We’ve listed here a few of the many volunteer opportunities available in and around Xela. If you don’t see anything you are interested in but still want to do something, you should talk to Entremundos about what else is available.

EntreMundos’

Volunteer Placement Programme offers professional and friendly advice to help you find the best possible volunteer placement. Our Volunteer Drop-in Centre is open Monday to Thursday from 1pm to 5pm in our offices in Quetzaltenango, 6a calle 7-31, Zone 1, 7761-2179. Alternatively you can search our online Volunteer Opportunities Database where we have information on over 160 organisations seeking volunteers in all fields of work, www.entremundos.org.

CBA Spanish School
CBA Spanish School runs a non-profit and non-poitically affiliated volunteer opportunities program where they will find the right volunteer opportunity for you. Create a large impact in the a local community! 12 Avenida 10-27,zona 1, 7761-8535.

Asociación Nuevos Horizontes

seeks volunteers to devise and organise fun, educational, and creative activities for the children who live in the shelter.  We also need volunteers to supervise and plan activities for the children at our day-care center that serves working mothers. Volunteers can also help organise excursions for the children, many of whom have few opportunities to leave the shelter. Help is also needed with fundraising events, publicity and grant applications.

Asociación Gente Joven

works in various areas including education, development, human rights, etc. Seeks volunteers to help with development & sustainability of organization. Intermediate Spanish required, Min. 2 weeks. Contact: Jaime or Cesar at 5924-7373, jimydeleon@hotmail.com, gentejov@yahoo.com.

Ajb’atz’ Enlace Quiche

is looking for volunteers to teach English and develop curriculum, and interns for the Digital Weaver and NGO Management Programs. Contact: volunteer@enlacequiche.org.

HIKE + HELP

A non-profit travel agency and local NGO seeks volunteers. Help with publicity, arranging tours, and general admin. Min. 6 weeks and intermediate Spanish required. Great opportunity! Contact: 7765-0883, 5888-1396, or info@fdiguatemala.org.

Safe Stove Project

Take part in a lifesaving and environmentally-focused program that aids needy families in rural villages by building stoves to replace smoky open fires. Train to lead the project or do publicity, party prep, and fundraising. Contact: Lara Hendy, l2hendy@yahoo.com, 7761-2179.

Trama Textiles

A woman’s weaving co-op, seeks volunteers to help with promotion, translation, & grant writing. Computer skills a plus. No Spanish necessary. Contact: 7765-8564, M-F 9-5, trama.textiles@yahoo.com.

Ut’z K’ol b’al

Is a community cultural center in development just outside of Xela. Its aims to offer programs including children’s education, K’iche’ language, Mayan cooking, medicinal plants, and more.  Seeks volunteers to help with construction, development, publicity, and fund-raising.  To visit or volunteer, Contact: 5029-0175, utzkolbal@hotmail.com, 7a Calle 15-17, Zona 1.

Tejidos Cotzal

Is a women’s weaving cooperative located in the village of San Juan Cotzal, about 30 minutes east of Nebaj.  This region was one of the worst hit hard during the civil war and is still one of the poorest in the country. You can help support the community by purchasing its products at Cafe Al-Natur or Manos Creativos.  You can also visit the community  and gain an insight into Mayan life and regional history through its eco-tourism program.  For those able to provide longer-term support, volunteers are needed for help with teaching, administration, and marketing.  Contact: 4605-5967, tejidoscotzal@gmail.com, www.tejidoscotzal.org.