About Women’s Development in Guatemala

Indigenous women in rural communities in Guatemala often lead tough, hardscrabble lives marked by poverty and hardship. Racial and gender discrimination, as well as a lack of education in many rural communities, have also negatively impacted women. Nonprofit and government organizations within Guatemala are working to provide basic economic, family, and health education to rural women in indigenous communities, and volunteers can make a difference by donating their time and knowledge to these ongoing social initiatives. World Endeavors Women’s Development volunteers partner with local government social workers in providing workshops for indigenous women. The workshops focus on a variety of subjects, including: human rights, women rights, reproductive health, cooking, handicrafts, and economic development. Volunteers with specialized skills are welcome to share their expertise.

A Typical Day in the Life of a Volunteer in Guatemala

World Endeavors volunteers inGuatemalacan expect their days to be a combination of meaningful volunteer work, cultural experiences, and free time for relaxation and reflection.  The sample schedule below represents a typical day for a volunteer inGuatemala.  Keep in mind that when volunteering abroad, a typical day can be anything but typical!

7:30 am: Breakfast with your host family.  Breakfasts inGuatemala often consist of black beans, fried eggs, bread, tortillas, and a cup of locally grown coffee.

8:00 am: Walk to your volunteer placement.

8:30 am – 12:30 am: Volunteering at placement.

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm: Lunch with your host family. InGuatemala, lunch is the biggest meal of the day and often consists of vegetables, meat, rice, tortillas, and fruit juice.

2:30: Walk to language school for afternoon Spanish classes.

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Free time to hang out with other volunteers or new friends, practice Spanish with the locals, or explore Xela’s museums and beautiful cathedrals.

5:00 pm – 7:00 pm: Evening Spanish classes.

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm: Dinner with your host family.  Dinners in Guatemala vary from family to family but they often consist of fried platanos, bread, and tea.

8:00 pm – 10:00 pm: Free time to spend with your host family, go to a soccer game, go salsa dancing, catch a show at the Teatro Municipal (Municipal Theater), watch a movie at the Teatro Roma, prepare for the next day’s volunteering, or plan weekend excursions such as swimming in natural hot springs, exploring Los Altos (Guatemala’s Western Highlands), or hiking up the Volcán Santa María.

Project and class schedules, meals, and free time activities may vary depending on the details of your placement.

Eligibility

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older. Successful volunteers are hardworking, flexible, and open to truly immersing themselves in Guatemalan culture. Women’s Development projects are open to both female and male volunteers.