Children, Environment, Community and Health Volunteer Projects in English-Speaking Belize

  Belize

• Other Cities in Belize: 
San Ignacio

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: The first Saturday of every month

Description: Amazing volunteer projects in English-speaking Central America. Work with Children, Environment, Community or Health Projects.

Explore and find paradise in wonderful Belize while working in an exemplary site for environmental education or lending a hand in a free public hospital that serves all Belizean citizens. Help bring much-needed help to battered women and children, participate in ongoing research projects that seek to further understand the specific health care needs of communities within the Cayo District of Belize and help improve family planning and pre-natal services in San Ignacio.

Programs:
1. Shelter for abused women and children
2. Summer camp for disadvantaged kids
3. Primary school education
4. Prevention of child abuse
5. Environmental education
6. Environmental and cultural preservation
7. National park conservation
8. Malaria research
9. Work in a public hospital
10. Clinical medical practice
11. Physical therapy project
12. Public health resource
13. Family planning and HIV education
14. Care for the elderly

The quality and sustainability of our programs are very important to us. We want you to have the most fulfilling and memorable time as possible, and be part of something that is going to last into future generations. Each country coordinator is there to make sure your time in your program runs smoothly. All in-country coordinators are English speaking and are there to ensure you have all the information and resources for the best placement.

Highlights: Nestled between Mexico and Guatemala is the peaceful and ecologically diverse country of Belize. Spanning the length of the coastline is the second largest barrier reef on earth, which is a world heritage site. The ancient Maya ruins in the mountains date back to 500 BC, and the ethically diverse population of Maya, Mestizo, creole, Mennonite and Garifuna make for a unique and culturally rich experience.

Track Jaguars at Cockscomb Basin:
The Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best undisturbed nature centers in the country and easily one of the most beautiful with 600-1000 Jaguars prowling the land. Get involved in mapping and distribution research to help protect Jaguars and their prey.

Glovers Reef Atoll:
70 miles southeast of Belize City brings you to Glovers Reef, named after the pirate John Glover. The atoll is a circular necklace of almost continuous coral reef around an 80-square-mile lagoon with depths to 50 feet; the various colors of blue in the water are so intense they seem unreal. Within the lagoon, divers will find 700 shallow coral patches and the remains of at least four sunken ships.

Kayaking the Belizean Waterways:
Raft a 20-mile stretch of the Macal River. This small, steep, and technical route brings you through drop pools, mazelike channels, and big waterfalls in class IV whitewater. Led by guides who have rafted all over the world, you know it's got to be good when even they get excited about it. Groups are small (six people), and the wildlife abundant -- tapirs, iguanas, and river otters are just a few of the species to be seen.

Belize's fragile ecosystems are under threat from deforestation, improper agricultural practices, irresponsible tourism and development, and forest fires. The people of Belize are very conscious about conserving their natural habitat and have used eco-tourism as a means of preserving their fragile ecosystems. It is very important to the communities that these ecosystems survive as they use them for food, medicine, shelter and water.

These are just a few of the wonderful activities and experiences a volunteer will accomplish in a few weeks of their stay in the majestic Belize.

Qualifications: Participants must possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the people. Additionally, a love of working in the community and interacting with people is essential.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the local residents; love, patience and a listening ear for the people; and a good motivator with a positive and optimistic attitude.

Age Range: Must be more than 18 years old

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Belize Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Kaya Responsible Travel's Mission Statement: Kaya's mission is to promote sustainable social, environmental and economic development, empower communities and cultivate educated, compassionate global citizens through responsible travel.

Year Founded: 2008