OFFICIAL LANGUAGE: Spanish
POPULATION: 12.7 million (2007)
GDP per CAPITA (PPP US$): Guatemala $4,311
Canada $36,687 (2008)
% of Population BELOW POVERTY LINE: 56.2% (2008)
United Nations Human Development Index (HDI)
The HDI measures the average progress of a country in human development. It provides a ranking of 179 countries based on three dimensions of human developemnt: living a long and healthy life, being educated and having a decent standard of living.
GUATEMALA Country Ranking 121
WHY VOLUNTEER IN GUATEMALA? Literacy rates in Guatemala are amongst the lowest in Latin America. The government runs public schools that are free to attend but the cost of uniforms, books, supplies and transportation makes them less accessible to the poorer segments of society. Our volunteer projects are based in and around the town of San Miguel Duenas, an agricultural town of 12,000 people. Although Duenas is situated just 15 km from the tourist center of Antigua, it has a substantially lower standard of living. Many homes do not have running water or electricity. Volunteer Participants work to support locally driven projects that provide free education for disadvantaged children and youth. They help children with computer and literacy skills and assist in the construction of needed infrastructure projects such as schools, 'youth safe houses' and homes. Developing World Connections long term commitment is to help improve the community members' life options and to increase their self-sufficiency. WHAT CAN I DO? We invite people who cannot give the gift of time to donate to Guatemalan projects and programs through Developing World Connections. Visit the Donate page or contact us for more ways to be of service. WHEN CAN I GO?
Volunteer! Volunteers help the Open Windows Foundation provide children with the basic foundation they need for a more hopeful future. Volunteers with some knowledge of Spanish can assist younger children with their reading skills. Other volunteers may be asked to help small groups of children with computer skills, numbers and crafts. Volunteers will also assist in the construction of needed infrastructure projects, such as the construction of a youth ‘safe-house’. No special skills are required.
WHAT CAN I SEE?
Upon the completion of the Volunteer Experience, we recommend volunteers explore the center of Mayan civilization, including its ancient archaeology, rich culture and diverse landscapes. Although the natural landscape of lush jungles, rainforests and highlands lends Guatemala the title “Land of Eternal Spring”, its indigenous villages and markets capture the blend of ancient Mayan culture with the aristocratic architecture of its colonial past. In Antigua, visit museums and art galleries, or spend time shopping at traditional Mayan markets. Visit Lake Izabel and the 400 year old Spanish fortress, Castillo de San Felipe. Travel by boat down the Rio Dulce, meandering past coastal fishing villages, through mangrove forests inhabited by manatee and crocodiles. Visit the 2000 year old Mayan ruins in the Tikal National Park and take a guided tour through a coffee plantation.
| 2010 - Scheduled Experiences |
| MAY 8 TO JUNE 12 (Student) |
| JUNE 5 TO JULY 3 (Student) |
| OCTOBER 16 TO OCTOBER 30 |
| NOVEMBER 6 TO NOVEMBER 20 |
Note: Schedule is subject to change depending on flight arrangements and suitability for host communities.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
For one week, the Program Cost is $1,600 and for two weeks it’s $2,000. This includes the cost of in-country food, transportation, accommodation, project costs and a substantial direct donation to the project. It’s 100% tax deductible.
