Centro de Formacion Integral, Asociación Escuela de la Calle (EDELAC)
Focus: Community and Education.
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Project Description
Asociación Escuela de La Calle (EDELAC) is a Guatemalan-registered, non-profit organization that has been combating the phenomenon of children living and working on the streets of Quetzaltenango (Xela), Guatemala since its establishment in 1995. EDELAC is run by a Guatemalan staff of teachers, social workers and psychologists who are in turn supported by foreign volunteers.
The centre-piece of EDELAC is its school located in Las Rosas, an impoverished neighbourhood on the outskirts of Quetzaltenango where many street children originate. The school provides accessible and comprehensive education to over 175 street children and children-at-risk between the ages of 5 and 15.
The majority of the school’s student body is of indigenous descent and the kids typically come from a background of family disintegration, violence and poverty. The children are taught traditional subjects such as mathematics, reading and writing, but also receive education in indigenous languages, children’s and human rights, democracy, participation and ethics. Through the school, students are provided with free medical and dental care.
The school also actively works to involve parents – many of which are unfamiliar with the idea of schooling – in their children’s education. Through workshops, courses and conversations, the school promotes stable, nurturing family environments and broader community-building.
Volunteer Information
Costs & Benefits
Requirements
Contact information
Project Summary
EDELAC volunteers primarily work as teachers’ aides and are typically placed with a single class of students during their time here. These volunteers vastly improve the quality of education that we can offer the kids.
This is especially the case with those students that require more individualized attention when they are studying and learning. These volunteers are given a lot of autonomy in their jobs and are invited to liven-up the curriculum with activities like theatre productions and art sessions.
This position can be combined with afternoon volunteering in the Hogar Abierto (see separate project listing for more info).
This position is Monday to Friday, 8am – 1pm.
This isn’t one of those pay-to-volunteer type deals. On the other hand, the tangible perks on offer are minimal– this is still volunteering after all. Your biggest reward and motivation should be the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children we support.
Although you will be expected to cover your own living expenses while you’re here, these costs are likely to be minimal. Many volunteers combine working mornings with Spanish school in the afternoon, and live with a Guatemalan family for the duration of their stay.
Monthly rates are available for those who wish to live in a hostel, or there are plenty of apartments and house shares available in Xela.
A reasonable estimate of costs per month would be around $250 - $350 per month. For long term volunteers there is the possibility to live in the Quetzaltrekkers Guide House (for more information on Quetzaltrekkers, see the separate project listing).
This is a great opportunity to directly help some of the region’s most underprivileged kids. We are looking for people with: a 1 month minimum time commitment; beginner-intermediate Spanish language ability; availability at least 5 days a week from 8am to 1pm; experience in children’s education and/or social work; and strong desire to work with children.
Centro de Formacion Integral, Asociación Escuela de la Calle (EDELAC)
Diagonal 15 18-84 Las Rosas, Zona 5
Quetzaltenango, Guatemala
Tel: (502) 79268592, 77666554, 53473799 (Spanish) or 7765895 (English)
Email: edelacxela@gmail.com (Spanish) or quetzaltrekkers@gmail.com (English)
Website: www.escueladelacalle.org (Spanish), www.quetzaltrekkers.com(English)
Location: Quetzaltenango, Guatemala.
Average cost per day: $10
Focus: Community and Education
Skills needed: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, a 1 month minimum time commitment; beginner-intermediate Spanish language ability; availability at least 5 days a week from 8am to 1pm; experience in children’s education and/or social work; and strong desire to work with children.
