Get AMPED Abroad: Human Rights (Women) in Guatemala

  Guatemala

Quetzaltenango,  Xela

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: First and third Monday of each month

Description: Women's rights issues in Guatemala are gaining worldwide attention, as the country has the highest rate of abuses against women than anywhere in Latin America.

The root causes for abuses against women are many and are attributed to complex social issues. Some assertions and contributing factors are:

Domestic violence. Again, due to impoverished conditions and substance abuse problems among male heads of household. Acts of domestic violence against women are especially high among indigenous women as they lack basic life skills and they are not able to communicate in Spanish.

The abuses are a continuation of the country's civil war era when women were viewed as potential mothers for future opponents and would-be threats to the then government establishment.

A dominant patriarchal culture and as a result of more women entering the workforce, many men blame women for their unemployment.

AMPED's women's rights project in Guatemala houses up to twelve women and their children. Project efforts concentrate on helping women and their children leave abusive home environments through empowerment and community education.

AMPED volunteers may be involved with the following:

- Helping women with job training and teaching them basic life skills
- Helping with the children in one of the project's five daycare centers by caring for them and organizing activities
- Developing community education programs to help women and children recognize abusive situations and increase awareness about available resources; and
- Accompanying the women and children to their doctor visits.
- Observing and accompanying the work of the social worker and other members of the staff.

Highlights: Authentic cultural immersion experience as participants live with a local host family in addition to interacting with the locals in the community and at their project placement.

Participants receive 2 hours of FREE Spanish lessons Monday-Friday for the duration of their stay, up to 120 hours.

Qualifications: Must be female at least 18 years of age and have an intermediate Spanish level.

Cost in US$: Starting at 609

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: While participation is not limited to this demographic, the average age is 18-26. Participants that are flexible and open minded when it comes to cultural differences, ways of life, and work pace are those that tend to benefit most from their experience abroad, as do those that demonstrate initiative with regard to recommending and implementing changes to improve the project and to assist the staff.

Age Range: 18 and over

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Transcript
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 2008