Maintenance of Historical Monuments in Morelia

  Mexico

• Pacific Coast: 
Morelia

Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: July 16 - August 4, 2008

Description: The institute for the youth development of the City of Morelia (IJUM) is a part of the local government which has been working with groups of international volunteers in the last 6 years. Together they have carried out many activities to promote the active participation of the local youngsters in the life of the communities. The groups of international volunteers have been involved in many activities with the youngsters of the city. In this project, the aim is to participate in activities related to children and the ancient Purepecha culture. Every summer, groups of children participate in many activities and workshops, coordinated and organized by the local government, such as sports, community projects, old traditions and cultures, etc.

The volunteers will be helping in the maintenance of historical monuments of Morelia city which is catalogued as part of the UNESCO Word Heritage. The volunteers will also participate in activities in local villages around the city, doing activities with children, restoring and painting buildings that are used for the benefit of the communities. Volunteers will help in cleaning campaigns and maintenance of public spaces, such as gardens and parks, and painting with local youngsters the basketball courts.

There is an extra fee of 190 Euro for participation in this volunteer project, intended to support the hosting organization.

Highlights: Morelia is a beautiful historic city, and capital of the state of Michoacán. Founded almost 500 years ago, the city has a wonderful central zone with buildings dating back to the time of the Spanish conquest as well as all the more modern attributes (shops, bars cafés etc). The city's population is over 1 million and the climate is moderately warm, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20-35º C. Morelia is well connected to a variety of great places to visit, such as Pátzcuaro, and the ancient Purépecha capital Tzintzunzan.

Cost in US$: $290 US

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Motivated to work voluntarily within an international team, tolerant, open-minded and cooperative person with adventurous spirit.

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American and Canadian Participants.

Participants Travel to Mexico Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups

CADIP - Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects's Mission Statement: CADIP is an independent, non-governmental, non-religious, not-for-profit Canadian organization based in Vancouver, British Columbia. Through various youth initiatives, Cadip promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in international, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development. Aims and general objectives: " To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution " To strengthen the international contacts among young people " To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings " To promote multiunderstanding among youth all over the world " To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills " To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning " To support the community initiatives and assist in community development.