Organization: Li Ch'utam
Country: Guatemala
Closing date: 26 Apr 2017
LICHUTAM is an international development organization based in El Valle del Polochic – Guatemala. The Polochic Valley is one of the most disadvantaged areas in Guatemala, where education is still a privilege only few can afford. Most rural communities in the region are affected by low income, high levels of poverty and low access to basic service such as health, electricity, and water. Since 2009 we have been working to promote sustainable development in indigenous Maya communities through innovative solutions with the aim to improve education and livelihoods of local inhabitants.
Currently our projects serve two Maya Q’eqchi speaking communities, with a total population of 600 people, focusing on following four key activities:
- Support teachers at the primary school in community of Nueva Mercedes
- Organize extracurricular activities such as computer classes, arts, crafts, mind-training games and sports for children
- Scholarship Program to provide support for students in secondary and high school
- Family Projects: kitchen gardens, teaching planting/harvesting techniques, providing technical agricultural support
We are a small and young organization, a group of eager and practical people who want to make a difference in the world. Currently, we are expanding our team – we are looking for volunteers who are able to take responsibilities within the association. This is a fantastic opportunity for a person that has interest in international development, enjoys working in rural environment and has excellent intercultural communication skills.
Your profile
- Ability to engage for minimum 3 months’ period in the field.
- Fluency in Spanish and English – both written and spoken. A minimum of an undergraduate degree in pedagogical studies, international development, international relations, economics or equivalent. Master’s degree and/or knowledge in alternative pedagogies such as Stainer School or Freire’s Pedagogy of the Oppress are advantages.
- Ability to work collaboratively as a part of a multicultural team, but also take responsibility and initiatives independently.
- "Doer" attitude, eager to fulfill goals in a result based management.
- Experience working in rural areas in developing countries.
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to primitive circumstances, sometimes rapidly changing situations and tropical climate.
- Experience working with indigenous communities, development of community-based education in rural areas, knowledge and creativity to apply pedagogical games to support education are highly desired.
Your responsibilities
- Running activities of the local projects on a daily basis.
- Taking initiatives to design educational programs and activities.
- Assisting teachers at the local school.
- Develop a trustful relationship with the community.
- Report periodically to other LICHUTAM members.
- Liaise with external organizations (governmental and other NGOs) that serve the same purpose.
What we offer
- To cover all living (accommodation and food) and work related transport costs.* Housing is organized in a modern volunteer lodge with max 3 others.
- Internet connection.
- A unique opportunity to gain work experience in a cross-cultural environment and to work with indigenous Q'eqchi Mayan families in the heart of Guatemala.
- Possibility to improve your language skills and learn about forward thinking development projects.
- A recommendation letter upon successful completion of the assignment.
Joining our volunteer team is a challenging opportunity that suits highly motivated people who pursue for career within international development and want to make a visible difference.
* Unfortunately we can't offer a salary, health insurance or compensation for flights.
How to apply:
Please submit your application, consisting of a CV and a motivation letter, to info@lichutam.org and a copy to annaheikkinen123@gmail.com no later than 26 April 2017. Please mark “**Application: Global Volunteer**” in the subject field. We will contact all successful applicants to arrange an interview via Skype.
