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Residential Homes for the Poor
Guatemala Volunteer Placement
Options
- Full-time volunteer
- Internship
- Part-time volunteer
- Volunteer Only
This program was started in 2003. Working together with “Vivir en Guatemala”, a Dutch foundation, whose main goal is to obtain as many donations as possible to build houses in Guatemala. The construction is solely depending on donations at this moment. This organization builds basic, solid and safe houses for families living in poor conditions that urgently need new housing, in and around Antigua. In the near future, this project will be expanded throughout Guatemala. Two or three qualified, local construction workers along with their assistants build these houses, with help from a family member. The materials are bought at the site.
Volunteers will assist the construction worker. Sometimes this means carrying materials or mixing cement, preparing and laying blocks or whatever will be necessary; the activities are different every day. Volunteers need to be aware that the work can be hard, demanding and they will be outdoors most of the time (with the Guatemalan climate, either sunny or rainy); a flexible attitude is needed as the activities may differ from day to day. Volunteers will do the work they are able to do and if someone is not strong enough to perform certain duties, those will be done together with other people to make it a lighter job, or it will be left to other workers. It is very rewarding work, as you work together with the family who after having lived in very poor conditions before, will at last have a nice, solid, and safe house. The help of volunteers will mean moral support for the family and a special experience for every volunteer.
Work Schedule: 7:00 am -5:00 pm Thursday-Tuesday.
Location of Placements: In and around Antigua
Lodging: Homestay or Volunteer Lodging in Antigua.
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Minimum commitment: 4 weeks.
- Minimum Spanish level: High-Beginner
- Flexible, responsible and respectful volunteers required.
- Able to lift heavy loads and perform physical labor.
Important Things to Consider:
- Volunteers are responsible for bus fare to and from construction sites (around $1-3).
Other Comments:
The maximum number of participants that this organization accepts is 3.
(Note: We don't know if positions are available until you apply.)
Program Fees:
click here to return to Guatemala Summary page with program fees
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