Connecting you to free and low fee Volunteer Abroad Opportunities

Loco in Motion in Guatemala

December 10, 2012 by Leave a Comment

“How many Guatemalans can fit on a bus?” A six-foot-two, blonde-haired guy asked me while we waited in line for the next bus to Guatemala City.

“Um… I don’t know, how many?” I shrugged my backpack-laden shoulders and played along.

“Just one more.”

“That’s cute,” I laughed.

“I’m serious,” he replied and pointed to the knot of people waiting as our bus came to an abrupt halt.

Line etiquette had yet to reach this part of the world and I was instantly shoved to the back as the crowd pressed forward to deposit their bags.

“Vamonos! Vamonos!” The driver and his luggage helper screamed at the top of their lungs and practically pulled us by our shirts to get on the bus.

Impressed with their efficiency, I stuck my head inside, hesitantly, and asked, “Es bus a Guatemala Ciudad?”

“Si, si. Vamonos!” He barked back and hurried me along.
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Filed Under: Articles, Guatemala

Buenas Cosas is not Free, sorry…

October 11, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Buenas Cosas thinks it can be done better

The majority of programs that charge for volunteer participation are camouflaged for-profit, marketing/sales machines. While this sort of approach has realized lots of good things, Buenas Cosas thinks it can be done better. We think it’s time for a new, more credible/direct/honest/efficient approach to sustainable development.

Yes, volunteers pay their travel expenses. In fact, some volunteers pay lots to get to Guatemala. Whatever the volunteer’s travel investment, it pales in comparison to what we’ve personally invested in Buenas Cosas. We have no issue putting our money, time and love into Buenas Cosas. We’re all working towards a better world and a better way of life. We all need to make sacrifices. We feel our volunteers should do the same.

But volunteers contribute their experience, skills and sweat. Why should they pay? Our volunteers pay because the positive energy and good work they provide is not enough to offset the costs associated with growing or maintaining a development program. We need our volunteers to pay something – even if it’s just a little.
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Filed Under: Articles, Guatemala Tagged With: , ,

Volunteer in Guatemala with Ak’ Tenamit

October 4, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Volunteer in Guatemala for free with Ak’ Tenamit

Ak’ Tenamit has been offering free volunteer in Guatemala opportunities since 1992! Ak’ Tenamit is an indigenous community development organization that promotes long-term solutions to poverty through education, health, income generation and cultural programs. The organization primarily works in the Rio Dulce area of eastern Guatemala.

The organization was founded by three foreign volunteers and Q’eqchi’ community leaders to improve education in the Rio Dulce region. At the time, there were only a handful of elementary schools in the region, few students completed 6th grade, teachers were poorly trained, and school buildings were dilapidated at best. Local volunteer brigades began to improve village elementary schools through teacher training and donating school supplies. They also began to build the project’s clinic.
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Filed Under: Community Development, Guatemala Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Volunteer in the Guatemalan Highlands

May 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

The Seeds of Knowledge School, is developing a program to educate
secondary students in alternative methods of farming. It has its own
organic farm situated in San Mateo Ixtatán, in the highlands of
Guatemala. The hope is to develop a demonstration site, not only for
secondary students, but also for the community at
large.  The primary focus is on sustainable farming practices with
staple crops and animals.  In addition, a reforestation project is in
progress. However, there is also much interest in addressing more
challenging issues that face San Mateo Ixtatán and the surrounding
area. These issues include waste management, water treatment, and
construction with natural and recycled materials. For these projects,
professionals are needed to assist in the planning and training.

Housing can be arranged for volunteers. Experience for certain
projects is necessary, but not always essential. A helpful hand on the
farm is always appreciated.  A minimum stay of two weeks is required
for participating.  Long term volunteers may be given priority.

Filed Under: Guatemala

Paid Grant Writer Position – Antigua Guatemala

January 21, 2011 by Leave a Comment

International development organization The GOD’S CHILD Project is seeking a long-term volunteer grant writer. This is a two-year position located in Antigua, Guatemala. The position includes a living stipend of approximately $400/ month. We are looking to fill the position in the next 1-2 months.

The GOD’S CHILD Project has offices in Bismarck and Minneapolis-St. Paul with main program operations in Guatemala. The grant writer will seek funding for new and existing programs including a legal aid program for victims of domestic violence, a solar energy project, two schools, medical and dental clinics, an infant malnutrition center, a women’s empowerment group and a local homeless shelter. She or he will research grant opportunities, write and submit grant proposals, and build relationships with current and potential funding sources (private foundations and corporations). Other work may include online fundraising campaign management and the creation of public relations and marketing materials in coordination with staff in Guatemala and the U.S.

The ideal candidate will have grant writing, fundraising, and/or nonprofit management experience. She or he must possess strong research, writing and editing skills and the ability to meet strict proposal guidelines and deadlines. Candidates with experience studying, volunteering, or working abroad are highly preferred. Spanish skills are a plus, but not necessary. (Antigua is a great place to learn Spanish, and The GOD’S CHILD Project will provide interested volunteers with a monthly stipend for lessons.)

More information on The GOD’S CHILD Project can be found at www.godschild.org . Candidates should send resume and cover letter to Rebecca at Rebecca.Mueller@anaguatemala.org .

Filed Under: Children, Community Development, Guatemala Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,
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