Program Description
Aldeas de Paz has established a collaboration scheme with a local grassroot NGO. This NGO arose in 2003 with the objective of improving the living conditions of marginalized sectors in the state of Hidalgo, through participatory cultural and productive processes of education and development. The aim is to promote a change in social awareness to act for the common good based on human rights, local resources and sustainability. Aldeas de Paz is conducting several nature conservation activities on site and the local NGO is in charge of the follow-up. Volunteers will learn about social development and nature/ culture conservation. Joining us will definitely be a life changing experience for our volunteers!
About Aldeas de Paz programs in Mexico
Our Mexican programs are focused on socio-environmental conflicts management and transformation. Aldeas de Paz has partnered with local grass root NGOs that are committed to these tasks and that are helping us generate local change and impact. It is possible for any volunteer to divide its time on the different locations and programs. A two weeks minimum stay is required in any program. We encourage volunteers to take advantage of the different areas to visit in Mexico and we propose activities to do and places to see. Help us establish these programs and let’s start generating local changes in the different communities where we are working in Mexico. With Aldeas de Paz you can travel around Mexico and get to know new projects, people and challenges. This program is the first of its kind with Aldeas de Paz!
Volunteer placement, apprenticeship or internship
You can join this program as a volunteer, apprentice or intern. As a volunteer you are free to commit any number of hours per week. That's up to you! As an apprentice or intern however you probably have to fulfill requirements set by your school or university. Please inform us of your school or university internship requirements in advance so that we can work out your personalized work plan together. Also tell us about your personal expectations and goals. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during your placement.
Requirements
No previous experience or special skills are required. An environmental volunteer/intern needs to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge and has to have a desire to take initiative; friendliness, care, commitment and patience are among important qualities. Motivation and desire to learn about the community development field as well as passion for community work and grassroots development. We seek that the volunteer experience supports both a comprehensive experience for the person who participates and for all the members and beneficiaries of our community. Each volunteer will receive a personalized schedule according to his/her needs and availability of activities. A minimum time commitment of 4 hours/ 4 days a week is expected for all volunteers. We expect that volunteers adapt to program needs with flexibility, responsibility, commitment, patience, and perseverance, among other significant qualities. We do not require special training, just have a proactive attitude to learn new things. It is necessary for volunteers to meet certain requirements:
At least 18 years of age at the start point of the volunteering period.
It is possible to receive volunteers with little knowledge of Spanish, however some Spanish is of great help
Multimedia activities and documentation activities can be done without previous Spanish knowledge
Respect for the other and openness to discover new ways of life and cultural practices
A valid medical insurance throughout your stay is mandatory
Candidates will be interviewed through video call by the NGO staff
An ideal volunteer is proactive, result-focused but still patient and willing to engage in activities autonomously while still having our support and supervision
Special Offer
Volunteers and interns receive free language lessons throughout their placement duration. Classes focus on developing four basic communication skills: listening, comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Students are encouraged to speak Spanish right from the very first day, using it in typical real-life situations as soon as they step outside the classroom where learning continues as they are immersed in the Spanish language and Mexican culture.
