English Program

  Guatemala

Guatemala City

Length of Position: 6 months

Description: Safe Passage (Camino Seguro) opened its doors in 1999 to provide hope and assistance to the children of the Guatemala City garbage dump. Where others saw a lost cause and lost resources, we saw potential and determination in the eyes of these children. We believe every child should have the opportunity to receive an education and to go as far as they are able in school. Our programs are designed so that each child can gain the skills needed to obtain stable jobs, to be self sufficient and to lead their families out of poverty in a dignified and permanent way.

Formal education is far beyond the reach for many of the children living on the periphery of the Guatemala City garbage dump. They are unable to afford the school uniforms & shoes, enrollment fees, school supplies and books required by the Guatemalan public schools. With financial support from Safe Passage, each child is able to attend a local public school for the half-day term and then come to our center for educational reinforcement, caring and supervision.

Volunteers teach 5 days a week and 5-6 classes a day with disadvantaged children from ages 5-20. We also provide English classes to staff at Safe Passage.

Highlights: Most volunteers live in Antigua which is one of the major tourist attractions of Guatemala.

Qualifications:
* ESL/EFL Certified or teaching experience.
* Intermediate Spanish.

Minimum Education: Diploma/Certification

Salary / Pay: $150/mo with 6 month commitment.

Experience Required: yes

We prefer TEFL certification and/or teaching experience.

This Program is open to American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Guatemala Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Phone Interview
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Safe Passage's Mission Statement: Our Mission is to create opportunities and foster dignity through the power of education. Safe Passage works with the poorest at-risk children of families working in the Guatemala City garbage dump. Within a safe and caring environment, we provide a comprehensive and integrated program that fosters hope, good health, educational achievement, self-sufficiency, self esteem and confidence.

Year Founded: 1999