Kaya Health Care Volunteering Projects in Mexico

  Mexico

• Oaxaca: 
Oaxaca

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: The first Saturday of every month

Description: Whether you are a student, on a career break or retired there is a placement to suit your level. Those entering the medical profession will find volunteering in a developing country invaluable and inspiring. You will see what it is like not to have top level facilities and equipment available to you. Placements available range from hospitals, rural field clinics, house visits, nutrition, health education and public health research.

Nutrition and Community Health in Mexico

The program aims to improve the nutrition and health of poor, rural citizens of Oaxaca by promoting the growth and consumption of amaranth, a traditional and highly nutritious grain. The organization holds workshops in rural communities to explain the nutritional importance of amaranth and provide the fundamentals of how to plant, grow, harvest, and cook with it.

Social and Medical Care in Mexico

This project is all about providing care and support for people with limited access to medical treatment, and their family members. The project caters to ill patients waiting to be admitted to the local general hospital; continuing care for patients who are not ready to be discharged from the hospital but have been released due to overcrowding; plus low-cost housing for relatives of hospital patients.

Work in a Public Hospital in Mexico

Help give the poorest people in the region access to health care. Volunteers work in the public health-care system that serves low-income residents who do not have health insurance. There is a main hospital located in the city of Oaxaca and numerous clinics scattered through the state providing various medical and health services. Participants work in the smaller clinics alongside nurses and doctors.

Rural Health Care in Mexico

Help provide basic health services and outpatient surgeries to the neediest community members in Oaxaca. Kaya volunteers work in rural public health facilities delivering medical and health care services as much as their skills, knowledge and background allow, thus easing the work load on the overburdened staff. This project also petitions governmental and other entities to secure grants and funds to support the clinics' work.

Highlights: As most of the world knows, Mexico has some of the most amazing white sandy beaches, turquoise waters and marine life on the planet, but it also has so much more to offer. It is making great strides economically. Nonetheless, income inequality between rich and poor, north and south, and between urban and rural is a major problem. As a result around 30%, or 31 million Mexican people are still living in poverty.

Great White Shark Cage Diving :
The iconic great white is one of the most feared ocean dwellers of all time due to its awe-inspiring size, power, and predatory abilities. It is the largest flesh-eating fish in the ocean today. Off the shores of Mexico is the Isla Guaudalupe, considered one of the best places on the entire planet to view great whites in their natural habitat -- from the safety of a sharkproof cage, of course.

Veracruz River Rafting:
Veracruz, located on the central gulf coast of Mexico, is a world-famous location for river rafting. There are 40 rivers in Veracruz with many originating from the volcanic mountains in the area. The best whitewater rivers are Pescados, Actopan, Antigua and Filobobos, with rapids ranging from class 2 to class 5.

Huasteca Canyon:
Located 15 minutes from Monterry City are the renowned limestone cliffs of the Huasteca Canyon. There are endless opportunities for rock climbing for people at all skill levels, with more than 200 bolted routes of varying difficulties. These limestone cliffs are stunning and can provide quite a challenge even for the experienced climber.

The richness of culture and landscape make Oaxaca a great place to explore! The weather is favorable year-round. There are many museums that explain the historical and cultural importance of the city and state in Mexico's history.

With the abundance of activities, Oaxacans generally have an active social life. It's also important to mention the culinary offerings of Oaxaca, which is said to have some of the best food in Mexico.

Qualifications: Experience and passion for working in the community and interacting with the people are needed. Participants must also possess enthusiasm and a willingness to learn about the environment and the place's culture.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: A Kaya volunteer shows enthusiasm, spirit and life to stimulate and bring something new to the 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 Mexico 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