Street Children/Children At Risk

IFRE places volunteers in Guatemala to help the massive (and ever-increasing) number of street children facing numerous tragedies resulting from the lack of a safe, homely environment. Street children can be made victims through a number of exploitive calamities – starvation, inhuman labor, sex industry, starvation… just to name a few misfortunes. Children who are fortunate enough to have families are often not provided for, leading to malnourishment and even further exploitation as they are often required to somehow provide for their more-than-likely impoverished families.

Volunteers willing to provide considerably necessary assistance to Guatemala 's street children are welcomed in these unselfish projects. Children need not only your support and attention, but can additionally learn a great deal from you in terms of real-world skills, pertinent information regarding personal hygiene, proficiency in English. Being both a positive AND a motivating factor in these children's lives, volunteers are often a driving force and shining example for the possibility of a brighter future for these deprived children.

Skills/Qualifications

No specific qualifications are required to join the street children's project in Guatemala . However, interested individuals should have a passion and eagerness to help less fortunate children as well as have a strong personality to deal with these children's often unfortunate situations and demeanors. While Spanish is preferred it is not required. IFRE offers free Spanish lessons to participants volunteering in Guatemala

Volunteers' Responsibilities

Volunteers in Guatemala may help these street children in the following ways: teach Basic English, supervise/create games, assist in creativity-based activities (painting, art classes, etc.), assist the children with their homework assignments, as well as serve within the capacity of a companion to the children. Volunteer may also be asked to assist in daily routines of the designated center, including (but not limited to): cooking, cleaning, routine maintenance, laundry, etc. Volunteers possessing skills and/or a background in child psychology as well as fluent in Spanish will have the obvious advantage – ensuring the highest level of contribution and effective interaction. While these skills are welcomed, they are not required of volunteers wanting to participate in this particular project.

Room/Food