Organisation

The receiving organization is a language school and NGO that supports a number of projects in Quetzaltenango and surroundings. In this language school you can, if you’re volunteering, get Spanish classes at a reduced tariff. You can also participate in the excursions the language school organizes for the students and volunteers (of course against payment for the excursions farther off)

Project activities

The medical centre is established in the village of Santa Catarina Ixtahaucan in the vicinity of Quetzaltenango. In this Medical centre help is given to the poor from the village. You will provide support in this. You will closely cooperate with the doctor. Among other things, giving personal attention to the patients, assisting in consults, administrating medications and belongings will make up a large part of the work. The introduction of new ideas in the context of (preventive) health is greatly appreciated. 

What’s expected of the volunteers?

• Required: nivel intermedio de Español (no knowledge of Spanish means no sending)
• Social
• Flexible
• Enterprising
• Taking initiative
• Some medical knowledge

Accommodation and living environment

• You live with a family and pay for board and lodging. There is also the limited possibility to stay against payment in a room at the language school where you have a shower, toilet, and cooking facility.

Period / duration

• Throughout the year.
• Minimal stay of 3 months but preferably a sending for the long term. You work throughout 5 – 6 days a week (4 – 5 hours / day)
• It is possible to combine this project of this NGO with other projects by the same NGO

Local costs

• €120.00 if you stay in a family or €100.00 if you stay at the school

Experiences

Nora, 2009