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Host rating
85 %
Last replied
26 Apr 2024
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Details
Description
Hello, we are Josué and Reyna and we have two lovely daughters (Helen, 4 and Sofia, 12), a dog (Bandida) and a cat (Mechones). We live in a house in the countryside near the beautiful valley of Quixaya - 20 minutes away from San Lucas, by Lake Atitlán.
We are constructing an insect farm using sustainable techniques and we need your help to build it! The farm is more than our primary source of income; its goal is to produce crickets as a sustainable source of protein for both human and livestock consumption, and to empower the local Mayan community by embracing ancestral practices and fostering self-sufficiency. Aquaculture is popular in the local area, so, once the farm is constructed and fully functioning, we plan to sell the product locally to feed the fish farms and then expand sales from there.
We have been working for the last two years to get the project off the ground by using environmentally-friendly building techniques (known as bioconstruction). We have already had the support of multiple volunteers but we are looking for further support to complete the construction of the incubation room, the insect farm as well as the processing centre. In addition, we also have a secondary project that we work on from time-to-time which involves the construction of a centre that ferments cacao to eventually produce healthy cacao snacks that can be sold around the lake.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Help with Eco Projects
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
General Maintenance
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will learn about bioconstruction techniques, growing insects and have the opportunity to visit the local aquaculture farms as well as learn about the local culture in Quixaya. We speak some English but if you have a base level of Spanish then this experience will allow you to practice and improve your language skills. Above all, you will have an authentic experience of living with a loving family who look after each other and the environment.
Projects involving children
This project could involve children. For more information see our guidelines and tips here.
Help
We need help with constructing a building where we will incubate, grow and process crickets to be sold as sustainable fish and animal feed. We are using bioconstruction techniques such as locally sourced wood and bamboo for the structural frames as well as cob/adobe and glass bottles for the walls. The structure is already in place so we mainly need support with building up the cob walls - prepare to get your hands dirty!
Hours will be Monday to Friday from 9am until 1pm.
Languages spoken
Spanish: Fluent
English: Beginner
Accommodation
Accommodation
We can currently offer a tent outdoors that is underneath a roof so you would be protected from the rain. We have a foam mat, blankets and pillows. If you have your own camping equipment this is also welcomed. We eventually plan to have a room for volunteers. You will have access to all communal spaces inside and outside the house. We enjoy living and sharing this space together and are very welcoming. Our daughters are very friendly and playful - you'll feel like part of the family in no time! There is no cost for accommodation.
Food
-We can prepare you food, 3 times por day. We just ask to participate with us at the price of the food.
-You can also buy and prepare your own food if you prefer. We have a fridge, stove and oven that you can use. There is a market in Quixaya and a few local shops but it might be worth bringing more specific items from San Lucas before you arrive.
-Reyna makes homemade ice lollies (mango, strawberry, nance) and often shares them around as a refreshing snack during the day. We also have many fruit trees so you can pick fresh mangoes with the girls!
Additional info
-We live in a sub-tropical region so it is warm and humid most days. During rainy season (May-Oct) it tends to be sunny and clear in the mornings and rain in the afternoons for a few hours.
-Remember to bring bug repellent, a hat and suncream as you will be working outdoors everyday. Gardening gloves are optional.
-We do not have Wi-Fi so ideally you would have a Guatemalan SIM card (Claro or Tigo) to connect to the internet.
-We have a sink (pilar) where you can wash your clothes by hand.
What else ...
During your time off you can swim in the natural pools down by the river (10Q), go for walks in the area and along the river, eat ice cream at a nearby dairy farm, play with the children, go to the local market in Quixaya with Reyna to help with the food shop or visit San Lucas or Santiago where there are bigger markets, restaurants and coffee shops. Most of all you can enjoy relaxing in nature, spending your days outdoors and living in a community that is disconnected from the touristy parts of Lake Atitlan and is off the beaten track.
Transport: take a bus from San Lucas to Quixaya (pronounced Kishaya) for 7Q then take a tuktuk for 2Q to La Casa de Josue, near the school. We can give you more specific transport instructions before you arrive :)
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
More than two
Hours expected
Maximum 3-4 hours a day, 5 days a week
