The Project
Volunteer Teaching and Travel in Central and South America

Please note: our education projects in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Ecuador and Peru are unique to Global Vision International. All funding of these projects comes directly from Global Vision International and volunteer contributions, included in the program fee. We receive no other outside source of income, apart from that raised through GVI and volunteer contributions. Suffice to say, without this funding from GVI and the volunteer contributions, the projects simply would not exist.

Guatemala

The indigenous Maya in Guatemala make up a huge percentage of the population, yet many live off just $1 a day. Global Vision International has set up its own schools in two indigenous communities: San Andrés Itzapa and Santa Maria de Jesus, which are both within a 45-minute bus ride from Antigua through lush mountain scenery and typical Guatemalan villages. Our aims are first and foremost in education and put particular focus on literacy and educational reinforcement for the children of each community.

Honduras

GVI has committed itself to helping and assisting the Maya Chortí villages around Copán Ruinas. These areas of Honduras are the poorest in the country and, as so often happens, rural communities are forgotten and ignored, with more emphasis given to urban schools and communities. The Maya Chortí community of San Rafael has a population of approximately 300 and a family income is about 25 Lempira (just over a dollar) a day. With this money, up to ten children must be fed, clothed and educated.

Nicaragua

GVI has set up their work in La Thompson, a shanty-town style community about 30 minutes from Estelí, where migrants have arrived from across the country to find work. The houses are made from scrap, wood and plastic and the cooking conditions are treacherous. There are about 600 families in the communities.

Ecuador

40% of the population is indigenous in Ecuador, yet many have to survive off just $1 a day or less. Global Vision International is currently working to encourage and improve levels of education in several of the communities around Otavalo, these being Urcusiqui, Huayrapungo, Muenala and Larcacunga. All of the communities are located between 2600m and 3600m in altitude; and a 45-minute drive by minivan or bus, followed by some walking up into the mountains from Otavalo on average roads and dirt tracks.

Peru

GVI has started working in indigenous communities around Chivay, near the Colca Canyon, high up in the Peruvian Andes. Chivay, the base town, and one of our comunities, is at 3600m with Ampi, another community, at 4800m. If volunteers are worried about the altitude in Ampi, they can choose not to work there. The families and children we work with are mostly rural farmers, so income is sporadic. The local schools where we work are understaffed, though in the future, with our work, it is hoped that we can help the student/ratio.