COMMUNITY HEALTH ADVOCATE
(one position available)

Requirements: 6 weeks minimum, with at least 1 year of college or related skill.

To Apply: Send resume, project proposal, and two letters of recommendation electronically or by fax to Spanish Abroad.

Who Should Apply:

If you are interested in furthering your international project development skills, learning about indigenous communities, researching health issues in Latin America, or gaining teaching experience and you have a foundation in health or medicine, you can teach health classes on a variety of subjects in a charter school in a rural community. You must be an intermediate Spanish speaker (or higher), have the creativity necessary to develop, maintain and expand projects.

Position Details: In this position you will work to educate children and adults on how to stay healthy, prevent worms, prevent tooth decay, etc., and collaborate with local leaders to develop solutions to community health problems. You will be working not only in the school, but will also be working with individual families throughout the community.

*RESEARCH OR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT WORKER
(two positions available)

To Apply: Send resume, detailed project proposal and two letters of recommendation via email or by fax to Spanish Abroad.

Who Should Apply:

If you have an extra amount of drive and ability to self-initiate, you are welcome to submit a proposal in the following two areas: A) to do specific research related to your higher-education studies or B) to work with a rural community or particular societal sub-set in the area of development. You will work under our regular structured program to accomplish your goals but will be responsible for more of the leg-work related to building relationships and opening doors towards the accomplishment of your goals. The staff supervisors at Casa Xelajú will help get you started, monitor your process and progress, and guide you during your planning and implementation stages.

*DAY CARE/EDUCATION
(two positions available)

Requirements: 2 months minimum, at least 1 year of college education, strong references.

To Apply: Send resume, detailed project proposal and two letters of recommendation electronically or by fax to Spanish Abroad.

Who Should Apply:

If you speak and understand Spanish at an advanced level and have the organizational skills and creativity necessary to develop, maintain and expand a fairly new day care/ educational program, we look forward to your application. Preferably, you should have some background in education, psychology, social work, or some experience working in a day care setting. We need someone with strong initiative who loves children of all ages.

Position Details:

You will help develop a sustainable early-education program at local Guarderías and temperary shelters, which aim to provide a growing environment for poor, mostly indigenous (Spanish-speaking) youngsters who, if no program were available, would be out in the city or fields working alongside their mothers. Most of the children's fathers are dead or have left their families. Children come to the program with many emotional needs and often with psychological trauma. Most are undernourished; sometimes severely. The program provides a snack twice a day for the children, plus lunch. You and your teammates will be responsible for the educational elements of the program. The children's current education level is minimal. At their various ages, basic reading, writing and math skills are the most commonly needed.

As resources are scarce, you will be responsible for creating two fundraising events during your Volunteering/Internship, which will aid in the purchase of necessary educational items for the children such as books, notebooks, crayons, pens, etc. You will be able to use the funds to accomplish the goals of your syllabus. Staff can aid you in planning such events. You may wish to complete this part of your internship before arriving in Guatemala, and bring the funds with you. In this case, staff will dialogue with you by e-mail about planning and implementation details. These events will also make known the needs of the Guardería, expanding the potential for future donations. Interns/volunteers are required to work 4 hours a day, five days per week with the program. This typically means working 3 to 4 hours on site and planning educational activities, instruction in the office for the remaining 1 to 2 hours. You have time off for lunch (you do not need to remain with the children for their lunchtime). The Guardería is a fifteen minutes bus ride and five minutes walk from the center of Quetzaltenango. The bus costs 75 Centavos each way, or about US $0.15. You must also complete a final report suitable for publication on Voces de Guatemala, the school's online magazine, by the end of your fifth week of internship. Interns who combine part of their work time with language study must work no less than 3 hours a day on site and stay a minimum of 6 weeks.

*JOURNALISM/EDITOR/ASSISTANT EDITOR

Requirements: 6 weeks minimum, at least 1 year of college education or related skill.

To Apply: Send resume, detailed project proposal and two letters of recommendation electronically or by fax to Spanish Abroad.

Who Should Apply:

If you speak or understand intermediate or advanced Spanish, have the ability to organize and develop recreational and educational projects for children, we await your application. Preferably, you have some experience in education, some knowledge about the political history of Guatemala, it’s ladino and indigenous cultures, good human relations skills, patience and personal initiative.

Details of the Position:

You will help develop and produce documentation about the Pedrera and Prasac II indigenous communities located 20 minutes from the city of Quetzaltenango. You will learn about the region’s indigenous culture, share their way of living, and have the opportunity to learn about their achievements and goals for the future. You will spend the majority of your time interacting with the members of these two communities and practicing your Spanish all day. These communities are organized and during the year, plan and execute many activities for the benefit of their inhabitants. However, they need additional economic and human resources to complete many of their educational and health projects. Documentation will be a source of credibility for their projects and will increase the confidence of national and international aid providers to these communities. You will receive the support of your coordinator and the communities project committees for the elaboration and development of your project.

*MEDICAL VOLUNTEER

Requirements: 6 weeks minimum, at least 1 year of college education, strong references.

To Apply:

Send resume, detailed project proposal and two letters of recommendation electronically or by fax to Spanish Abroad.

Who Should Apply:

If you speak and understand intermediate or advanced Spanish and have the ability to organize and health projects and campaigns in rural communities among organized groups, we await your application. Preferably, you have some work experience, have some knowledge of Guatemala’s ladino and indigenous cultures, good human relations skills and a high level of personal initiative.

Details of the Position

You will develop health projects in diverse organizations and clinics around Quetzaltenango and in other cities. You will learn about the region’s ladino and indigenous cultures, the diverse forms of natural medicine practiced in communities that do not have access the conventional medicine. You will have the opportunity to assist Guatemalan and foreign doctors that support rural health programs. And you will practice your Spanish all day long. In order to develop campaigns for oral hygiene, reproductive health etc, it will be necessary to bring with you needed materials perhaps through soliciting donations of medicines, toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap etc in your home country. You will receive the support of your coordinator, the health committees of the local communities and organization administrators for the elaboration and development of your project.

*SOCIAL WORK VOLUNTEER

Requirements: 8 weeks minimum, at least 1 year of college education, strong references.

To Apply:

Send resume, detailed project proposal and two letters of recommendation electronically or by fax to Spanish Abroad

Who Should Apply:

If you speak and understand intermediate or advanced Spanish and have the ability to develop educative and recreational projects with children and women who have suffered of intrafamiliar violence, we await your application. Preferably, you have some work experience with education, have some knowledge of Guatemala’s ladino and indigenous cultures, Political history of Guatemala, good human relations skills, patience, and a high level of personal initiative.

Details of the Position:

You will work with an organization who supports and gives shelter to families who suffer of domestic abuse, you will help to the children and the mothers with educative, recreational programs, and other programs that the organization assigns to you. You will receive the support of your coordinator, and organization administrators for the elaboration and development of your project.

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