Guatemala

Program or Partner
National Presbyterian Church of Guatemala; CEDEPCA

Program Description

A YAV spends some time with a farmer from Guatemala. From the MSR archive.The National Presbyterian Church of Guatemala has strong ministries of out­reach, evangelism, community development and education among the di­verse people of this country, where more than half of the population identifies itself as Mayan, and 23 Mayan languages are spoken along with Spanish. Volunteers will gain an understanding of both the diversity of culture in Guatemala and the complexity of issues and concerns facing the church and society. A particular focus of the program will include an exploration of the volunteer’s developing spirituality and relationship with God, neighbor and self. Volunteers live in urban and rural Guatemalan communities associated with the National Presbyterian Church of Guatemala and CEDEPCA, with a main emphasis on experiencing a life of simplicity and learning from Guatema­lans. Above all, volunteers will participate in the daily life of Guatemalan families and communities, experiencing their deep joys and struggles. The focus of the YAV year in Guatemala is on spirituality, addressing social and economic injustices, mutual mission, and personal growth and direction. The program includes five weeks of language study upon arriving — Spanish and/or a Mayan language.

Placement Opportunities
The following are examples of YAV placements.

• Working with women’s groups through accompaniment and leading work­shops
• Teaching classes in music, computer, literacy or English
• Assisting with community development projects (example: sustainable agricul­ture, children’s rights).
• Translation and accompaniment for short-term delegations from the United States.

Housing
Volunteers will stay in a family home and participate in the life of the family. A volunteer’s relationship with their host family is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — aspects of the year.

Intentional Community Aspects
Through study on retreats, volunteers will have a chance to read and talk about faith in an open and non-judgmental atmosphere. In church communi­ties, volunteers will grow in faith by identifying ways that their faith differs or is the same as the faith of their host churches.

Requirements
Age: 21 to 30
Education: College Degree or Equivalent
Other: Basic knowledge of Spanish language and a desire to learn

Site Coordinator
Marcia Towers

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