Guatemala: Education Development Volunteer

IMMEDIATE VOLUNTEER NEED!

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 a 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 key activities:

1. Support teachers at the primary school in the community of Nueva Mercedes

2. Organize extracurricular activities such as computer classes, arts, crafts, mind-training games, and sports for children

3. Scholarship Program to provide support for students in secondary and high school

4. 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 looking for volunteers to join our team and carry out project objectives in the field. This is a fantastic opportunity for a person who has interest in international development, enjoys working in rural environment, and has excellent intercultural communication skills.

Your profile

• Ability to engage for 3-6 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 Oppressed 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 the challenges of living in a rural environment and a tropical climate
• Ability to work collaboratively in an international, multicultural, multi-ethnic environment and team, utilizing strong intercultural communication skills
• 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
• Developing a trustful relationship with the community
• Reporting periodically to other Li Ch’utam team members
• Liaising 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 expenses; housing is provided in a modern volunteer lodge with maximum 3 other volunteers *
• 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
• Ability to improve your language skills through complete immersion
• Ability to learn about forward thinking development projects and take an active role in planning and implementing them
• A recommendation letter upon successful completion of the assignment

Joining our volunteer team is a challenging opportunity that suits highly motivated people interested in pursuing a career within international development and who want to make a visible difference in the lives of others.

* Unfortunately we cannot offer a salary, health insurance, or compensation for flights to and from Guatemala.

Application Submission Instructions

Please submit your application, consisting of a CV and a motivation letter, to info@lichutam.org no later than 11February 2018. Please mark “Application: Global Volunteer” in the subject field. Please specify your potential start date within the email and/or motivation letter. Please note we are hoping to have volunteers on the ground in mid-February but are happy to discuss later start dates with suitable candidates.

As we are looking to fill this position as soon as possible, interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis so we encourage interested applicants to apply as soon as possible.

We will contact all successful applicants to arrange an interview via Skype.