Hola Farmers!
My name is Wendy and I grew up on a farm, and ran farmers markets for years in Vancouver, BC. I love this site! And now I am volunteering for a Non-Profit in Rio Dulce, Guatemala. Casa Guatemala was an orphanage for 30 years during the civil war for orphans seeking refuge and it has transformed in a school, farm and medical clinic serving over 300 children from 30 indigenous communities in the impoverished area of Rio Dulce. And after covid, floods, hurricanes and other smaller hiccups, we are coming back to the land to solve our need for nutrition and food. We want to teach the locals how to farm and create a small farm economy that they can use to feed themselves, and create an income. (We would like to expand the Boat Store where we sell eggs, meats, veggies and homemade pies) to rich sailors taking shelter on the river from hurricane season. ;P Anyways, I thought this might be a good place to ask if anyone knows any volunteer sites where I can post our Volunteer Opportunities? We offer accommodation and three meals a day of course! More about the project below.. I would love any suggestions, about volunteer sites, farming in the tropics etc. We are also open potentially to a project that needs land .. we have 20 hectares in which we can partner. We are lucky to be on the river!
Please email me or respond in this chat if you are interested! More info below..
wendy@casa-guatemala.org
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Long-Term Volunteer Vacation
Reopening applications now for May, 2024
Grow, Change, Nourish Lives: Volunteer in Regenerative Agriculture at Casa Guatemala!
Granja de los Ninos: Farm of the Children - At Casa Guatemala, we believe in the power of agriculture to transform lives. Our farm isn't just about growing food; it's about fostering nutritional education, empowering communities, and building a sustainable future. Through permaculture principles, we're creating gardens that serve as vibrant showcases of diverse, nutrient-rich crops in our region of Rio Dulce that are essential for combating dietary deficiencies prevalent in many local villages. By participating in the Granja de los Ninos, you're not just tending to plants; you're sowing the seeds of positive change. Become a part of a growing network dedicated to ecological sustainability and economic empowerment. Through collaboration and shared knowledge, we're forging connections that extend far beyond our gardens.
Embrace the Challenge and Make a Difference:
Learn Regenerative Practices: Immerse yourself in permaculture and indigenous farming techniques
Nourish Children's Lives: Contribute to a sustainable food source for the children at Casa Guatemala.
Empower the Community: Help us build a model for future generations through ecological responsibility.
Cost: $300 (USD) one-time donation
Time Commitment: 3-6 month minimum. Please see below.
Accommodation: Volunteer Communal House, onsite living at Casa Guatemala
Meals: Included
Transportation: Boat rides to Rio Dulce town are included as available
Please see the various programs and positions below:
Volunteer Coordinator
Our Volunteer Program Coordinator will be responsible for overseeing all volunteer activities within an organization and at Casa Guatemala.
Their duties include placing volunteer ads, interviewing and hiring, placing volunteers in different roles based on their qualifications and maintaining accurate volunteer records.
Time Commitment: 6 month minimum
Other: Stipend included.
Minimum Age: 24 years
Conversational Spanish Required
Criminal/Police check
Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
Farm Coordinator:
The Farm Coordinator will work with the Director to design the garden, oversee the build and installation and lead the farm volunteers in planting and tending the garden beds. Knowledge about soil testing, irrigation, and tropical growing practices is an asset.
Time Commitment: 6 month minimum
Other: Stipend included.
-Minimum Age: 24 years
-Conversational Spanish Required
-Criminal/Police check
-Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
Farm Volunteers:
These volunteers must have an interest and/or background in permaculture or regenerative farming.
They must be keen on making an impact by creating sustainable farming solutions to feed the children and surrounding villages of Casa Guatemala.
They must want to learn how to grow food, and be physically fit to do the work.
- Minimum Age: 22 years
- Basic Spanish Required
- Criminal/Police check
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds
Natural Building Specialist:
We are looking for someone with experience with alternative building practices (or biotecture) who has experience in building with bamboo and adobe, who is willing to help us establish and build out buildings and other well needed structures to expand and improve our community.
-Minimum Age: 24 years
-Conversational Spanish Required
-Criminal/Police check
-Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
Volunteering at Casa Guatemala is a fantastic experience, but it is not without its difficulties. To learn more about the experience,
please visit our FAQs.
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we love positive and experienced humans!
