The Nebaj community is always in need of a few good volunteers. The town is a hotbed of international NGOs and development organizations many of which are willing to take on both short and long term foreign volunteers. Such volunteer positions offer an excellent opportunity to practice your Spanish and interact with the local culture. There are positions available in education, health, small business development and much much more.

Donations

Please note that we ask for a small donations from all volunteers. The donations are relatively modest, but can be of huge practical use and reflect the fact that training and coordinating volunteers imposes certain costs on our organization. All donations will go directly to the association, group, or family with which you work. Volunteers are asked to donate Q100 ($13.50) for their first week, and Q50 per week thereafter. After the third week, no more donations are requested (though of course are always welcome). Donations should be paid, in advance, to the tourism office in El Descanso where volunteering will be coordinated.

Please note that certain short-term activities, require a fee to be paid to the tourism office in El Descanso Restaurant.

Centro Explorativo
The Centro Explorativo is a non-profit lending library that serves local children. For more information, click here. Since its founding in 2003, the Centro has benefited from the time and experience of many volunteers. Volunteers can help out in the following ways:
Reading and play activities.	Practice your Spanish as you listen to a child read you a story.  Help pass out the snack and learning materials.   Give the children positive feedback as they write, read, and explore.	Required: one day time commitment, basic/intermediate Spanish level
Computer Classes	Help structure and plan computer lessons for children, then carry them out	Required: Computer skills, 3 weeks time commitment, intermediate Spanish
Educational Resources	Help plan and research educational materials for use by the educators in the Centro, including searching for materials on the internet.	Required: One week time commitment, basic to intermediate Spanish. Educator-background advantageous.
Construction	The Centro is in need of certain structural changes (doors being built etc) and would be grateful for any help. This could include working on creative projects, such as a wooden theater!	Requirements: From one day time commitment, basic Spanish.
The Centro Explorativo is a Community Enterprise Solutions initiative. More info >>>
El Descanso Restaurant
Kitchen help/ chef	Help out and enjoy the fun in the kitchen- including the chance to try out some of your own recipes!	Required: One week time commitment, basic Spanish
Food For the Hungry International
Translations	International Christian organisation with office in Nebaj. Volunteers translate Spanish-English	Required: One week time commitment, intermediate Spanish
Ixil Guides
Planning and booklet design	Helping local guides make a companion guide for their hiking routes	Required: One month time commitment, intermediate Spanish, good level of fitness (to go on hikes!)
Work With a Local Family
Jobs in daily, rural life	Help out with the basic day to day tasks of a Guatemalan village- from cutting the corn in the fields to cooking local dishes- the perfect opportunity to experience a different way of life!	Required: One day or more time commitment, basic Spanish and enthusiasm! Note: Required fee of Q50 per day, paid to family. Includes lunch
Ixil Stoves
marketing/ business planning	Work with a local entrepreneur to help with his business in providing affordable, healthy stoves to rural communities.	Required: One month time commitment, intermediate Spanish
Teach Mentally-Challenged Children
Teaching	Help to design and execute lesson plans for local mentally challenged children	Required: One week time commitment, basic Spanish
Teach Mentally-Challenged Children
Teaching	Design and run a comprehensive introductory English class for mentally-challenged youth	Required: Three month time commitment, advanced Spanish
Cooperativa Chajulense
marketing/ business planning	Help a local coffe and cheese cooperative organize their business and find markets for their products	Required: Three month time commitment, intermediate Spanish
Paper Project
Paper Project	Help local woman make recycled paper, cards and folders	Required: One month time commitment, intermediate Spanish
Radio Show
Create Educational Radio Show	Create a radio show to be broadcast once weekly on local radio with educational content for young children	Required: One month time commitment, advanced Spanish