Overview
Short-Term Volunteer Community Building Projects in Guatemala

This unique project enables volunteers to experience a new culture first-hand, by taking part in voluntary work on community construction projects near Antigua, Guatemala in Central America. GVI, along with leaders of the indigenous communities, has developed short-term manual projects to improve the standard of living for hundreds of indigenous families in rural Guatemala. Volunteers can choose to help to build energy-efficient stoves for cleaner air and less wood consumption.

10 hours of one-on-one Spanish classes are included, along with a half-day adventure such as mountain-biking, climbing or hiking. Within a week you will have funded, worked on and completed each individual project greatly improving living standards for one family.

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My GVI experience was a life-changing one, even though I was only there for one week! Along with doing meaningful work and travelling to a gorgeous place I have never been, I met some amazing people.

Jill Ingoglia, 2008 Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

From an economical standpoint with the stoves, the families will only have to collect or buy up to a third of the firewood they used to, and spend less on medicines for chronic lung illnesses. Environmentally, the deforestation of trees is essentially reduced by two-thirds per family. Medically, with no smoke inhalation due to the chimney, the health of the families is greatly improved.

Highlights

Working side-by-side with indigenous families and in indigenous communities; starting and finishing each chosen project within one week; one-on-on Spanish classes; an adventure trip which includes a volcano hike or mountain bike ride; and being based in Antigua.

Location

Guatemala is one of the jewels of Central America, packed with ancient ruins, active volcanoes and intriguing Mayan culture. Volunteers live in the beautiful old Spanish colonial town of Antigua. Project work is carried out in communities all within a one hour journey from the town.

Field Conditions

Living with local families in Antigua in comfortable but semi-basic accommodation allows for an enriching cultural experience and the valuable opportunity to practice your Spanish! All accommodation provided is private and includes three meals a day (apart from Sundays). Lunch is eaten in the communities with a local family during the week. Travel upgrades are available on this project, see dates and costs for more information.