The shelter is a home for families who have survived situations of domestic violence and want to take the next step to make a new life for themselves. There may be between 20 and 50 people living in the shelter at any one time, 10-30 of whom are children aged 0-13 years old. The day care is a subsidised program helping mothers who are financially supporting their families, often single mothers. Some of the families are former residents of the Nuevos Horizontes shelter for victims of domestic violence. Up to 20 younger children are in the day care all day and an additional 10 (approx) older children arrive after the school day ends at 1pm so volunteer assitance is vitally needed.

Volunteers devise and organize fun, educational and creative activities for the children who live in the shelter or attend the daycare center as well as after school activities for those who attend school during the day. Volunteers can also help organize excursions for the children, both from the shelter and from the daycare center. Assistance is also needed for fundraising events in the local area. It's sometimes challenging working with the children but ultimately rewarding, as although they may have experienced great difficulties in their lives, the children are excited by the new experiences they can share with our volunteers.

No specific experience is needed but experience working with children is an advantage. Volunteers should be independent, enthusiastic and hardworking. Basic Spanish is an advantage but this program can easily be combined with Spanish study in one of the town's many schools.

A minimum 4 week commitment is required and volunteers work in the shelter or daycare center 3 days a week (mornings or afternoons), or more if you want!

There are no fees for this program and volunteers have the support of two volunteer coordinators who can also assist with finding accommodation.

Contacts

honoris@intelnet.net.gt
nhcoordinadoras@gmail.com