Guyana
Favourited 120 times
Hi There,
Danielle and I (Menakshi) have recently started an non-profit organization to to create sustainable growth in Queenstown Village, Guyana - the village I grew up in. We believe that in order to create sustainable growth many areas of community involvement are needed. Our organization intends to build off of already existing infrastructure such as community centers and schools to provide education to youths and adults. It is also our hope to also improve the living standards in the village by creating sustainable economic opportunities. This would include agricultural diversification, job training and apprenticeships, and waste resource infrastructure.
If you're looking to make a difference on your trip while having loads of fun then this would be a great fit for you. We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life and with all sorts of skills. Our first project is to build a playground for the village from salvaged materials while simultaneously providing after school classes and recreational sports. Those classes will include but are not limited to; science and technology (like building volcanoes?), world issues, environmental studies, computers and art. We would like the learning experience to be fun for both the children and teachers. We are also open to suggestions - have a skill and think that it would benefit the children or adults of Queenstown? Let us know!
Gardening
Building
Elderly Companion
Cooking / shopping
General Maintenance
Farmstay
Helping with Tourists
Charity work
Art project
Other
Help with Computers / internet
Teaching
Guyana is a unique country in South America. It is the only English speaking country on the continent, and its population is made up of Indian, African, Aboriginal and Chinese heritage, making it a very multicultural country. Guyana has had very few tourists and is relatively unknown in the world. Volunteers will have the opportunity to have a big impact and truly authentic experience. Additionally, Guyana has 80% untouched rainforest as well as one of the largest single drop waterfalls, so there are lots of opportunities for trekking.
Volunteers may initially be helping to build a recycled and salvaged playground at the existing community center. Volunteers will also be providing after-hours educational programs for children aged 5-16 teaching any of the following as suited: environmental studies, arts, computer literacy, science & technology, and world issues, and sports. Volunteers may choose their preferred age group and topic.
We would also like to welcome volunteers that would like to lead yoga and meditation classes for both locals and fellow volunteers.
English, French
Accommodations will be a shared 4 bed dorm room in my (Menakshi's) comfortable family home in the village. More rooms could be added depending on volunteers. Tow delicious Guyanese home-cooked meals will be provided. This will be a common meal. If you have diet restriction, we will try our best to accommodate you however be prepared that you may have to make your own meal. The kitchen will be available to you.
Our home is in a small rural coastal village with a population of approximately 3000 people in the area. The village has a few local bars, restaurants and shopping areas, and is surrounded by rice paddies and rain forest with a lake nearby. There is also an indigenous people's reserve nearby which is reachable by a quick boat ride on the lake.
After arriving at the airport volunteers will need to take a taxi ride to the docks in Parika. From there they will take a boat ride over to Essequibo coast and then a taxi ride to Queenstown village. Rides can be arranged.
As per getting around the village and neighboring places, one may bike or take a taxi or mini bus which are easy to come by.
There will be lots of free time so we will be more than willing to organize trips to go the lakes, resorts, markets, and sights.
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
More than two
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week
