Supporter at Community Development Center

Many people in Guatemala suffer from poverty. Whole amilies often live in small, fragile huts and parents often can not provide enough food for their children. In addition to sufficient food, there is a lack of adequate accommodation, education and perspectives.

Private organizations have been trying to counteract these problems and to improve the situation in Guatemala bit by bit. Also your help as a volunteer is needed here. Because many NGOs are purely based on the support of volunteers or rely on the help of third parties. Get involved and contribute to improving the living conditions of the Guatemalan population.

The volunteer project was set up in 1991 with the aim of helping people in need, especially children, women and young families in Guatemala. It is a community development center on the outskirts of Antigua. In this there is a school, a hospital, offices and an event room. In the infirmary, families receive free medical care and psychological care by medical professionals. The event room serves for internal meetings as well as community events, both for entertainment, as well as for discussing and planning development work in the community.

As a volunteer, you will support the work of a community development center on the outskirts of Antigua. The program has grown a considerably over the last 20 years, and is currently a fully operative organization with a wide range of services and activities.

There are many different areas where volunteers can help, such as education/teaching, building and construction, health, technical support, or family development/community work. The exact area where you will help will depend on various factors, such as previous experience and knowledge of Spanish. You can discuss your personal interests with the onsite volunteer coordinator. 

The tasks will vary from area to area. For example, when assisting with construction, you will help improve buildings and houses within the community. Those volunteering in the area of education will teach English and assist teachers in the classroom. Volunteers that engage with community development will work within the community to make it a better place. Health care volunteers will work in the hospital.

Note: The tasks may vary. They depend on factors such as number of volunteers, season, current needs of the project, as well as self-motivation. Not every volunteer may be fully involved in all these tasks.

In your spare time, there are many different activities to choose from, such as visiting historic sights and museums around the city of Antigua. This wonderful colonial city is a real gem and offers plenty of touristic activities. Many volunteers also go to local bars and restaurants to socialize with friends. On the weekends you can take day excursions to get to know the amazing surroundings.

Among the most interesting things to do:

1. City tour Antigua
2. Handicraft markets from indigenous people
3. Lake Atitlan
4. Archeological sites (e.g. Park of Copan)
5. Nature and Volcano
6. Thermal baths of Kawilal
7. Tradicional market of Chichicastenango
8. Visit to museums of indigenous cultures like the Maya
9. Bird watching tours
10. Outdoor sports like climbing, hiking, Canopy, biking, 4x4 tours, etc.
11. Visits to Chocolate and Coffe productions sites
12. Tikal, the biggest Maya ruins (weekend trip, at least 3 days)