Volunteer to Teach After School Classes and Sustainable Development Programs in a Q'eqchi Village, Guatemala

Infos

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  Description

  Our project supports residents of El Valle del Polochic–Guatemala. The Polochic Valley is one of the most disadvantaged areas in Guatemala, where education is still a privilege only a few can afford. Most rural communities in the region are affected by low income, high levels of poverty, and low access to basic service such as health, electricity, and water. Since 2009 we have been working to promote sustainable development in indigenous Maya communities through innovative solutions with the aim to improve education and livelihoods of local inhabitants.
  
  Currently our projects primarily serve one Maya Q’eqchi speaking community, Nueva Mercedes, with a total population of 600 people, focusing on following key activities:
  
  1) Support teachers at the primary school in the community of Nueva Mercedes
  
  2) Organize extracurricular activities such as computer classes, arts, crafts, mind-training games, and sports for children at our IT Center
  
  3) Scholarship Program to provide support for students in secondary and high school
  
  4) Family Projects: kitchen gardens, teaching planting/harvesting techniques, providing technical agricultural support
  
  Joining our team in the field is a fantastic opportunity for anyone with an interest in international development, education, or IT/computer programming; enjoys working in a rural environment; has excellent intercultural communication skills; and who wants to see the impact they are making in the daily lives of individuals.

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  Types d'aide et opportunités d'apprendre

  Pratique d’une langue

  Aide avec des éco-projets

  Enseignement

  Jardinage

  Aide informatique/internet
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  Objectifs de développement durable de l’ONU que cet hôte essaie d'atteindre

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  Qu'est-ce que c'est ?
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  Echange culturel et opportunités d'apprendre

  A unique opportunity to gain work experience in a cross-cultural environment and to work with indigenous Q'eqchi Mayan families in the heart of Guatemala 
  
  Ability to improve your language skills through complete immersion  
  
  Ability to learn about forward thinking development projects and take an active role in planning and implementing them 
  
  A recommendation letter upon successful completion of the assignment 

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  Aide

  REQUESTED SKILLS:
  
  Ability to engage for 3-6 months’ period in the field
  
  Fluency in Spanish and English – both written and spoken
  
  A minimum of an undergraduate degree in pedagogical studies, international development, international relations, computer science or equivalent; Master’s degree and/or knowledge in alternative pedagogies such as Stainer School or Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppressed are advantages.
  
  Ability to work collaboratively as a part of a multicultural team, but also take responsibility and initiatives independently
  
  "Doer" attitude, eager to fulfill goals in a result-based management
  
  Ability to be flexible and adapt to the challenges of living in a rural environment and a tropical climate 
  
  Ability to work collaboratively in an international, multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and team, utilizing strong intercultural communication skills 
  
  Experience working in rural areas in developing countries (preferred)
  
  Experience working with indigenous communities, development of community-based education in rural areas, knowledge and creativity to apply pedagogical games to support education are highly desired  (preferred)
  
  YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
  
  Running activities of the local projects on a daily basis
  
  Taking initiatives to design educational programs and activities based on your personal skills, experience, or interests
  
  Assisting teachers at the local school
  
  Writing blog and social media posts to share your experience and promote our projects online
  
  Developing a trustful relationship with the community
  
  Reporting periodically to other team members
  
  Other opportunities exist to support the managerial aspects of the organization if volunteers are interested in developing those skills as well (e.g. fundraising, monitoring & evaluation, report writing)

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  Langues parlées

  Anglais: Courant
  Espagnol: Courant

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  Hébergement

  We offer accommodation at a newly renovated Volunteer Lodge free of charge. The lodge includes free internet connection. Food is purchased and meals are cooked together with other volunteers. Local (project related) transportation expenses are also provided.

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  Autres infos...

  The Polochic Valley is 6 hours north of Guatemala City, 5 hours south of Tikal, 4 hours east of Coban, and 2.5 hours west of the Caribbean Sea. This truly is a remote area of Guatemala and the primary villages we work from have limited resources to offer things to do in your down time.
  
  There is no cost for volunteers to work on our projects, however, volunteers must pay for airfare to/from Guatemala City on their own. Once you arrive accommodation, local (project related) transportation, and a meal stipend will be provided.

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  Informations complémentaires

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    Accès Internet

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    Accès Internet limité

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    Nous avons des animaux

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    Nous sommes fumeurs

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    Familles bienvenues

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  Combien de volontaires pouvez-vous accueillir ?

  Plus de 2

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  Nombre d'heures attendues

  Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

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