We work with children ages 6 to 12 years offering basic English classes and environmental education.
The project, “El Proyecto 123”, was founded in 2009 by Jorge Pérez with the assistance of 2 volunteers. The objective of the project is to give children in the community an opportunity to learn English and relevant language skills. We believe that English language skills are important for every child’s future. In order to fulfil our objective, we require volunteers like you help us in our small community on the pacific coast of Guatemala. We also recognized that environmental awareness is also desperately needed in our community. We wish to implement environmental education that informs our community about best practices concerning waste disposal and recycling. Problems such as plastic waste disposal are large issues for the community of Candelaria.
We work with children ages 6 to 12 years offering basic English classes and environmental education. Usually we work in the mornings, with the normal class schedule set at 7:30am-12:30pm. It is also possible to work in the afternoon in a different local school. Volunteers have the option of working two, three, or more hours a day. An advanced level of Spanish is not required as the founder of the project is a Master in Spanish and is readily available to assist volunteers in this capacity. Volunteers will have access to materials and art supplies to facilitate classes, such as coloring books, reading materials in English, markers, crayons, and paper. Volunteers will also have access to the computer, printer, internet, and teaching board.
Additionally volonteers are welcome to support our health center (puesto de salud). Nurses brought e.g. equipment in order to check diabetes or blood pressure.
Volonteers can stay in host families or hostels. There are no fee costs but volonteers will have to pay for the stay.
We need volonteers who like to work with children. Teaching english is the main goal. Giving insight into environmental topics is very welcome as well. Nurses are needed to support our health center.
Spanish skills are not required for teaching english. Support of our staff members can be given.
Aldea La Candelaria is located 8 kilometers from Monterrico Nature Reserve on the Pacific Coast. The Channel of Chiquimulilla is situated close to the north side of Candelaria. Volunteers have the opportunity to live with a local family for $65 US. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as access to a private room, basic amenities, hammocks, and garden with local fruits. There are opportunities to participate in family and community activities to learn more about the culture, such as fishing in the canal and scouting for sea turtles on the beach. Another accommodation option includes a hotel in Monterrico Nature Reserve (8 kms).
In Candelaria volunteers will have access to a supermarket where you will be able to purchase different products, health centre, pharmacy, gas station, library, and schools (primary, basic and diversified)
There are no fees. Volonteers have to pay for their stay in hotels, bungalows or guest family. Hotel costs are about 5 US$ (dorms) up to 20 US$ per night. A family stay will cost about 65 US$ per week which includes 3 meals a day.
At first I was a bit afraid of teaching by myself in the classroom (I do not have a background as a teacher), but I soon realized that there was no reason for that - the children are charming and very eager to learn which makes the whole experience much more enjoyable and satisfying! I felt that even my basic knowledge helped them a lot.
I was staying with a family and it was great! From the first moment I arrived the family did everything to make me feel at home and as comfortable as possible, helped me with any problem or question I needed, and made all this experience even more positive and unforgettable. ”