| Guatemala is one of the most important places | | | | such an importance in the local culture. |
| in Latin America where Mayan influence and | | | | |
| its legacy are still intact. By volunteering | | | | Around 50 percent of the population in |
| in Guatemala you will get a grasp of the | | | | Guatemala are direct descendants form the |
| unique local culture that retains much of the | | | | Mayan civilization. Nowadays, they are trying |
| customs from centuries ago. | | | | to keep their roots alive through education. |
| | | | This is a field that constantly attracts |
| Volunteering abroad is one of the most | | | | international students that want to do a |
| incredible journeys a person can do, not only | | | | volunteer program. In 2001 it took place in |
| to contribute to a social cause and discover | | | | Guatemala the First Hemispheric Indigenous |
| unknown regions of the world, but also to | | | | Education Conference. This event opened the |
| learn about oneself and grow as a human | | | | door to a much bigger influx of international |
| being. | | | | students wishing to volunteer in Guatemala. |
| | | | So nowadays is much easier to access this |
| Volunteering in Guatemala will lead you to | | | | social field if you are interested on |
| find out about natives and ancient cultures | | | | volunteering in Guatemala. |
| that are still present in everyday life. | | | | |
| Guatemalan population is a mixture of Mayan | | | | A widely chosen location in the country is |
| descendants and Spanish influence. When | | | | Antigua city, a small colonial town with |
| volunteering in Guatemala you will find a | | | | gorgeous landscapes and colourful traditions. |
| perfect blend between both cultures, with a | | | | As you volunteer you will enjoy street |
| little bit more of relevance from the Mayan | | | | festivals, carnivals and typical |
| side. Getting in touch with natives and | | | | celebrations. |
| discovering how they cope with poverty, | | | | |
| malnutrition and many other issues while | | | | Religion is another important feature in the |
| keeping their tradition firmly and alive, | | | | country's way of living. When volunteering in |
| will open your mind to a new perspective you | | | | Guatemala you will find that locals still |
| may have never previously encountered as you | | | | practice the traditional Mayan religious |
| do your volunteering program. | | | | ceremonies. This was promoted by the whole of |
| | | | the society and the government through |
| There are various ethnic communities that | | | | different peace accords. |
| coexist in the country, as for example the | | | | |
| Kaqchiquel and Achi communities that have | | | | Â |
| their own language and customs but share an | | | | |
| equal ancestral background. While | | | | When volunteering in Guatemala you will get |
| volunteering in Guatemala you have the chance | | | | to see all mentioned above and much more. |
| to get in touch with this unique population | | | | Besides, you will feel rewarded by how much |
| and help them in different ways. | | | | you will be contributing to such a beautiful |
| | | | community. Locals are very friendly and will |
| While volunteering in Guatemala you will | | | | make your stay a very enjoyable time. |
| discover that the purest Mayan influence is | | | | |
| not only found in the remaining temples and | | | | While volunteering in Guatemala you will also |
| ancient monuments, but also in the artistic | | | | discover impressive landscapes and gorgeous |
| expressions and crafts. The most important in | | | | scenery. Tikal ruins are the perfect setting |
| this subject are the wooden productions of | | | | that combines both, ancient Mayan |
| clothes. When volunteering in Guatemala the | | | | constructions and lush jungles to stroll all |
| first thing you will come across are the | | | | day long. |
| colourful and bright dresses that distinguish | | | | |
| the local people from any other population in | | | | So just get ready to live up the most |
| the world. Other productions include pottery, | | | | impressive journey ever. Volunteer in |
| straw baskets and wooden figures. By | | | | Guatemala and discover yourself and how much |
| volunteering in Guatemala you will be | | | | you can help others. |
| astonished to see how traditional goods have | | | | |