Challenging and Rewarding Daycare; Childcare Work in Guatemala with Travellers Worldwide

  Guatemala

• Other Cities in Guatemala: 
Antigua

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Available all year round with flexible start and finish dates

Description: Do you fancy teaching little ones who would really benefit from a little of your time? From babies to children, the crèche project in Guatemala is a truly rewarding experience crying out for enthusiastic volunteers with some time, energy and affection to spare!

You'll be teaching and caring for younger children from ages 0-6 - bring a big smile and your creativity...

The following is a summary of the sorts of activities you may be required to help with:
--> Helping to dress and feed the children
--> Caring for and looking after the babies
--> Helping the children with their homework
--> Teaching English to the older children
--> Cooking and cleaning
--> Organising activities and playing with the children
--> Organising games and songs

What You'll Gain From Doing this Project:
--> An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into undiscovered Central America.
--> New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.
--> An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market
--> The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them
--> And maybe best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

Project Overview:

Guarderia Infatil Project:
Guardería Infantil is a day care centre, open to single mothers' children and for the children of mothers who work at the market of Antigua (and have no affordable place to leave the children whilst they work). The centre is situated close to the municipal market and is sponsored by Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro.

At present there are about 80 children ranking in age from 2 months to 6 years old. The purpose of Guarderia Infantil is to give the children care, love, and education. These children also receive free dental and health care here.

The children arrive at the project at 7am in the morning and leave at 5pm. They receive breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch and a mid-afternoon snack before they leave.

Volunteer here have the opportunity to work at the nursery area or in the kindergarten school under the supervision of on of the teachers. Volunteers work from 8am to 1pm.

Hogares Comunitarios Project:
Hogares Comunitarios was founded by the first lady of Guatemala as a Government project. There are around 20 such centres in the surrounding area of Antigua.

Hogares Comunitarios is a day care centre for children of very poor single or alcoholic parents. Usually the centres are situated in a family home. Where you will work alongside at least one other member of staff. Enthusiastic volunteer initiative is needed in organising activities and educational material for the children.

The program for the children runs from 7:30am to 5pm. The children also receive breakfast, lunch and two snacks, provided by the Government.

These centres aim to care for children from birth to 6 years old while their parents work. Your role as volunteer is much needed in providing love and attention, as well as pre-school education.

You will most likely work with 4-6 year olds. A teacher visits the project weekly so volunteers can coordinate teaching activities with her. Games, songs and recreational activities are needed excellent sources of educational for the weekly program.

Volunteers will work from 8am to 1pm, but can opt for full if they wish (finish at 5pm).
Why not combine your crèche project in Guatemala with other projects available in Antigua to fully get the most out of your time in the country. Other Travellers projects that can be combined include, learning Spanish, teaching in schools, care work in a variety of care homes for old and young. These can be arranges in conjunction with your crèche placement.

Additional Activities You Can Do While On Your Project:
Whether you're an adventure-mad extreme sports enthusiast or a nature-loving bird-watcher, Guatemala's awesome unspoilt natural habitat will have something for you. The extraordinary terrain around the volcanoes and caves provides the perfect setting for mountaineering and caving (spelunking) whereas the fast-moving rivers are ideal for boating, white-water rafting and windsurfing, with Lake Atitlán also popular for diving. There's also a nearby turtle sanctuary.

Besides this you can also find ample opportunity to go mountain biking, bathe in hot springs surrounded by lush green jungle, or indulge your passion for nature in one of the country's national parks.
Travellers' placements are very flexible and you can combine this project with any other Travellers project, either in the same country or in different countries.

Our Users Say...
"Antigua is absolutely stunning. I cannot stress how stunning it really is. I wish I could zap you all here just so you can see it for yourselves."

"I really feel that I was very well informed and it was as I expected. I met many volunteers there and have to say that of them all I was the best prepared for my stay in Guatemala. I also feel that the team were in constant touch with me and answered all my concerns and queries immediately. As an older volunteer with a family, it was important that I had support, which I certainly did. Thank You Very Much for making it so much easier. I was very happy with every aspect of my stay"

Highlights:
What To Do Next:
Talk to us - We're there to help you - Most of our team are ex Travellers volunteers and are ideally qualified to offer advice and guidance because they know what you're looking for. They'll help you find your perfect project - and then make it all happen!

If you'd like more information about this or any of our projects, please email or call us!
If you'd like to apply for this project, please go to our website and complete the application form. As soon as we receive it, we'll liaise with you and then start making your travel adventure happen.

It's as easy as that.

Location:
With majestic volcanoes rising out of lush green rainforest, highland villages steeped in tradition and vibrant, spirited people, Guatemala put quite simply is a magical destination!

Beautiful Antigua, where all of our placements are based, is arguably the most picturesque and certainly one of the oldest cities in Central America, characterised by a mellow, yet distinctly international feel. The local residents of Antigua are warmly referred to as Green bellies or panza verde due to the abundance of avocados that grow in the region.
Antigua's splendour is protected by three giant guardian volcanoes Agua, Fuego and Acatenango, providing a stunning setting which attracts thousands of visitors every year. Antigua is one of the most popular places in Central America to learn Spanish so you are bound to meet lots of other students and travellers!

Accommodation & Food:
Accommodation with host families means that Travellers volunteers get to eat, sleep, work, socialise and generally live like a Guatemalan. Local family homestays enable you to fully experience the local culture from the inside. Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave Guatemala and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family. Some homestays are more like small hotels, which can accommodate between 1 and 10 volunteers at any one time. Many offer the option of single or shared rooms, and generally houses within the same town are in close proximity with each other. The accommodation is comfortable, with a 'western-style' bathroom.

All of your meals will be provided from Monday to Saturday, leaving you free to sample local eateries on Sundays. Expect to develop a taste for corn tortillas, tostadas and tacos in plentiful supply! Although it could be said that the emphasis with Guatemalan food is more nutritional than culinary, western and international dishes are also easily available in Antigua. Although Guatemalans are big on eating meat, we can easily cater for vegetarians.

Qualifications: No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities. This placement would suit volunteers who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative.

Cost in US$: Varies depending on length. Starts from USD 895

You'll be met at the nearest airport on your arrival by our in-country manager who will take you to your accommodation and give you a full induction into the area. He/she will also be on call 24/7 and you'll see them frequently.

Pre-departure you'll receive comprehensive information about every aspect of your placement and necessary preparations, ranging from what to pack, to visa information, to what to do on your weekend travel in the country. Your safety, well being and happiness throughout your placement are our primary concerns and we will keep in touch with you throughout. International flights not included.

Experience Required: yes

No experience required. Just motivation and a drive to help others and work with children.

Typical Volunteer: This placement would suit people who want to make a real difference, want first-hand experience of a different culture and who have initiative. No qualifications or previous experience are necessary, just a good dose of enthusiasm and a love of children! Everyone is welcome on a Travellers programme, whether gap year, undergraduate, on a career break - or even retired! From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

Age Range: From 17 years old upwards, and all nationalities.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad
• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Travellers Worldwide's Mission Statement: Travellers Worldwide organises all types of worthwhile and beneficial voluntary placements in local communities. We also provide Work Experience & Internship opportunities, as well as different types of Courses and study abroad options. We have many diverse projects, from teaching underprivileged or refugee children in schools, orphanages and care homes, to conservation and rehabilitation of endangered animals, such as orangutans, lion cubs, dolphins, elephants. Our aim is to make a difference to the communities we work in and to facilitate personal and professional growth in our volunteers. We employ local people in our destination countries and local providers of goods and services, thus ensuring we have a positive impact on the community. Our ethos encompasses mutual respect, cultural exchange, responsible travel and a beneficial outcome for all. Travellers also arranges work experience placements in Journalism, Law, Veterinary, Medicine, Tourism, Architecture, and many more. There are also opportunities to learn languages and other skills such as Capoeira in Brazil, Tango in Argentina or Flying in South Africa. These projects are unique - and tailored to suit you! Our placements are flexible (2 weeks to 1 year) and on most you can choose your own start and finish dates. No qualifications are required, just an enthusiasm to experience a new culture! Full support is provided within the country, with friendly and conscientious staff, ensuring a safe and exciting way to experience a brand new culture! Placements are also very sociable: you'll make friends with the other international volunteers and often volunteers travel together after their placement and during their free weekends. We help you to Make a Difference and have an exciting adventure travel experience!

Year Founded: 1995