We incorporate and combine clinical care; health education and community outreach programs to effectively provide preventative and primary care. We aim to improve the quality of life of the rural communities of the Palajunoj Valley through integrated health education programs and access to medical services. We are the only comprehensive and affordable source of local health care in the area; providing health education classes year-round to participating schools and community groups. As a Community Outreach Facilitator you will be working alongside our nutritionist as well as collaborating with other foreign volunteers and staff from various programs. Our Community Outreach Program is multi-faceted and comprehensive. You will be involved in giving health workshops to the mothers; preparing and handing out educational material; conducting interviews and progress reports; and keeping data on the children up-to-date. As in all of our programs; volunteers are expected to be flexible and take the initiative. At times when there are no tasks to be completed within the Community Outreach Program; we expect that volunteers will collaborate in other areas of the clinic. Through your work; you will gain insight into how global public health projects are created and what is involved in creating manageable and sustainable development projects.
We offer academic references and can write recommendations for University institutions (medical school for example).
Xela
Year round
1 month minimum
Adults of both sexes 18+
Commitment to work hard and actively participate and contribute to the mission of Primeros Pasos by providing quality healthcare and educational services to the communities of the Palajunoj Valley. Willingness to travel on public transport and by foot as needed. At least 18 years of age. Availability to work 4-5 hours a day; Monday through Friday. Sensitivity and respect to the ideals; traditions and beliefs of other cultures and value systems. At least an intermediate level of Spanish. Successfully completing a Spanish test prior to arrival is a requirement.
This position requires a a fundraising donation of US$300; to be raised via Primeros Pasos fundraising website before or during the internship. These donations include the internship placement; pre-departure contact support; a pre-departure information package about Guatemala; contact support while in Guatemala; monthly and final work evaluations by the internship supervisor and a certificate of completion. For accommodation and food; we usually recommend volunteers stay with host families and use their free times in the afternoons for Spanish classes (if required). Xela is a hub for Spanish language learning and boasts several of the best Spanish schools in the region.
