Volunteer: Human Rights Project in Guatemala

Duration: Minimum 2 weeks commitment

Start Dates: We accept applications all year round. Start dates are customizable to suit your requirements.;

Cost: 450 GBP regardless of length

Fee Includes: pre-departure + in-country support, orientation and all project related activities

Does not Include: food, accommodation, flights, airport pickup, travel insurance, personal spending, visas and vaccinations

Please note: This opportunity is designed to give you the contacts and experience to help further your career. You are not replacing any member of staff, but helping alongside them, whilst learning new skills.

Benefits

• Volunteer with a local grass-roots charity providing education and support for those who face social exclusion and a lack of access to justice
• Work alongside local professionals in the fields and gain contacts and and experience to further your human rights career.
• Flexible placement, tailored according to your interests and abilities.
• Immerse yourself in local life with optional home-stays. Other accommodation options also available.
• Receive dedicated support with our teams based in both the UK and Guatemala.
• Discover optional excursions to volcanoes, waterfalls and colourful colonial towns.
• Learn Spanish with 25 x pre-departure lessons included* (see Costs section)
• Affordable volunteering. One set fee with no hidden costs.
• Volunteer at any time of the year, with flexibility over length of stay.

In this project you will assist vulnerable and discriminated sections of society in Guatemala. Work with local grass-roots organisations committed towards establishing a more just and equal nation. Immerse yourself in local life with 25 x pre-departure Spanish lessons included.

Known as the Land of Eternal Spring , Guatemala has unparalleled natural and cultural beauty. Yet, it also has a history of human rights violations and social exclusion, stemming from a 36-year civil war which came to an end in 1996. During this time, human rights atrocities were carried out on a mass scale, including extrajudicial executions, illegal detentions and forced displacement. 83% of the victims were from the Maya indigenous population.

Today, indigenous communities continue to face social exclusion and a lack of access to justice, particularly in areas of land ownership and provision of basic services. Placements are available with non-government organisations and charities which document abuses, educate the international community and promote policies that spread justice. Other organisations work directly with human rights abuse victims to help them re-build their lives.

There are also opportunities to work in protecting and promoting women s rights. Gender-based violence in Guatemala is endemic. This is made worse by a deeply rooted patriarchal society and machismo culture, which places the blame on the victim. There is little state intervention as domestic violence is largely dismissed as a private matter. Volunteer in projects which range from protecting abuse victims to violence prevention through education.

On arrival in Guatemala we will hold a welcome induction in the city of Quetzaltenango, where you will be staying. This is a chance for you to meet our staff and get to know your neighbourhood. If you have chosen a home-stay option, we will ensure you are well settled in with your host family.

The next day we will introduce you to your host organisation and its staff, who will explain the ins- and outs of its operations. Whether it is in advocacy, report-writing or organisational development, you will be giving your time and skills in exchange for the experience of working with organisations on the frontline of human rights protection.

The placements are generally Monday to Friday, with flexibility to work full- or part-time. There may be ad-hoc requirements to volunteer on some weekends.

The host organisation will work around your schedule and provide free time, where possible, if you would like to do extracurricular activities or travel excursions. Quetzaltenango is renowned for the quality of its Spanish tutors and if you would like to learn, we can help incorporate Spanish lessons into your daily routine.

This hands-on experience will allow you to learn so much about Guatemalan culture and life from locals itself.

Please note: all information above is subject to change. Please check the most up to date information on the Global Nomadic website when applying.