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2019
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Environmental Conservation Supporter
Coordinator | Nicole
Coordinator | Nicole
Play an important role in protecting the natural environment for a sustainable future through knowledgable and enthusiastic work
This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups
50+
The program
This program plays a critical role in a country where the precious natural resources are deteriorating. Due to the extreme poverty of the population in the Mayan highlands where this program is based, people have concentrated on simply surviving. The natural environment has suffered from unsustainable farming practices, climate change, alleged corruption and the exploitation of natural resources. This program aims to preserve the natural environment through a series of projects that raise awareness of the issues within local indigenous populations, teach sustainable farming methods, help to showcase the natural splendour by creating trails and eco-tourism initiatives to bring in new income streams and employment to the region and teach locals eco-friendly practices. Volunteers are essential to this project, proving an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and skilled workforce to pass their knowledge on to an impoverished population who need to protect their natural environment for a sustainable future.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide free environmental protection programs to locals in a region under threat
- Improve the long-term sustainability of impoverished indigenous communities
- Improve the future prospects by teaching sustainable practices and eco-friendly practices
- Help to create an eco-tourism market, thus promoting and protecting the area for future generations and creating an income stream to the impoverished area
How you can help
Volunteers are the life-force of this program. With the help of international volunteers, the principles and practices of environmental protection can be brought to these marginalised communities, teaching them the importance of protecting their natural heritage. This program is suitable for volunteers who like the outdoors, are enthusiastic and don’t mind getting their hands dirty. Volunteers with a passion for wild flora and fauna and wholeheartedly believe in eco sustainability will be fabulous mentors and teachers. Participants must be physically fit and enjoy being outdoors, as there is a real element of ‘roughing it’ on this amazing project. This program is open to non-Spanish speakers, although a minimum of beginner lever knowledge is advised. Language skill levels should improve as volunteers immerse themselves in this important project, liaising with program staff and the local community. This program also plays a part in increasing cross-cultural understanding, with volunteers and locals learning much about the world and different cultures through their interaction.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways and in general can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Make projects out recycled materials
- Help devise ecological solutions for resource management
- Help to build and maintain trails and work in organic gardens
- Help catalogue plant species
- Promote eco-tourism and present workshops regarding eco-friendly practices to locals
Typical day
A volunteer’s work day on this project will generally last between 4 and 6 hours and while we ask all volunteers to be flexible in this regard, a typical daily schedule is likely to go something like this:
7:00am Breakfast with host family
8:00am Walk or bus to project site
8:30am Pre-start meeting with project supervisor
9:00am VOLUNTEERING DUTIES
A tea break and lunch break will be fitted in during the day, but often the timing of breaks will change based on the needs of the local staff and number of volunteers on hand.
1:00pm VOLUNTEERING DUTIES
4:00pm Debrief with project supervisor
4:30pm Walk or bus back to home stay
6:00pm Dinner with host family
Evenings Free time to relax or explore the sights and sounds of this beautiful region!
Free-time activities
Antigua Guatemala is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque influenced architecture as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. Antigua Guatemala means "Ancient Guatemala" and was the third capital of Guatemala. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Antigua is a growing tourist destination in Guatemala as it is close to Guatemala City but is much calmer and safer, with more tourist oriented activities. Central Park (Parque Central) is the heart of the city and is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike. It is also possible to take buses from Antigua to many parts of Guatemala, many travel agencies offer shuttles to the main touristic places: Monterrico beach, Atitlan Lake, Coban, Lanquin (Semuc Champey), Tikal or even Copan in Honduras.
Swimming
Hiking
Sports
Requirements
In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
You need to speak English (basic level)
Emergency Contact
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
The project is open to all and does not require participants to have specific education, qualifications or experience, as you will be shown everything you need to know by your local project leader. Importantly though, all applicants must first and foremost have a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude.
Your helping hand will be required on
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
from
09:00
- 13:00
What's Included
- Dedicated pre-departure support
- Exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner!
- Airport pick-up on arrival
- Orientation & full safety briefing on arrival
- Accommodation
- Food & Meals (as specified below)
- 24/7 local support network
- Project placement & onsite supervision
- Lifetime LV Alumni Membership
- The opportunity to make a REAL difference!
- Certificate of Completion (on request)
- Registration Fee included
Upon your arrival in Guatemala, you will collected at the airport (or bus station) by a member of the local project team and taken to your accommodation. Here you will be welcomed by your host family and settled into your new surroundings.
On Monday morning you will be collected and taken to the local team offices where you will receive a full project and safety orientation. A representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have. You will then be taken to your projects site where you will be introduced to the onsite project team, ready to start work. Easy!
Volunteers in Guatemala will stay with a local Guatemalan family which is a great way to be immersed in the culture. All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have experience hosting international volunteers. The home-stays are in safe neighborhoods, and are within a 15 to 25-minute walk or 5 to 10-minute bus ride from the project sites. All families have been fully vetted by our local team and have extensive experience hosting international volunteers. Depending on the time of year it may be necessary to share a room with other volunteers, but private rooms are often available upon request (additional fees may apply). Volunteers will be provided access to a shared bathroom. Host families are often happy to wash clothes for volunteers for a small fee to cover the additional electricity, though mostly volunteers will use a local laundromat. Wifi is available at most host family houses, however we ask volunteers to remember access to this service is a privilege and may be limited at times. A multitude of internet cafes are available throughout Antigua.
Guest Family
Breakfast and dinner will be provided throughout the placement, including weekends. Guatemalan food typically centers on the key ingredients of corn, chillies and beans. A traditional dish is tamale which consists of a starchy corn-based dough wrapped in a leaf and steamed. The sweets made in Guatemala are well known, containing condensed milk, nuts, fruit and honey, they are considered a delicacy. Volunteers in Guatemala have the opportunity to savor these and other delights in the homes of ordinary local people famed for their friendly dispositions.
Limited access at the project site
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees.
The nearest airport is La Aurora International Airport (GUA) in Guatemala City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Guatemala.
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Guatemala provides security and is a plus to have.
If you are intending to volunteer in Guatemala you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Guatemala.
Dates & Fees
NO CREDIT CARD FEES
Details on arrival
This project is available year-round and programs start every SUNDAY. Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
2 - 12 weeks
Program fees
2 weeks
(min. stay)
$ 1,182
4 weeks
$ 1,412
5 weeks
$ 1,573
6 weeks
$ 1,723
7 weeks
$ 1,872
8 weeks
$ 2,022
9 weeks
$ 2,160
10 weeks
$ 2,298
11 weeks
$ 2,413
12 weeks
(max. stay)
$ 2,516
Average fees
$ 400
/week
Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated and subject to exchange rate fluctuations.
Love Volunteers
will let you know about the final price during your application process.
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Your final payment will be agreed with Love Volunteers during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.
Why book with Volunteer World
Volunteer World is the world's leading comparison platform for international volunteer opportunities. We guide you through a safe and easy
application process
- including all necessary payments. Planning your next meaningful trip with Volunteer World gives you free access to our:
Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Love Volunteers cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Love Volunteers.
What are people saying about Volunteer World?
Environmental Conservation Supporter
Play an important role in protecting the natural environment for a sustainable future through knowledgable and enthusiastic work
$400/week
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