During July 2010, I will be leading a development project in Antigua and San Miguel Duenas, Guatemala. As a Team Leader for Developing World Connections, I'm putting together a team of 10-16 "students" (people between the ages of 18-30) to do development work and share in this cultural experience. Please contact me at joelle.tomlinson@ryerson.ca to learn more details, or arrange a time to meet up and discuss the trip. I will also be arranging an information night in the near future. Everyone is welcome!
About the Trip
3-4 weeks of volunteering in the town of San Miguel Duenas, in partnership with Open Windows Foundation, a local organization http://www.openwindowsfoundation.org/
Volunteers take part in a rural education project, which gives hope to over 300 children and their desperately poor families through education and skill development. Volunteers can assist children and adults in numeracy and literacy programs, by teaching English, crafts or computer skills, building a school garden and helping repair and paint the school infrastructure.
An English – Spanish lesson exchange may be arranged with locals.
Approximately the same hours as a full-time job.
Volunteers will live together in a hostel/dorm in the beautiful city of Antigua (approx 15kms away).
It is an unpaid, volunteer position.
No special skills are required, just an open mind, and a desire to experience a different culture and help others.
Cost - $2900 (approximately). Developing World Connections is a registered charity, which means that 40 % of your total travel expenses, including your airfare, can be recovered by you or your sponsors through income tax refund(s).
Price depends on length of trip and preferences of volunteers, but it includes funding the project, meals, accommodation, flights, in-country transport, and administrative fees.
Fund raising can be done to cut costs and there are funding opportunities through Ryerson like RISEF (which offers $2000) and OIEOS that can subsidize this amount as well.
In addition to the 3-4 weeks of volunteering, there is the option to go on a week long tour of the country to see sites like the Mayan Ruins, climb volcanoes and visit the black and white sand beaches.
About Developing World Connections http://www.developingworldconnections.org/
Developing World Connections is a registered, non-profit society with charitable status based out of Kamloops, BC, and has no religious affiliations. It is an international volunteer experience coordinator committed to introducing participants to meaningful service experiences and cultural tours in developing countries.
Thanks for taking the time to read this. Please contact me if you are interested or join my facebook group – DWC Guatemala - July 2010, The Experience of a Lifetime!. Please pass on the information to anyone who may be interested. The trip is open to anyone, not just Ryerson students.
Joelle Tomlinson (2th Year JRN student)
joelle.tomlinson@ryerson.ca
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/central-america/guatemala/
