Program Photos
Mayan People of Cantel, Guatemala
Location: Guatemala: Quetzaltenango
Program Duration: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: March 12th - 21st, 2012
Global Citizens Network
129 North 2nd Street Suite 102 Minneapolis, MN 55401 United States
Call Us
Phone: +1.800.892.0022 +1.612.436.8270
Fax: 612.436.8298
Description
In an effort to be in solidarity with indigenous peoples and their struggle around the world, GCN has committed to work with the Mayan people of Cantel to collaborate with their community development and rights recognition. The indigenous Maya population in and around Quetzaltenango continues to experience rural poverty and discrimination from the Guatemalan government and the country at large. GCN has partnered with the NGO, La Asociacion Wajxaqib Aj, the Mayan Center for Peace/Centro Maya Para la Paz, whose goal is to fortify solidarity and peace among the communities.
Trips last 10 days and each team is led by a bilingual, GCN trained team leader. A unique and integral component of your experience includes daily activities of cross-cultural learning.
Highlights
The GCN experience is time in the host community, which allows for plenty of time to get to know the local community in your own way. Often team members like to explore the surrounding area for an occasional day trip. Guatemala has many regional sites of interest, including museums, colonial architecture and churches, handicraft markets and archaeological sites.
Many trip participants like to extend their time in Guatemala either before or after the GCN trip to take these opportunities into account. Possible side trips include visits to Tikal, Lake Atitlan, Guatemala City or Antigua. Many GCN participants have studied Spanish a week or more at Casa de Espanol Xelaju, a language institute in Quetzaltenango, just one of many other language schools in the country.
Qualifications
No specific skills are required, only a willingness to appreciate and accept other cultures. We believe everyone has skills -- some yet to be discovered. Each participant contributes what s/he can If any expertise is needed for a project, the local community will provide these skills.
Type of Programs
- Community Service / Volunteerism
- Cultural Exploration
Languages
- English
Cost in US$:
1,950-2,150
Cost Include Description:
Program costs include most on-site costs (lodging and food), travel to the site, a donation to the project, training materials, t-shirt, emergency medical and evacuation insurance for all trips outside the U.S., and a portion of our program costs. Airfare is additional. All trip-related expenses are tax deductible.
Credit Available
yes
Volunteer Types
- Community Centers
- Community Development
- Community Organizing
- Consciousness-raising
- Culture
- Education
- Historic Preservation
- Indigenous Issues
- Peace
Typical Volunteer
Participants range in age from 8 on upwards, and come from the U.S., Canada and beyond. Students, nurses, computer programmers, social workers, teachers, families, individuals and retirees.. these are just some of the people who join our trips.Age Range
8-85+This Program is open to
Worldwide Participant. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals.
Typical Living Arrangements
- Group living
- Guest House
- Home-stays
Participants Travel to Guatemala
Independently or in Groups
Application Process Involves
- Written Application
Typically The Application Process Time is
1 weekPost Services Include
- Re-Entry Debriefing at Home
Global Citizens Network's Mission Statement
In partnership with people of diverse cultures, GCN promotes cross-cultural understanding and interconnectedness through authentic immersion experiences.
Year Founded
1992
