Guatemala, meaning “land of trees,” is a heavily forested and mountainous nation—and the most populous in Central America. With its high and active volcanoes, scenic beauty and impressive Mayan ruins, Guatemala is often known as the Mayan heart of Central America. The indigenous culture survives in the ancient ruins of Tikal, rituals of Chichicastenango and blazing colors of Mayan dress. Deeply rooted in the rural highlands of Guatemala, many indigenous people follow traditional religious and village customs and continue a rich tradition in textiles and other crafts. Guatemala’s culture is a unique product of Native American ways and has a strong Spanish colonial heritage.
However, Guatemala is a country characterized by income disparities and extreme poverty. It has suffered periods of political instability and turmoil. Although Guatemala still boasts vast original-growth forests, high volcanic peaks, pristine waters, and an incredible variety of flora and fauna, it faces numerous environmental problems. There are also many social issues facing small communities, including a lack of access to health care, clean water and education.
The community where YCI volunteers will work is nestled amongst a large plantation of organic coffee and macadamia trees. Large tracts of natural tropical forest have been preserved and a walk through the plantation will bring you to cascading waterfalls with crystal clear water, verdant natural forest, edible and medicinal plants, and breathtaking views of volcanoes Santa Maria (3772m) and Santiaguito - an active volcano which erupts on average every hour!
Join a team of volunteers and travel to Guatemala to work with local people on community-based projects. Discover the key principles of sound community development and learn from local leaders who are making a difference. Working in teams of six to 12 volunteers with the support of YCI staff, volunteers will work for five weeks to improve the social and economic welfare of communities.
YCI and local partner Reto Juvenil Internacional are currently involved in a project based in the La Communidad plantation. La Comunidad’s richest resource is the 40 families living and working on the plantation. These third generation plantation workers, as a collective, work according to the principles of Direct Democracy. Within the community’s organizational structure there is a Women’s Committee, an Education Committee, and other bodies working to ensure that the equal rights of each member are respected. A visit to La Comunidad will give you the opportunity to learn about their complex history of exploitation and their extended struggle for land and workers’ rights.
All profits raised by the community are divided amongst its members and are used to improve health, education and living conditions. Located 1,000 metres above sea level, La Comunidad is 45 minutes from the coastal town of Retalhuleu. A short hike through the plantation will bring you to cascading waterfalls with crystal clear water, natural forest, and breathtaking views of Santa Maria volcano.
As part of team in Guatemala, you could:
- Support the main source of income of the cooperative, through direct participation in macadamia and coffee production.
- Help maintain the successful tourism business run out of the plantation, through various maintenance activities.
- Provide aid in developing and implementing new electricity projects, providing homes with sustainable forms of power.
- Assist in delivering water, teaching English, and promoting and publicizing the community’s products.
Past Project Activities:
Construction and Infrastructure: YCI groups have worked with communities to build water systems, information centres, community centres and community kitchens. YCI volunteers provide the labour and energy the communities need to complete critical phases of construction. Volunteers have learned new skills such as mixing concrete, digging trenches and laying bricks.
Ecotourism and Education: YCI volunteers have assisted park rangers and local community members to preserve and reclaim rainforests, and to strengthen community involvement in the protection of fragile conservation areas and national parks. Volunteers have improved park trails and facilities, and helped deliver environmental education programs for local school students living near threatened areas. These projects have brought benefit to local people through encouraging sustainable environmental management practices.
For information on project dates, please refer to the Program Calendar.
| HDI: |
|
118 /177 |
| Population: |
|
12.9 million |
| Life Expectancy: |
|
69.69 years |
| Infant mortality: |
|
29.77/1,000 births |
| Adult Literacy Rate: |
|
69.1% |
| HIV prevalence:
(ages 15-49) |
|
3.1% |
Population living below
the national
poverty line: |
|
1.1% |
|
Program Overview
