TRIP #GMA0820:

Guatemala

Make a difference in others’ lives and they will make a difference in yours

DEPARTURE DATE
Aug 15, 2020
RETURN DATE
Aug 29, 2020
COST
Approx. $2,400 (approx) based on 10 volunteers
WHERE
San Miguel Dueñas, Guatemala

Guatemala

Light Up Guatemala

You’ll work with Open Windows Foundation in San Miguel Duenas, an agricultural community of about 12,000 people who live 15 kilometres from the tourist city of Antigua. Despite being located so close to the tourism industry, many San Miguel families barely get by. Open Windows is a dynamic, non-profit children’s learning centre that provides 2,600 kids with services and programs so they have more options and independence in their lives.

About The Project:

You will be installing clean-burning stoves with the guidance of Open Windows Foundation (OW) as part of DWC’s LIGHT UP GUATEMALA program. Most of the people who live in and around San Miguel Duenas are subsistence farm workers living in tin and cindercrete block houses. Volunteer will help create a healthier environment for these families in Guatemala.

The stoves might not seem like much, but families that can’t afford them end up using open fires in their homes for cooking. Those fires fill the houses with smoke throughout the day. Due to this, everyone from babies to elders ends up breathing in the smoke and Guatemala has a high rate of respiratory illnesses as a result. A stove also uses far less firewood than open fires, so that means families can spend less money on bundles of wood or less time collecting it from the forests. This results in the stoves helping to reduce deforestation.

You’ll definitely be doing work that builds a future for people who live off of hope. You’ll work alongside like-minded volunteers who are also passionate about travel and giving others a hand up, not a hand out.

Read day-to-day experiences from our volunteers on the Guatemala Blog »

It’s Not All Work:

You can expect a warm and humid climate during your stay in Guatemala; it’s an excellent time to visit as it is the dry season. Temperatures average around 20°C making it comfortable for indoor or outdoor pursuits.

There’s lots to see and do. Antigua, where our volunteers stay in a hotel, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its Spanish Baroque style of architecture and church ruins. The region was hit by several earthquakes in the 1700s (hence the historic ruins). Not to worry, though, there haven’t been any quakes of note in the past couple of hundred years or so.

Past teams have visited a chocolate maker, open markets, monuments, fountains, plant nurseries and even volcanoes. Some have gone for wilderness hikes or ziplining. There are lots of options for your free time.

Learn more about the Guatemala »

GMA0314-HS_ Volunteers building
Install eco stoves for healthier families

SIGN ME UP FOR THIS TRIP »

Itinerary:

  • Saturday, August 15 to Sunday, August 16 – Team arrives Guatemala City airport; transport to Antigua and check in to hotel
  • Monday, August 17 to Friday, August 21 – PROJECT WORK in San Miguel Dueñas
  • Saturday, August 22 to Sunday, August 23 – Weekend for cultural activities
  • Monday, August 24 to Friday, August 28 – PROJECT WORK in San Miguel Dueñas

View All Trips Schedule »

DWC Team Leader:

TBDVolunteer Trip to Costa Rica Team Leader

Team leaders are essential on our volunteer trips. While they themselves are volunteers, they are also experienced travelers and who are willing to take on more commitment and responsibility.

We choose leaders who are knowledgeable about travelling in developing countries because they must understand the conditions they are leading people through. Additionally, we choose leaders who can be called upon in an emergency (they are required to have first aid training) and who want to make sure their team has the best experience possible.

Find out how to become a team leader with Developing World Connections

FAQs:

Do I need construction experience and how much will we work?
You don’t need any special skills or training. We hire local skilled labourers who will give training onsite for construction and team leaders. You will work at your own pace five days a week from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Your evenings and weekends are free for cultural activities and relaxing..
What are meals and accommodations like?
The team will stay at a hotel in Antigua that is comfortable and clean. The food is prepared hygienically and dishes range from local to standard Western fare.
How much does it cost?
The program cost is about $2400 and will be finalized closer to the departure date. This includes accommodations, meals, in-country transport, program costs and a donation to Open Windows Foundation. It does not include airfare.

The entire program and flight costs are 100% tax deductible when paid through DWC. You can also fundraise and we will issue charitable receipts for donations $20 CDN or greater.

Why should I volunteer?

Volunteer trips take you to places you otherwise might never go, to do things you otherwise might never do and to meet people you might never otherwise meet.

You’ll make a difference in others’ lives and they will make a difference in yours. Simply put, there is joy and self-discovery that comes with giving to others. And you’ll have fun doing it, too.

 

Are You Ready To Go?

Got questions? Email us at info@developingworldconnections.org.

Ready to apply? Fill out our online application. You can secure your place on this trip with a $500, non-refundable deposit that goes toward your total trip cost. After you’ve submitted your forms and deposit, our office will contact you and send you a welcome package.

We’re glad to have you join us.

Can’t go on the trip to be a part of the installation crew but still want to help the team achieve their goal? You can help buy stoves for the Light Up Guatemala Fundraiser.

SIGN ME UP FOR THIS TRIP »

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Still have some questions? We’re here to help, please feel free to contact us now, or fill out the form.

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