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Guatemala - Project in a female prison |
The receiving organization is a language school and NGO that supports a number of projects in Quetzaltenango and surroundings. If you’re doing volunteer work you can get Spanish classes at a reduced tariff. You can also participate in the excursions that the language school organizes (of course against payment at long distance trips). Project activities - The female prison is established in Quetzaltenango (the Quiché Maya name for this city is Xela). In the prison you contribute to the adult education that is offered to the prisoners. Besides you can set up social/recreational activities for the prisoners and the children who are staying in prison with their mothers. After consultation with the prisoners and guards a specific activity (or several) will be started. Examples of already performed activities: yoga classes, sports classes, massage workshops, needlework. The prisoners are all held in custody (pending their trial or sentence). If they’re convicted they are transferred to another prison where they have to serve their sentence. Because of prison regulations, only female volunteers account for this project.
- It is possible to combine this with other projects of this NGO (for instance working at for 4-5 hours a day at the Woman Artisan’s Project the primary school project and besides at the female prison for 2 – 4 hours a week). For more information, contact the LTV Guatemala contact person.
What’s expected of the volunteers? - Required: Nivel intermedio de Español (when this is not the case, you have to take a Spanish course)
- Social
- Flexible
- Enterprising
- Taking initiative
- Creative
Accommodation and living environment - You’re staying at a family and are paying for board and lodging. In this way you learn to know the culture from inside out and are you in the perfect environment to learn Spanish.
- Besides, there is a limited possibility to stay at a room in the language school where there is also a shower, toilet and cooking facilities.
Period / duration - Throughout the year. You work for 2-4 hours a week. This is determined on site by the guard.
Local costs - Around €120 per month including meals if you’re staying at a guest family
- €100 per month excluding meals if you’re staying at a room in the language school.
Experiences “Together with the women I designed cards and T-shirts. I wanted to break through their rut with activities.
The prison made the deepest impression on me. The atmosphere, emotions, and women will always be remembered by me. The trip to Guatemala has enriched my life and showed me what’s really important.” Meliza.
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