Location:

San Ignacio, Belize

Program Type:

Volunteer Abroad

Degree Level:

Undergraduate

Work Types:

Translation

Duration:

1-2 weeks

Program Overview

Program Description:

Do something to remember this spring break and join Kaya's spring break volunteer week. You will join a team in Belize and help build sustainable homes for those in need. This is a self-sustainable community farm dedicated to the promotion of self reliance, harmonious living and above all, providing a safe, stable and healthy home for abused and orphaned children whom law dictates, must leave the orphan system at only 16 years of age. This orphanage development project brings a sense of community to the children abandoned by the legal system while immersing them in inspiring sustainability initiatives helping to preserve local resources enabling the community to be financially independent. Importantly, this farm aims to become a transition model to inspire other community building and sustainable farming initiatives throughout Belize. And when you finish your work, enjoy an exciting caving trip to the Actun Tunichil Muknal.

Combine work with fun as you bond with your team and explore the surroundings. You will arrive on the Sunday and receive your orientation on Monday which will prepare you for your project. After working from Tuesday to Friday, you will round your week off with a thrilling adventure through jungles and caves - swimming deep into a cave system to see 2000 year old Mayan artifacts and skeletons.

There are a number of initiatives currently being undertaken on this project including food security sustainable agricultural practices, preserving biodiversity through land management, providing transitional homes for both young women and those that the orphan system has disregarded at 16 years old and a child fostering programme. This project needs developmental volunteers to help support the above practices and provide much needed man power and support to the initiatives on the ground. The area where volunteers are particularly valuable are in construction, helping to develop main and out buildings, sanitization blocks and developing the garden area. This approach ensures your work is not negated when you leave, the project is focused on creating a sustainable environment for the local people who can continue enjoying it.

Setting Description:

Kaya’s programmes are based in San Ignacio. This project is in Georgeville - a 15 minute bus ride outside the town centre, where the volunteer house is located. San Ignacio is also an attractive market town set among pleasant tropical hills with a wide, shallow river running through the centre, where local families and volunteers love to swim. You can visit nearby Maya ruins and take part in caving adventures in your free time.

Cost:

£835 / $1461