Country: Guatemala
Closing date: 03 Dec 2014
NDG's main projects are the elementary schools 'Nuestro Futuro' in Ciudad Vieja, Guatemala and ‘El Porvenir’ in San Lorenzo El Cubo, Guatemala. These elementary schools offer education to children of the poorest families of Ciudad Vieja and San Lorenzo El Cubo. Nuestro Futuro is located on the hill of a volcano, where the slums of Ciudad Vieja begin. El Porvenir is based on the success of our educational model and the success of Nuestro Futuro (our first school). We wanted to replicate it in a nearby community, trying to multiply the effects of our projects by operating in a concentrated area. (For general information about NDG, please visit www.ninosdeguatemala.org)
In Nuestro Futuro and El Porvenir there are different programs, each with their own philosophy. In the morning, the students of Nuestro Futuro receive classes according to the Guatemalan national curriculum. This part of the program ensures that students leaving after the 6th grade will receive a diploma that is recognized throughout Guatemala.
The afternoon program is different from the morning program and more specific to Nuestro Futuro and El Porvenir. It serves mainly to make sure that children are not hanging around on the streets after school, where they would be exposed to bad influences. It also gives children the opportunity to experience things that their family's situation normally would not allow for. Three afternoons a week are dedicated to 'refuerzos'. Children that have difficulties with the standard curriculum receive tutoring and homework assistance by the hands of teachers and volunteers. The other two afternoons a week are for all students from first grade and up, and they are dedicated to 'Expresión Artística'. This program allows for all kinds of creative and sports activities.
Volunteers can help out in all three programs. In the mornings, volunteers are teachers' assistants, for this we require 4 weeks minimum of commitment and an intermediate level of Spanish. In the afternoon we are more flexible, volunteers need to work for at least 4 weeks, but they can choose their own schedule. A basic level of Spanish is fine, of course you will have the help from the teachers. For Expresión Artística, volunteers are encouraged to design their own program in something such as music, sports, or theater to facilitate with the children. We also have had many volunteers helping on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays afternoons (the tutoring days).
What we offer
An excellent opportunity to put your knowledge into practice
The opportunity to collaborate in the development of an organization working for the benefit of Guatemalan children
Professional support from our staff
A stimulating international environment to work in
Letters of recommendation and a reference at the end of your stay
How to apply:
Application
i. Please send your motivation letter and CV to James Richardson at volunteer@ninosdeguatemala.org
Dirección: 4a Calle Oriente #41, Casa Convento Concepción, La Antigua Guatemala. www.ninosdeguatemala.org
Tel. Office: 7832 8033