VIP has contacts with a large number of Guatemalan NGOs working in development programs and so they are able to accommodate a wide range of interests. Available host projects reflect changing needs and priorities and may vary from those described below. A brief description of sample organizations is provided for different areas of interest.

Education

There are many organizations working in areas where the literacy rate is low, such as in rural highlands and in some Mayan populations. Providing education to this sector of Guatemalan society will help them achieve their dreams for a better future.

SEMILLAS DE AYUDA (Seeds of Help) is a local organization located in Chiantla, Huehuetenango (1.5 hours from the Mexican border). Their aim is to support rural communities in Chiantla and neighboring communities through training, education, and low cost materials for their intergral development. They have different projects such as : nutrition, illiteracy, working with youth groups, organic gardening, appropriate technoligy, health.

Social and Welfare services

Organizations that cater to the most disadvantaged in society are always in need of volunteers. Placements are available in projects such as day-care centers for children of single mothers and respite centers for the disabled. Volunteers must be patient, caring and able to cope with difficult or distressing situations.

ADISA (Association for the Disabled in Santiago Atitlan) is located in the western part of Guatemala. They work in the following areas: vocational training, early stimulation, home visits (emotional support, working with parents, and teaching), and physiotherapy. Volunteers may work in one or several of these areas depending on their interests and skill levels.

Hogares Comunitarios (Community Homes) is a project run by the government of Guatemala in different parts of the country.    It is a day care center for very poor children whose parents have alcohol problems or are single parents.   On average, there are 12 children per project from infants to 6 years old.  The project is usually in the house of a family.   The mother with a helper is in charge of cleaning, cooking, educating and care of the children.   Children receive 2 meals per day, breakfast and lunch, and 2 snacks.

A teacher comes once a week to teach the children and to assess the volunteers on the

teaching program for the week. Even though there is a teacher once a week who comes to the project to teach the children and coordinate the program for the week, it is very important for volunteers to take initiative, to be creative and organize games for the children. (Note: not all the “Hogares Comunitarios” receive the visit from a teacher) Volunteers can also help with the chores of the house, such as: cleaning, cooking, bathing the children, etc.

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Environment

Guatemala is one of the region's most environmentally diverse countries, but many natural habitats are being destroyed by deforestation and desertification. Conservation projects have been established to slow down environmental degradation in protected areas, municipal nature reserves, and other areas where natural resources are particularly threatened (especially rainforests and cloud-forests).   The rapid environmental deterioration and depletion of Guatemala's natural resources is undermining its rich biodiversity and limiting its potential for economic development. Volunteers who are physically fit and enjoy the outdoors are needed to assist in many of these conservation projects.

ECOQUETZAL is a NGO based in the northern part of Guatemala working to conserve and protect the cloud forest while developing sustainable income sources for the local families through eco-tourism, and micro business projects. Activities for the volunteers might include marketing of local products, business management, reforestation, trail building and repair, organic agriculture, and conservation education.

ARCAS-Hawaii is an NGO located in the Hawaii Park in the southern coast of Guatemala. They work on the protection of wildlife and their habitats. They protect marine turtles, help reproduction of alligators and caimans, environmental education and protection of mangroves. Volunteers can assist in any of these programs.

Small Business

27% of the Guatemalan population lives in extreme poverty, especially in rural areas. Unemployment in these areas is high, particularly for women and youth. NGOs in this sector provide micro credits, training and business advice to small entrepreneurs to better manage their businesses.   Volunteers can bring a new perspective and knowledge to the beneficiaries of these programs.  

WOMEN'S COOPERATIVES These are cooperatives of indigenous women formed mainly by widows from the civil war. They use the traditional back strap lom to produce typical textiles. Volunteers can assist them with marketing strategies, advertisement, design, and business administration.

Health

Hospitalito/Health Post This is a health clinic located in Santiago Atitlan, in the southwest of Guatemala. This project is aimed to provide medical assistance to poor people who are unable to afford medical care. Volunteers with a medical background are particularly needed but non trained volunteers can assist an a range of daily duties. Volunteers can also be working with rural health posts from the Ministry of Health.

Other possible projects include: Agricultural cooperatives, Municipal development, Appropriate technology, Organic gardening and English teaching. Please talk to your local VIP representative about these options.