Guatemala

Program or Partner
CEDPECA; National Presbyterian Church of Guatemala

Program Description

A YAV spends some time with a farmer from Guatemala. From the MSR archive.The emphasis of the program in Guatemala is on becoming part of a Guatemalan community, living a life of simplicity and learning from Guatemalans and a focus on exploring the volunteer’s developing spirituality and relationship with God, neighbor, self and earth. The placements in Guatemala are made with community organizations approved by Cedepca and with local churches of the National Presbyterian Church of Guatemala.  Each volunteer will participate actively in the life of a local church of varying denominations. Volunteers live among the diverse people of this country, where more than half of the population identifies itself as Mayan. Volunteers live in urban and rural Guatemalan communities with the primary focus on participating in the daily life of Guatemalan families and communities and studying 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.

• Teaching children, youth or adults classes in music, computer, literacy, English or other topics in a formal school setting or in an informal community or church setting.
• Assisting with community development projects (example: sustainable agriculture, working with street children, free lunch program for the elderly, teaching health workshops, working with youth with disabilities).
• Working with women’s groups through accompaniment and leading work­shops.
• Working in an office setting with biblical/theological training, gender issues, or in communications (advanced Spanish necessary).
• Translation and accompaniment for short-term delegations from the United States (advanced Spanish necessary).

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
A volunteer’s primary community is their Guatemalan host family and community.  Also, through study on retreats, volunteers will have a chance to read and talk about faith in an open and non-judgmental atmosphere and build community with each other.

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

Download more information on the YAV Program in Guatemala.

See a video on the YAV Program in Guatemala.

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