Spanish School in Guatemala - La Pedrera Community Project Volunteer Program

Volunteering with Proyecto La Pedrera
Language students from Casa Xelaju are encouraged to participate in the Reinforcement Program in the afternoons from Monday, to Friday between 3:30 and 5:30. Tutors help the students with homework and subjects in which the students are weak. It is not necessary to speak Spanish fluently to participate.

Activity packages and student charts are currently being developed to more consistently follow student progress and reinforce subjects in which they are weak. If you have ideas about curriculum development or academic activities and exercises please speak with the Volunteer Coordinator. Educational games, children's books in Spanish, children´s computer programs in Spanish and school supplies are greatly appreciated.

Many children cannot afford to eat lunch, making it more difficult for them to concentrate on their academics. We would like to give the students a snack at the beginning of each class; however, the Project does not have sufficient funds or manpower to provide it. The cost of the snacks is between 20 Q-30 Q per day or between 100 Q - 150 Q per week. If you are willing to buy the snacks and bring them to the school for the students, please speak with the Volunteer Coordinator or a volunteer.

Language students and volunteers are asked to contribute in any way they can, whether it be in tutoring, developing activity packages or buying snacks for the students. The project cannot function without the participation of the larger community. If you wish to contribute please contact the Volunteer Coordinator at elizabeth@casaxelaju.com.

Commitment
We recommend a commitment of 1 month to be effective in the community and to maximize your personal experience. Three days a week is the minimum requirement.

Housing
You have the option of living with a Guatemalan family. With your family, you are guaranteed a private, furnished room and three meals a day.

Costs for volunteers

Description of work
La Pedrera Community Project offers the following volunteer opportunities:

The project you choose should reflect your interests and strengths. It should be an opportunity for you to sharpen the skills you have and develop new skills by using your imagination and creativity to organize workshops, conferences, and develop new learning techniques. Depending on your project and the group it targets, you can influence the lives of children and adults.

It is important to bear in mind the socio-economic level of the community, which lack many of the daily things we take for granted. It is often necessary for the student to contribute the supplies necessary to accomplish their work.

Requirements for participating

Volunteers requirements vary depending on the position, length of stay, etc. In general, the following requirements are necessary:

- A high-intermediate to advanced knowledge of Spanish (intensive study available at Casa Xelajú before work begins)
- Experience and/or schooling related to the position for which you choose to apply.
- Ability to work independently, think critically, creatively and be able to solve problems.
- An open mind and ability to initiate your own ideas and project within our distinct cultural environment.
- Commitment for a minimum of one month.
- A desire to share with and learn from people of different cultures
- The submission of an application form.
- $50.00 registration fee sent to our USA office

Half of your total bill must be paid to our office in Guatemala within 3 days of your arrival. The remainder must be paid on the Monday of your 4th week. No exceptions will be made to this policy. See our extension form for the payment schedule if you wish to extend your position for more than 6 weeks.

Upon receiving your application, Casa Xelajú will call you for a telephone interview in Spanish. After the interview, we will send you the confirmation and more detailed information and tips on travel, dress, climate, recommended reading, etc.
Programs start any Monday year-round.

Deadlines
Six weeks ahead of desired arrival date.