FUNCEDESCRI - GUATEMALA 2006

FUNCEDESCRI
Alexandra Praun
KM 26 1/2 Carretera Panamericana  
San Lucas Sacatepequez
Camino al Cerra Alux.
Guatemala

FUNCEDESCRI is an ecumenical, non-profit organization that encourages solidarity between some of Guatemala's poorest people with projects for integrated, sustainable development. The objectives of the institute's volunteering program are: 1. To allow people who take part to develop an awareness of the reality of life for the poor in Guatemala; 2. To reinforce the bonds of brotherhood between people through life experience, work, study, and reflecting reality; 3. To offer volunteers an opportunity where they can offer expertise to help the projects they are involved in, at the same time as sharing with poor communities; 4. To investigate ways to improve the work that the institution carries out; 5. To develop a network of FUNCEDESCRI friends who can offer financial and moral support to the institution; 6. To keep in touch with programs and voluntary groups who have been within the general structure of the FUNCEDESCRI volunteering program.

GUA FUN 01              10.07-21.07     AGRI/SOCIAL             10 VOLS
GUA FUN 02              31.07-11.08     AGRI/SOCIAL             10 VOLS
GUA FUN 03              02.10-13.10     AGRI/SOCIAL             10 VOLS
WORK: FUNCEDESCRI is an ecumenical, non/profit organization  Its projects help poor communities in Quiche and Alta Verapaz make the most of their resources.  We want to build these communities so they are self-sufficient and self-confident.  At our headquarters in San Lucas Sacatepequez, we have a model farm, a rural life and Technology training center where we grow organic vegetables, fruit and over fifty types of herbs.  There is also a natural medicine workshop that manufactures not only medicinal products but also beauty products such as soaps and shampoo.  A variety of tasks, including basic agricultural work and maintenance of the Center, will be carried out by the volunteers.  They will also have the chance to assist in the manufacturing and packaging of the natural medicinal and beauty products.
ACCOMMODATION: Volunteers will live on site in house/dormitory, with beds, showers, kitchen and cleaning facilities. Some meals will be prepared, some you will prepare.
LANGUAGE: Basic Spanish is required - the staff only speaks Spanish (and native languages.) THE STAFF SPEAKS NO ENGLISH.
LOCATION: Volunteers will be based in the life and Technology training center in San Lucas Sacatepequez.
TERMINAL:  International Airport La Aurora in Guatemala City<  about 25 Kms from the Center.
STUDY & RECREATION: Throughout the time here volunteers can learn about, political / social and economical reality of Guatemala,  natural medicine, sustainable agriculture and how we intend to develop the poverty-stricken rural communities of Guatemala.  During the week end a tourist outing will be organized.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Free from drugs and with no vices; Be able to communicate in Spanish; With capacity  for team work; With abilities to share with others; Well-disposed to carry out the Institution rules.
FEE: $200 payable on arrival.

GUA FUN MTV 01  Flexible Dates / 4 month minimum 10 VOLS
WORK: FUNCEDESCRI is an ecumenical, non/profit organization.  Its projects help poor communities make the most of their resources.  We want to build these communities so they are self-sufficient and self-confident.  Volunteers can be involved in the following on going projects:  Appropriate technology and local agro industry: Small water and projects for irrigation and drinking; Development of machinery for small agro industry; Processing of fruit products / jams, marmalade, comfitures; Quality control of cosmetic products  (essential oils, soaps, shampoos); Processing of weaning foods; Elaboration of teas from a variety of herbs; Food and Nutrition Security: Organic agriculture and animal production; Mother and child nutrition; Natural medicine; Commercialization of processed and fresh products; Non - Formal Education: Preparation of educational material  (audiovisuals, graphics, pamphlets); Translation of English written material to Spanish; Maintenance: Electrical maintenance; Maintenance of the Center  lodging and quarters; Development of new projects for example Alternative Tourism.  These projects are going on in FUNCEDESCRI work zones (Nebaj, Cunen, Uspantan, Campur) so there are no specific dates for the incorporation of volunteers, any time their contribution is welcome!   According to their capacities and interests a work plan will be prepared together with the coordinator of the working zone.
REQUIREMENTS: Vols must be available to work for at least 4 months; Have an Institutional back-up { Example: a Volunteer Organization, University, Church); Have specific knowledge or technical aptitudes to contribute to FUNCEDESCRI work; Be over 21 years old.
LANGUAGE: A good level of Spanish is required.
TERMINAL:  International Airport La Aurora in Guatemala City.
STUDY & RECREATION: Throughout the time here volunteers can learn about, political / social and economical reality of Guatemala, natural medicine, sustainable agriculture and how we intend to develop the poverty-stricken rural communities of Guatemala.
FEE: $200 payable on arrival.