I had a great time on my quest to Guatemala. It was an experience of a lifetime. Total emersion in the local culture and especially language was very important. It gave me a chance to see the third world up close and personal. Working at the clinic with Dr.Meija was great and my homestay was wonderful. I recommend everyone to take part in a Quest. - Andrew Odland, United Planet Quest Volunteer, Xela, Guatemala

Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer in a variety of different locations while immersing yourself in the culture of Guatemala. Due to its large indigenous population, Guatemala maintains a rich culture. You will be staying in the heart of the Sierra Madre mountains in the city of Quetzaltenango (called ‘Xela’ for short). Surrounding Quetzaltenango are various villages of Quiche and Mam origin, containing market squares and churches in the old colonial style. Explore the beauty of Guatemala while volunteering with those who need your help. Below are examples of the opportunities available to you in Xela. Please let us know the projects you are interested in.

Women and Children's Shelter Quest

The shelter is a facility designed for the use of women and children who have fled a situation of domestic abuse. The shelter is managed entirely by women and funded by private donations. Work includes assisting in after school tutoring and activities for the children. Volunteers can help children with their homework after and before school. Volunteers also organize recreational and creative activities for the children and their mothers. Volunteers do not need any previous experience. Psychologists and teachers are especially welcome. Basic to Intermediate Spanish required.

Left: Ribbon –cutting ceremony for the Lavanderia Planeta Unido (01/11/08)

Supported by the Timberland Corporation and volunteers, United Planet has built a Laundromat at the women's shelter in Xela, the second largest city in Guatemala. Currently, the shelter, serving both battered women and children, is having a very difficult time making ends meet to provide a basic healthy diet and education for the women and children. The Laundromat, “Lavanderia Planeta Unido”, serves as a way to provide the shelter with ongoing program revenue and a means to empower the battered women with the training to develop self-reliance and independence.

In Guatemala, violence within the home is commonplace. It is a patriarchal culture, where alcohol, poverty and a lack of government intervention exist. Battered women who wish to regain complete control of their lives have to overcome numerous difficulties where economic dependence is possibly the greatest limitation.

Running and managing the Laundromat will empower the women to assume responsibility and ownership of the operation as well as help them to develop the technical skills and experience to set up their own small businesses in the future.

United Planet is seeking both volunteers and financial support for this essential project.

Volunteer Opportunities with “Lavanderia Planeta Unido”: United Planet is currently searching for volunteers to assist with the implementation of the business plan, including the budget and marketing plan of the project. Work also includes training the women and shelter staff on operations and planning. Volunteers who can teach basic Spanish and basic English reading and writing are essential. No specific professional requirements are necessary. Basic to intermediate Spanish is an asset.

Financial support: If you would like to make a donation to support this special Micro-empowerment Laundromat project, please call us toll-free at 800-292-2316, 617-267-7763, or click here. We appreciate your generosity.

“UP Receives Grant: Timberland Advances Special Project”. For more information click here.

Right: Grand opening of the Lavanderia Planeta Unido (01/11/08)

Boys' Orphanage Quest

This orphanage is a boy’s children home where the basic needs of children can be met (shelter, food, clothes, education etc). This center pays great attention that an environment is created that encourages the growth and development of the children.
They welcome children from 1- 14 year-old that have been abandoned, are sick, belong to single mothers, or that have been separated from their parents for preventive measures.
As a volunteer you can help to do some construction work such as repairing windows, doors etc. Moreover, volunteers also can help the children with their homework. You could also organize any kind of artistic activity (theatre, music, arts) with the children or teaching agricultural education. Volunteers with no previous experience are welcome and social workers, psychologists and teachers are also needed. Intermediate Spanish required.

Health Clinic Quest

Volunteers help in a private clinic dedicated to aiding the underserved communities of the surrounding villages of Quetzaltenango. The clinic is located in the center of the city and offers quality healthcare that is affordable. The clinic combines clinical care and laboratory analysis. There are seven doctors working in different medical specialties: internal medicine, pediatrics, radiology, dentistry, traumatology and gynecology. The hope is to offer good quality service as well as to develop health awareness in the local community who will in turn take an active role in their own disease prevention and education.

Medical, dental students and nutritionists need intermediate to advanced Spanish. For doctors and dentists no previous Spanish is required.

Visas
United Planet sends volunteers from many countries around the world. Obtaining a Visa (if necessary) is therefore the responsibility of the volunteer. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the U.S. State Department to learn more about foreign entry requirements. For citizens of all other countries, please contact your destination country's embassy in your home country or your government website. If you need a letter from United Planet to verify your participation in our program, please e-mail us with this request and we will be happy to provide one.

Health Issues and Vaccinations
Some countries require or suggest that volunteers have certain vaccinations before entering the country.  Please consult your country's government website for more information regarding the health of travelers. U.S. citizens can visit the website of the Centers for Disease Control to learn more about vaccinations and staying healthy while traveling.  It is also recommended that you visit nearest travel clinic prior to departure.

Living and volunteering in another country, often in conditions you are not used to, can take a toll on the body and mind.  In addition to the information that is provided in your pre-departure package, please research how to stay healthy in your country of destination.  It could make all the difference!