Volunteer on Building Projects in Guatemala and Honduras

  Guatemala

Antigua

  Honduras

Copan Ruinas

Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: see website for up coming start dates

Description: Volunteers who join this program have the unique opportunity of working on GVI construction and community projects in both Guatemala and Honduras. GVI, along with leaders of the indigenous communities, have developed short-term manual projects to improve the standard of living for hundreds of Indigenous families in rural areas in both countries. Whilst learning Spanish and experiencing a new culture, you will be assisting building energy efficient stoves for cleaner air and less wood consumption, promoting agriculture to provide harvests for one family for one year, livestock rearing and being a part of GVIs new initiative, Plan Ancianos, which provides food and other necessities to the older generation in the Guatemala.

In the mid-section of the program, you will embark on a six day guided trek overland from Guatemala to Honduras, which will include mountain biking and hiking. Once in Honduras, you will have a guided tour of the world-famous Copán Ruins before starting work on the Honduran phase of the community development projects.

Guatemala is one of the jewels of Central America, packed with ancient ruins, active volcanoes and intriguing Mayan culture. Volunteers live in the beautiful old Spanish colonial town of Antigua. Project work is carried out in San Andrés Itzapa and Santa María de Jésus, both within a one hour bus journey from the town.

In Honduras, volunteers live in Copan Ruinas, a tiny colonial town close to the Copan Ruins, one of the more detailed Mayan ruins in the Americas. Located half an hour from the Guatemalan border and a few hours from the stunning Caribbean Bay islands of Roatan and Utila, Copan serves as an ideal base for exploring Central America. Project work will be undertaken in the Chortí community of San Rafael, within a half hour pickup journey from the town.

Highlights: "My GVI experience was a life-changing one! Along with doing meaningful work, and travelling to a gorgeous place I have never been to before, I met some amazing people." Jill Ingoglia, 2006 volunteer

Qualifications: No formal training is required as each Volunteer will be supported by GVI project managers and interns, a local mason and the family itself. Volunteers should be enthusiastic and happy to work in basic conditions.

Cost in US$: $3610

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: There is no typical volunteer! All project members must be enthusiastic and prepared to work in a team.

Age Range: 18-65

This Program is open to World Wide Participants.

Participants Travel Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of Maximum of 8 + project staff

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Written Application

Post Services Include:

• Exit DebriefingAbroad
• Job and Internship Network

Global Vision International's Mission Statement: 2008 marks a decade of commitment from GVI to all volunteers and partners. Global Vision International aims to promote the advancement of sustainable development through the creation of partnerships, promotion of local and global education, opportunities and via direct financial support. GVI remains committed to its local partners by ensuring they receive full credit for any research undertaken or achievements reached.

Year Founded: 1998