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:
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:
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!
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!
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.
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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