Boomers Abroad

Description

Volunteers on this program will teach for one year at GVI's schools in indigenous communities, providing the children with long-term assistance, greatly aiding their development. Volunteers will work alongside other GVI volunteers and local staff. Every three months volunteers will have two weeks holiday and therefore an opportunity to relax or explore other areas of Guatemala or Central America. Volunteers will stay with a local family in the stunning colonial town of Antigua, and commute to work each day to indigenous communities nearby. Much of the population in Guatemala lives below the poverty line and as education is not free many cannot afford to send their children to school. GVI along with leaders of the indigenous communities, has built schools that are free to attend. By working in these, volunteers will make a real personal contribution to improving the lives of underprivileged children.

How does this program make a difference?

This enables volunteers and staff to closely monitor the children's progress. A substantial part of the fee goes towards the day-to-day running costs of the projects themselves throughout the year, which includes rent, electricity, local salaries, fruit and other food for the children, educational materials for classes, monthly birthday and other celebrations, painting and maintenance. We currently pay for over 400 children to attend National School, as well as our own schools. Of these, almost 50 children entered Secondary School and 8 entered College. Included in your fee is one scholarship per child, per year. Long-term volunteers provide valuable assistance and, more importantly, continuity throughout the academic year.