This incredible shelter provides a safe and supportive home for young mothers, teenage girls, and their children. Some of the girls staying here are teen mums caring for little ones aged 0 to 5, while others are young girls who have experienced trauma, including sexual abuse. All of them are under 18 and have already faced huge challenges in their short lives.
The focus of the shelter is psychological support and healing, but the young women also need help with everyday life, especially the realities of being a young mum.
As a volunteer, your role is hugely valued. You’ll be encouraged to create and run your own activities, based on your interests and strengths. Whether that’s arts and crafts, music, sport, storytelling, games, or mindfulness. You can run sessions for the young kids or for the older girls, it’s up to you.
Our in-country coordinators will help you plan your time on the project, and the local staff are there to support you. If you speak enough Spanish, you may also assist during classroom lessons. Because of staff shortages, you’ll often work independently, so being confident and self-reliant is key.
You’ll need to bring your own materials for the activities you’d like to run, so come prepared to get creative and make it your own!
You can also choose to only work mornings or take Spanish lessons in the afternoons, there’s flexibility to shape your experience around your goals.
This is a unique opportunity to support young girls and mums who deserve a safe space and a second chance. Your time, energy, and creativity can make a lasting impact – not only on their lives, but on yours too.
Ready to be part of something powerful? Join this meaningful project and help young women and their children feel seen, supported, and hopeful again.
Marleen in Guatamala
Met name het vrijwilligerswerk ga ik missen!!!
Anouk in Guatemala
Als je in de juiste tijd gaat zie je bijna elke dag wel baby schildpadjes die je dan mag vrijlaten op het strand wat echt super schattig is!
Mijs vrijwilliger in Guatemala
Het heeft mij doen inzien hoeveel hulp er nodig is op ieder klein plekje op de wereld.
You’ll work on this project from 8:00am - 12:00pm and from
2:30pm - 4:30pm.
There are 35 permanent staff working on this project. You’ll work with social workers, psychologists, teachers, and carers who work full-time with the girls. There are also cooks and maintenance staff.
You’ll speak basic Spanish on this project.
This project runs year-round.
In Guatemala, you’ll stay with a host family. This is the perfect way to get to know local life and culture. You’ll also improve your Spanish quickly because you’ll be speaking it often. In your homestay, you’ll have your own bedroom, while facilities like the bathroom and toilet are usually shared with the family. You’ll receive three meals per day, and the family will do their best to make sure you have an unforgettable experience.
The project is within walking distance of the host families. It’s a maximum 30-minute walk to the project.
If you have some extra space in your bag and would like to bring something for the project, it would be hugely appreciated. Please check in with us to find out what useful and practical items are most needed.
We’ll pick you up from the airport in Guatemala City and take you to your host family. If you arrive before 1:30pm, Hugo will pick you up and take you to the bus station. If you arrive after 1:30pm, you’ll be taken to a hostel for an overnight stay. The next day, Hugo will take you to the bus station, where you’ll catch a bus to Quetzaltenango (Xela). At your final destination, our local contact will meet you.
Take a look at our extra trips to see what you can do in your free time! We have some amazing excursions available. And since you’re in such a stunning destination, it’s the perfect opportunity to explore more of the country!
If you’re not yet confident in Spanish, you can choose to learn the language on-site. It’s not only a unique experience but also the best way to learn directly from the locals. In Guatemala, you can choose between private lessons or group classes.
Petra is the contact person in Guatemala.
For this project, we’re looking for volunteers who want to support and care for young mothers and women. You’ll help with activities such as crafts, music, art and sport, and assist during lessons. You can also run activities for the children of the mothers.
This project is suitable for volunteers aged 17 and over.
Interest in Care and Education
Enthusiasm for supporting women and children is essential. Experience in care or education is a plus.
Initiative and Proactivity
The ability to work independently and take initiative is important. You’ll plan and run a range of activities.
Patience and Empathy
Being understanding and patient when working with vulnerable groups is key.
Cultural Sensitivity
Respect for local customs and traditions, and a willingness to learn from the local culture.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Flexibility and the ability to adapt are important for different circumstances in Guatemala.
Communication Skills
Good communication skills are essential for working with local staff and other volunteers.
Team Spirit
Teamwork is vital. A positive attitude and willingness to collaborate with staff and other volunteers are important.
As a volunteer, you’ll spend your mornings and afternoons working with young mothers and children, organising activities and supporting lessons. Working hours are from 8:00am to 12:00pm and 2:30pm to 4:30pm.
Your stay in Guatemala offers the chance for personal and professional growth, discovering new cultures, and gaining unforgettable experiences.
If you’re passionate about care and education, and ready to commit to a challenging but rewarding environment, this project in Guatemala is perfect for you. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the quality of life for these women and children.
We completely understand that having your child volunteer overseas can feel like a big step. In fact, it’s often just as exciting for parents as it is for the young person themselves, and sometimes even a little more nerve-racking. That’s why we want to reassure you that your child is in good hands.
Since 2004, we’ve been supporting volunteers and have guided many young people through meaningful international experiences.
We take safety seriously. That begins with carefully selecting our partner organisations, volunteer projects, and host families. Every placement is thoroughly checked to make sure it meets our high standards for safety, support, and ethical practices.
Our experienced and caring local contacts are always there to support volunteers throughout their journey. From clear pre-departure preparation to personal assistance during the project, we’re available to help whenever needed.
We believe strongly in open communication. You're always welcome to contact us with any questions or concerns. We’re here not only for the volunteers, but for their families too.
You can feel confident knowing we are fully committed to creating a safe, supportive, and positive experience. Your child’s wellbeing, safety, and overall happiness are our top priorities.
If there's anything you’d like to ask or talk through, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to support you every step of the way.
Warm regards,
The Volunteer Worldwide Team
1 week of volunteering: $749
2 weeks of volunteering: $1349
3 weeks of volunteering: $1799
$299 for each additional week
*All prices are in AUD.
Online introductory meeting
Information pack with details about the culture and customs in Guatemala, plus a checklist of all preparations you need to make, including info on insurance, money matters, and other travel tips
Pre-departure training
Assistance with applying for a police check (VOG)
Access to the online community
Support with your visa application
Help with booking your flight (on request)
Airport transfer to the project
On-site orientation
Help with extending your visa (if needed)
Ongoing support throughout your stay
Accommodation in the volunteer house
Three meals a day
Evaluation session
Certificate (on request)
Opportunity to stay active in our WhatsApp community
Memories for life!
Flight ticket
Vaccinations
Visa
Police check (VOG)
Travel insurance
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