WORK WITH PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IN A CRECHE IN ANTIGUA

A very deserving placement working with pre-school children that has a high feel-good factor. Do you fancy caring for and teaching little ones who would really benefit from a little of your time? From babies to children, the crèche project in Guatemala is a truly rewarding experience crying out for your time, energy and affection!

PROJECT OVERVIEW
Live and work in the beautiful city of Antigua. With majestic volcanoes rising out of lush green rainforest, highland villages steeped in tradition and vibrant, spirited people, Guatemala put quite simply is a magical destination! "Antigua is absolutely STUNNING. I cannot stress how stunning it really is. I wish I could zap you all here just so you can see it for yourselves…” Rebecca Tilley

As for things to do with your spare time, whether you’re an adventure-mad extreme sports enthusiast or a nature-loving bird-watcher, Guatemala’s awesome unspoilt natural habitat will have something for you. The extraordinary terrain around the volcanoes and caves provides the perfect setting for mountaineering and caving (spelunking) whereas the fast-moving rivers are ideal for boating, white-water rafting and windsurfing, with Lake Atitlán also popular for diving. There’s also a nearby turtle sanctuary! Besides this you can also find ample opportunity to go mountain biking, bathe in hot springs surrounded by lush green jungle, or indulge your passion for nature in one of the country’s national parks.

Why not combine your crèche project in Guatemala with other projects available in Antigua to fully get the most out of your time in the country. Other Travellers projects that can be combined include learning Spanish, teaching in schools, care work in a variety of care homes for old and young,

This crèche project offers you an excellent opportunity to experience the Guatemalan culture in a way that the tourists never see. Take a deeper insight!

These projects outlined below are all extremely worthwhile and your help is very much appreciated. You do need a basic+ level of Spanish to help on these projects - however we can arrange necessary lessons for you in Antigua before and/or during your Project. You do not need previous experience in care or working with children.

The following is a summary of the sorts of activities you may be required to help with:

• Helping to dress and feed the children
• Caring for and looking after the babies
• Assisting with various house duties
• Helping the children with their homework
• Teaching English to the children
• Organising activities and playing with the children
• Organising games and songs
   

UNION Y ESPERANZA PROJECT
This is a private primary school dedicated to educating some of the poorest children in the area of Jocotenango and the surrounding villages.

Volunteers will have the opportunity to work at this delightful school as an assistant teacher for the different grades during the mornings and also help out with general activities during the afternoons, such as sports. Volunteers offer invaluable access to spoken English for these children! You will most likely work from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. An afternoon program is also available.

Union y Esperanza believes that every child has the right to education. Their mission is to give opportunities for a brighter future filled with possibilities through education.

They offer education from kindergarten to sixth grade for children 4 to 18 years old. At the present time there are 149 children enrolled in the school. The children also receive a nutritious mid morning snack and lunch here.

GUARDERIA INFANTIL PROJECT
Guardería Infantil is a day care centre, open to single mothers’ children and for the children of mothers who work at the market of Antigua (and have no affordable place to leave the children whilst they work). The centre is situated close to the municipal market and is sponsored by Obras Sociales del Hermano Pedro.

At present there are about 80 children ranking in age from 2 months to 6 years old. The purpose of Guarderia Infantil is to give the children care, love, and education. These children also receive free dental and health care here.

The children arrive at the project at 7am in the morning and leave at 5pm. They receive breakfast, a mid-morning snack, lunch and a mid-afternoon snack before they leave.

Volunteer here have the opportunity to work at the nursery area or in the kindergarten school under the supervision of on of the teachers. Volunteers work from 8am to 1pm.

HOGARES COMUNITARIOS PROJECT
Hogares Comunitarios was founded by the first lady of Guatemala as a Government project. There are around 20 such centres in the surrounding area of Antigua.

Hogares Comunitarios is a day care centre for children of very poor single or alcoholic parents. Usually the centres are situated in a family home. Where you will work alongside at least one other member of staff. Enthusiastic volunteer initiative is needed in organising activities and educational material for the children.

The program for the children runs from 7:30am to 5pm. The children also receive breakfast, lunch and two snacks, provided by the Government.

These centres aim to care for children from birth to 6 years old while their parents work. Your role as volunteer is much needed in providing love and attention, as well as pre-school education.

You will most likely work with 4-6 year olds. A teacher visits the project weekly so volunteers can coordinate teaching activities with her. Games, songs and recreational activities are needed excellent sources of educational for the weekly program.

Volunteers will work from 8am to 1pm, but can opt for full if they wish (finish at 5pm).
Why not combine your crèche project in Guatemala with other projects available in Antigua to fully get the most out of your time in the country. Other Travellers projects that can be combined include, learning Spanish, teaching in schools, care work in a variety of care homes for old and young. These can be arranges in conjunction with your crèche placement.

WHAT YOU'LL GAIN FROM DOING THIS PROJECT:

• An exciting, never-to-be-forgotten adventure into Guatemala and Central America.

• The enormous satisfaction of helping disadvantaged children and knowing that you made a difference to them.

• New skills, more confidence, a greater understanding of a different culture, invaluable personal and professional development.

• An entry on your CV or résumé that will put you head and shoulders above most others in the job market

• And best of all ... an unforgettable experience!

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OPTIONAL ADD-ONS

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Accommodation with host families means that Travellers volunteers get to eat, sleep, work, socialise and generally live like a Guatemalan. Most of the families take more than one volunteer or student at once (some up to 10!), so the atmosphere is somewhere between a regular family and a hostel... Often very social, but with the benefit of gaining insights into the Guatemalan way of life from the inside - the best of both worlds!!

Many of our volunteers remain friends with their host families long after they leave Guatemala and in some cases they return to the country later especially to visit their family. Many offer the option of single or shared rooms, and generally houses within the same town are in close proximity with each other. The accommodation is comfortable, with a ‘western-style’ bathroom.

"The house I am staying at is like something out of a travel guide, and the family I am with is sweet and so thoughtful! Flori, Edgar Sr., Edgar, Denise and Paula are sure to be fast friends! My housemates are great too, there are 3 guys from Germany, Colorado and Miami, and we get along great! They are showing me around the city and explaining important rules of thumb (like don't flush the toilet paper down the toilet!!)" Elizabeth Collin, Teaching 2008

All of your meals will be provided from Monday to Saturday, leaving you free to sample local eateries on Sundays. Expect to develop a taste for corn tortillas, tostadas and tacos in plentiful supply! Western and international dishes are also easily available in Antigua. Although Guatemalans are big on eating meat, we can easily cater for vegetarians.

One of our hosts outside her house!

As with all our destinations, the Guatemalan culture and heritage is different to Anglo-Saxon cultures and this must be borne in mind. 

Self-reliance and independence are highly appreciated in all our destinations and will help you to make the most of this wonderful opportunity!

Once you have applied for a placement, we will send you a very detailed Guatemala Information Book, as well as an equally detailed Safety Guide - both of these will help to make your stay in Guatemala one that you will never forget!

To read about the extensive Support & Backup we provide in our countries, please click here.