MEXIQUE 2008

NATATÉ MEXICO A.C.

International Voluntary Service Projects

PROGRAMME 2008

1Introduction

1.1Presentation of the 2008 workcamp and MLTV season

Bienvenidos a Chiapas !! We are extremely glad to present you this 2008 Workcamp and MLTV program in the land of the Mayas.

... A bit nervous too… After only two years of legal existence and about three years of work in Chiapas , it’s a clear challenge for Nataté to present these 11 workcamps and 6 MTV positions to the international NGO and organisations' community involved in international cooperation, local development and International Voluntary Service. But our team is experienced and dedicated enough to take the pressure and our general motivation and work principles are solid. We are convinced that putting the Human factor as first priority, sticking to quality instead of quantity, and basing our action on values like respect, solidarity, professionalism, constructive communication and peaceful relations among human beings and with their environment, we can change lives! Nataté wants to involve the volunteers and the communities we work with to develop of a more sustainable, balanced and fair future. As one of the activities we organise, we consider Workcamps as a great tools to implement this philosophy and demonstrate its sustainability.

In 2008 we are presenting projects throughout the Chiapas and Tabasco states (2 workcamps). This decision was made to ensure the best possible coordination with the local hosts and partners and optimize the quality of the projects. Those involved have years of experience in receiving volunteers and are enthusiastic to host international workcamps. It should be a great season !!

As of right now, we are concentrating on developing actions in Chiapas, one of the most socially and economically disadvantaged region of the country to strengthen our roots in this complex but passionating territory. An important goal of the organisation is to be active in the entire national territory, particularly in the areas where Native Mexicans are still well represented. In the near future, we’ll be glad to propose to your volunteers projects in other regions of the country and throughout the southern “Maya-land” (as far south as Nicaragua ?!!...).

In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this program and we look forward to your volunteers joining us in Southern Mexico !

Voluntarily Yours, Nataté’s team

1.2 The Workcamp season principles of work

-Nataté will do its best to apply the CCIVS and the Alliance Guidelines standard formats, procedures and principles of work in its communication and project organisation. We thank you in advance for helping us organize better quality projects by sending us your comments and those of your volunteers .

-All the activities presented in this brochure are international projects. We try to reach a maximum cultural and gender balance in the composition of the groups, but you might find more than 2 volunteers from the same country in the same project.

-All our projects are opened to volunteers who are at least 18 years old when the workcamp starts. We have no maximum limit and we encourage the participation of “grown up” volunteers in order to increase the inter-generational dimension of our projects and exchanges.

-The first and last days of the projects are arrival and departure days. We will systematically host the volunteers two days (generally saturday and sunday) in San Cristobal for an on-arrival training.

-The basic timetable on our camps is about 30-35 working hours per week, generally from Monday to Friday. The needs of the project may bring the volunteers to work some more than this (rarely less).

-The volunteers are expected to attend the whole duration of the project and any delays in the arrival or departure MUST be officially justified and announced in advance. The incoming officer and the camp leader maintain the right to cancel the inscription of a volunteer or to deny her/his participation in the camp for any unjustified or unannounced delay superior to 24 hours after the arrival day. Late arrivals may complicate the travel arrangement to the project site from the meeting point, being systematically our office in San Cristobal de las Casas. Please inform your participants that personal plans (touristic visits) should be planned for before or after the workcamp only.

-The common languages of the workcamps will be English and Spanish. We encourage volunteers to learn a bit of Spanish before arrival (please refer to our info sheets and info pack for more information and basic lexicon) and we can arrange intensive language courses before the workcamp upon request. The workcamp description will specify when the volunteers need to speak an intermediate level of Spanish to fully enjoy the activities.

-In most of the projects, daily timetable, tasks, free time, etc. will be decided by the group and the coordinator following the needs of the project. In all our workcamps, we expect to create a unified and strong team of volunteers, for the benefit of the project and the local community.

-There will always be at least one experienced english and spanish speaking coordinator per camp on call for the whole duration of the project. The volunteers will have an emergency contact  number active 24/24 - 7/7 in the case of major problems. The elected facilitator will receive an allowance for her or his work and will be often supported by a co-camp leader and/or a technical coordinator – generally a local professional in charge of supervising the work, teaching the volunteers technical aspects of the work and facilitating contact with the local community.

-Nataté will do its best to support the volunteers and to facilitate constructive and educational experiences. However, our projects are organized according to Mexican culture and basic standards of living and the volunteers will need to adapt to simple living conditions and local food.

-Volunteers will be required to show the highest level of respect for the local population and culture. When in isolated communities and working with children, all volunteers are encouraged to dress in a modest way.

-Any dis-respect from the volunteers to the Mexican laws in general and especially on drugs and traffic will drive to the immediate exclusion of the participant from the workcamp and a notification to the legal forces.

-We recommend holding pre–departure training and  expose the volunteer to the following themes: cultural diversity and inter-cultural learning, cultural shock, inter-cultural and constructive communication, conflict management and problem solving, voluntary service and active participation. Volunteers should be prepared to analyse their own experience and to manage their feelings during the entire project. If you do not (or can't) provide pre–departure trainings for your volunteer, please inform our placement officer.

-We expect the sending organizations to systematically provide the volunteers with our documentation (workcamp program, workcamp infosheet and infopack) and at least to introduce International Voluntary Service fundamental principles. We recommend holding pre-departure trainings for your participants and introducing the basis of inter-cultural learning and cultural diversity, non violent communication, conflict management, and active participation to a voluntary service project. The philosophy of Voluntarism is the base of our work here and we expect your volunteers to understand, share and participate in it actively. Volunteers should be informed by their sending organization before departure and are requested to read our documents to find out more about the “dos and don'ts” of the local culture they will live in.

-All the volunteers are required to individually apply for a private insurance for the entire duration of the project, covering third party liability, health care, hospitalisation and repatriation. A proof of payment and the description of subscribed services will be systematically required at the beginning of the camp. Because of legal reasons, no exception will be made.

-We are very open to host physically challenged volunteers but all our projects might not be accessible for individuals in wheelchairs or those facing major mobility difficulties. Please contact us far in advance if such of your members is interested in joining us and we will discuss compatible options. For mentally challenged participants, the continuous presence and assistance of a dedicated professional tutor is required, with the same conditions, rights and duties of all other participants. The tutor must be selected, appointed and supervised by the sending organization.

-So far, the only way for us to organise quality based workcamps is to require a direct contribution of the participants, to cover the expenses of their projects and the overall running costs of the organisation. Each project have different participation fees, adapted to the real costs we have to cover for the project and the volunteers. Conscious of the burden it represents for your volunteers, we do our best to keep it as low as possible and aim at self-financed projects at mid-term level. At the moment we can not count on any sufficient support generated by donations from local, regional or national institutions or ethical private funding. But, we are working on it! Please clearly inform your volunteers about this fact before they leave for Mexico , including the reason why we require their help to keep organising quality programmes all year long. Also make clear that the inscription fee you require as sending organisation is not given to the host organisation, as we know how much conflict this topic can create in a workcamp. All the extra fees are to be paid in Mexican Pesos at the beginning of the project.  Out of exceptional events or cancellation from Nataté's side, the fee isn't refundable.

The extra fee covers:

-Transportation to/from the meeting point (in San Cristobal de las Casas in 2008) to/from the project site.

-Orientation meeting and cultural introduction on arrival (2 days in general)

-Accommodation and food during the project

-Activities for the group as scheduled during the project

-Access to the material required for your project, except when clearly mentioned.

-Mid term and final evaluation meeting

-English and Spanish speaking Workcamp coordinator(s) for the whole duration of the project

-Administration fee

-Emergency number 24/24 – 7/7

The extra fee does not cover:

-Travel (medical) and cancellation insurance, Visas and expenses related to the travel (transportation to/from the meeting  point, airport taxes etc...

-Extra leisure activities outside the program

-Changes in the project, once the placement has been confirmed (unless in very special cases)

-Alcoholic beverages of any kind

1.3 The MLTV season principles of work

-Nataté will work according to high quality standards and will only organise mid term projects that match with the expectations of our international partners. The organisation will also follow the suggestions and recommendations provided by recent international meetings of international voluntary service actors.

-In case of collective MTV projects, Nataté will provide a full time English and Spanish speaking coordinator.

-The basic timetable on our MLTV projects is about 35 – 40 working hours per week, generally from Monday to Friday. In some cases, volunteers may be required to adapt to a different schedule. Nataté will arrange the working schedule with the volunteers upon arrival.

-The common languages of our MTV projects are Spanish and English so volunteers need a prior knowledge of Spanish. If needed, Nataté can arrange language courses before the beginning of the project. Please note that volunteers who do not speak Spanish may feel uncomfortable and frustrated during the project itself.

-Volunteers should be motivated and interested in the project. Before selecting volunteers, please have them read all the requirements carefully.

-All our projects are opened to volunteers 18 years or older at the beginning of the project. We have no maximum limit and we encourage the participation of “grown up” volunteers in order to increase the inter-generational dimension of our projects and exchanges.

-The volunteers are expected to attend the whole duration of the project and any delays in the arrival or departure MUST be officially justified and announced in advance. The incoming officer and the project coordinator maintain the right to cancel the inscription of a volunteer or not accept her/him for any unjustified or unannounced delay superior than 24 hours after the arrival day. Please inform your participants that personal plans (tourist visits) should be planed for before or after the project only.

-Board and lodging will be provided according to local standards; the volunteers should be ready to live in simple conditions, sleep with other volunteers and eat local food.

-Volunteers will be required to show the highest level of respect for the local population and culture. When in isolated communities and working with children, all volunteers are encouraged to dress in a modest way.

-We expect our sending partners to provide all our information material (programme, project info – sheet and info pack) to the volunteers.

-We recommend holding pre–departure training and  expose the volunteer to the following themes: cultural diversity and inter-cultural learning, cultural shock, inter-cultural and constructive communication, conflict management and problem solving, voluntary service and active participation. -Volunteers should be prepared to analyse their own experience and to manage their feelings during the entire project. If you do not (or can't) provide pre–departure trainings for your volunteer, please inform our placement officer.

-The philosophy of voluntarism is the base of our work here and we expect your volunteers to understand, share and participate in it actively. -Volunteers should be informed by their sending organization before departure and are requested to read our documents to find out more about the “dos and don'ts” of Mexican culture.

-We are very open to host physically challenged volunteers but all our projects might not be accessible for individuals in wheelchair or facing major mobility difficulties. Please contact us far in advance if such an individual is interested in joining us and we will discuss compatible options.

-Volunteers must arrange their own insurance policy before departure. The policy should cover medical expenses, hospitalisation, repatriation and third part liability. Nataté will require a proof of payment and information about the subscribed services upon arrival. Because of legal requirements, Nataté can not accept volunteers without insurance covering the entire project.

So far, the only way to cover the project expenses is through the system of participation fees from the volunteers themselves. Nataté keeps the costs of the project as low as possible and it is committed to a high financial transparency; upon arrival, the volunteers will receive a clear explanation of all the project-related financial details. Volunteers should pay the entire extra fee in Mexican Pesos upon arrival. The fee is not refundable and does not cover leisure time activities outside of the established programme, alcoholic beverages and personal expenses (such as shower gel, shampoo, etc). Please refer to the information below and to the project description.

In general the extra fee covers:

-Transportation to/from the meeting point (in San Cristobal de las casas) to/from the project site.

-Orientation meeting and cultural introduction on arrival

-Accommodation and food during the project

-Activities as scheduled during the project for the group

-Mid term and final Evaluation meeting

-English speaking coordinator(s) for the whole duration of the project

-Administration fee

-Emergency number 24/24 – 7/7

-Access to the material required for your project, except when clearly mentioned.

The extra fee does not cover:

-Travel (medical) and cancellation insurance

-Expenses related to the travelling (transportation to/from the meeting point, airport taxes etc...)

-Visas

-Extra leisure activities outside the program

-Changes in the project, once the placement has been confirmed (unless in very special cases)

-Alcoholic beverages of any kind

2 Nataté’s 2008 Workcamp season

2.1Workcamps Overview table

CODE – NAME                                                                        DATES           TYPE          

  NAT 1 – Kolem Chee’n 1                                                    13/06 – 28/06  SOCI/CONS8

NAT 2 – Chiapas Verde 1                                                   20/06 – 13/07  SOCI/CONS15

NAT 3 – Habitat 1                                                                20/06 – 05/07 CONS/SOCI8

NAT 4 – Kolem Chee’n 2                                                    27/06 - 12/07  SOCI/CONS8

NAT 5 - San Jose Flora                                                       04/07 – 26/07  ENVI/RENO   8

NAT 6 – Habitat 2                                                                04/07 – 19/07 CONS/SOCI8

NAT 7 – Oxchuc                                                                  04/07 - 19/07  ENVI/SOCI15

NAT 8 – Chiapas Verde 2                                                   09/07 - 27/07  SOCI/CONS15

NAT 9 – Habitat 3                                                                01/08 – 16/08 CONS/SOCI  8

NAT 10 – San Jose Fauna                                                   08/08 – 30/08  ENVI/RENO   8

NAT 11 – Revolucion                                                          29/08 – 19/09  ENVI/STUD8

NAT SPE 1 – Languages and cultures

                        of Mayan Chiapas 1                                     06/07 - 27/07  STUD 10

NAT SPE 2 - Languages and cultures

                       of Mayan Chiapas 2                                                 03/08 - 22/08   STUD 10

2.2Workcamp Project Descriptions

2.2.1 The “Hasta la Revolución ” project

Revolución Mexicana is a village (7000 hab.) 1h30  driving from Tuxtla Gutierrez . It is situated close to the biggest artificial lake of Mexico , la Presa de Angustura, at about 500 meters above sea level. The climate there during summer is usually hot and humid.

As the living and working base of one of Nataté funders, the village is surrounded by five small rivers. Each of them is highly polluted by a large quantity of garbage and agrochemical waste from the surrounding communities. This project is part of the environmental awareness raising program of Nataté and together with the local organiser, we would like to sensitize the local community about this worrying environmental situation through concrete examples of rehabilitation of natural spaces in their living area.

As part of a larger project, local and international volunteers will this year clean up the rivers and plant trees in the centre of the village.

Title: “HASTA LA REVOLUCION ”,  Revolucion Mexicana , Chiapas State, South Mexico

CODE NAME                        LOCATION               DATES                       TYPE              AGE 

NAT 11    REVOLUCION   Revolucion Mexicana   29/08 – 19/09  ENVI/STUD          18+     

Background

Surrounded by 5 beautiful rivers, Revolución Mexicana faces a waste management problem. The rivers are polluted and a lack of environmental awareness is contributing to the accumulation of more and more garbage. By giving a concrete example of how the population can contribute to the solution of the problem, Nataté would like to raise local  awareness about waste management and recycling.

Work

The volunteers will collect garbage in the 5 rivers around the village, design panels and signs inviting the population to use the garbage bin and will also, as demonstration of active participation, plant trees in the city square.

Study theme

The volunteers will learn about alternative agriculture and how to build wood-saving ovens. They will also join Mexican dances classes in the local “Casa de la Cultura ”. Volunteers will return home with a better understanding of Mexican civil society and the worth of promoting change in dealing with our environment.

Leisure Time

Volunteers will organise their leisure time with the support of the project coordinator but in accordance with the necessities of the project. They will enjoy the natural beauties surrounding Revolución Mexicana and may visit Tuxtla Gutierrez and the coast of Chiapas (Boca del Cielo, etc). A visit to  sea turtle protection camps can be organised.

Accommodation

The volunteers will be hosted together in a house in the community. Self cooking and cleanings in shifts. Very basic Mexican conditions. Sleeping bag and mat needed.

Location

Revolución Mexicana is about 1h30 drive south from Tuxtla Gutierrez , Chiapas State, South Mexico .

Terminal

National: San Cristobal de las Casas. International: Mexico City or Cancun

Special

Requirement

No special profile is required for this project. However, volunteers interested in environmental issues, alternative and sustainable agriculture and alternative energies will particularly enjoy it. Volunteers should be flexible and able to adapt to basic living conditions.

Extra fee

 2750 Mexican Pesos (about 260 $US / 170 €)

2.2.2 The “ Pueblos Verdes de Chiapas” Projects

Based in San Cristobal de las Casas “ La Fundacion Yirtrak ” is a legally established non governmental organisation.

Its main objectives are: to create and develop holistic education centres where children can enjoy cultural, social and educational exchanges; to improve the living conditions of all human beings under a perspective of cultural and social inclusion and to promote the care, respect and balance between all living beings.

This water and forest management community project has two main objectives: to increase the availability of forests and water according to high quality and quantity standards and to develop self-sustainable water and forest management systems.

Its main expected results are: the creation of devices for the collection and purification of water; the implementation of sustainable uses of wood and forest inside the communities and the implementation of an awareness-raising campaign.

The projects will be implemented through the following activities: reforestation, creation and management of a tree nursery, construction of wood saving ovens, construction of solar devices, construction of water tanks and pipes for the collection of rain, construction of water saving devices, construction of purification filters, construction of a 100 cubic meters community water tank (with pipes), creation and implementation of an environmental education campaign (including the production of video material).

The project will take place over 4 months in 4 very disadvantaged communities: Alcanfores ( San Cristobal de las Casas), Crucero (San Juan Chamula), San Isidro (Zinacantan) and Amho (Teopisca).

The volunteers will contribute to the construction of the water systems and to the awareness raising campaign. More informations about the foundation: http://www.fundacionyirtrak.org/ .

Title: “ Pueblos verdes en Chiapas ”,  Several communities around San Cristobal de las Casas

city, Chiapas State , South Mexico

CODE             NAME                              LOCATION                     DATES           TYPE       AGE

NAT 02    CHIAPAS VERDE 1   San Cristobal      20/06 – 13/07         SOCI/CONS      18+

NAT 08    CHIAPAS VERDE 2   San Cristobal      09/07 – 27/07         SOCI/CONS      18+

Background

The Yirtrak Foundation A.C. supports local communities in the South of Mexico, particularly in the indigenous areas in Chiapas , towards a more sustainable social development. They offer environmental education trainings, build water treatment plants, develop environmentally friendly buildings and share construction techniques for and with the community. The volunteers, together with the local community, will support this project in different communities around San Cristobal de las Casas, in the state of Chiapas .

Work

Volunteers will work in four communities around San Cristobal : the villages of Alcanfores, Amho, Crucero and San Isidro . The majority of the population are from Maya origin. The major activities will be  environmental education, an awareness-campaign and training course for the community. Volunteers will also participate in the construction of sustainable water treatment plants, tanks and systems and solar electricity production devices for the community. Finally, they will create a documentary about the global impact of the project and the communities they will work with. The group will be divided and timetables will be adapted to the needs of the projects taking place in the villages.

Study theme

The volunteers will learn about ecological and sustainable construction techniques, environmental education techniques and about the social and environmental reality of  very disadvantaged indigenous communities in Southern Mexico .

Leisure Time

Volunteers will organise their leisure time with the support of the project coordinator but in accordance with the necessities of the project. The city of San Cristobal isn’t far and the coast is at about 5h by bus from it. Lots of Archaeological sites and magnificent waterfalls are also nearby Some leisure time will be taken with the community informally.

Accommodation

The Volunteers will be hosted together in a house in San Cristobal or its surroundings. Self cooking and cleaning in shifts. Basic Mexican conditions. Sleeping bag and mat needed.

Location

San Cristobal de las Casas is the cultural capital city of Chiapas .

Terminal

National: San Cristobal de las Casas. International: Mexico City or Cancun

Special

Requirement

No special Profile is required for this project. Basic Spanish language is required. Volunteers experienced with education, organic agriculture, construction, graphic art or computer multimedia will be particularly interested in this project. A large adaptability is required from the volunteers for all these projects.

Extra fee

NAT 02 : 2600 Mexican Pesos (about 250 US $ / 165€)

NAT 08 : 2350 Mexican Pesos (about 225 US $ / 145 €)

2.2.3 The “Kolem Chee’n” Projects

Based in San Cristobal de las Casas “ La Fundacion Yirtrak ” is a legally established non-governmental organisation.

Its main objectives are: to create and develop holistic education centres where children can enjoy cultural, social and educational exchanges, to  promote and produce clean energy and organic food; to improve the living conditions of all human beings under a perspective of cultural and social inclusion and to promote the care, respect and balance among all living beings.

Promoted by one of Yirtrak members, the project in Arroyo Chispa village is part of a wider effort toward the promotion and implementation of a sustainable and ecological life and construction style.

The Kolem Chee'n community in Arroyo Chispa manages and looks after a nature path connecting the location with neighbouring natural caves.

The project has three main objectives: the construction of an ecological and self-sustainable house, the development and improvement of the natural path connecting the caves and the creation of an environmental education centre (including educational material).

All the material and the techniques used during the project will be respectful of the natural surroundings and will be adapted to the ecological, social, cultural and economic characteristics of the area.

The project will be realised in 4 months by and for the community; everything will be planned and agreed upon with the locals (actions, choices of the materials, etc.).

The activities and the implementation of the project will be documented through the creation of reports and documents. The volunteers will contribute to the overall development of the project.

Title: “Kolem Chee’n project”,  Chee’n ethnic group, Tacotalpa municipality, Tabasco State ,

South Mexico

CODE NAME                                             LOCATION                DATES            TYPE            AGE      

NAT 01          Kolem Chee’n 1        Tacotalpa                   13/06 – 28/06  EDU/CONS   18 +

NAT 04          Kolem Chee’n 2        Tacotalpa                   27/06 – 12/07  EDU/CONS   18 +               

Background

The Yirtrak Foundation A.C. supports local communities in the South of Mexico, particularly in the indigenous areas in Chiapas , towards a more sustainable social development. They offer environmental education trainings, build water treatment plants, develop environmentally friendly buildings and share construction techniques for the community. The volunteers, together with local volunteers, will support this project in a  Chee’n indigenous community in Southern Tabasco state.

Work

The major activities will be environmental education, an awareness campaign and training course for the community with the help of local volunteers. Volunteers will also participate in the construction of an ecological building that will become a centre for environmental education and eco-technological building techniques. Finally, they will create a documentary about the global aspects of the project and the community.

Study theme

The volunteers will learn about ecological and sustainable construction techniques, environmental education techniques and about the social and environmental reality of indigenous communities in Southern Mexico

Leisure Time

Volunteers will organise their leisure time with the support of the project coordinator but in accordance with the necessities of the project. Vilahermosa, Palenque and San Cristobal aren’t far and the coast is at about 150 Km more north. Some leisure time will be taken with the community during informal times.

Accommodation

The volunteers will be hosted together in a house in the community. Self cooking and cleanings in shifts. Very basic Mexican conditions. Sleeping bag and mat needed.

Location

Arroyo Chispa village, Tacotalpa municipality, Southern Tabasco region, Southern Mexico . The community is very close to the border with Chiapas . Palenque is about 50 Km East.

Terminal

National: San Cristobal de las Casas. International: Mexico city or Cancun

Special

Requirement

No special Profile is required for this project. Basic Spanish language is required. Volunteers experienced with education, construction, graphic art or computer multimedia will be particularly interested in this project. A large adaptability is required from the volunteers for all these projects.

Extra fee

 2250 Mexican Pesos (about 215 US $ / 140 € )

2.2.4 The “Trinitaria para la Humanidad ” projects

Habitat for Humanity is a well known and recognised International NGO striving for the right to correct housing for all: "A world where everyone has a decent place to live."  ( see http://www.habitat.org/lac_eng/ ).

The organisation provides no-interest loans to marginalised groups of families in order to improve their living conditions.

Through the cycle of loans and payments, Habitat can keep its program up and running. The amount each family has to pay back is affordable and calculated according to the income of the families.

The grants are usually given to groups of 10/11 families and not to individuals; the communities decide together to ask for the loan, working together to build the houses.

Each family contributes to the construction of all the houses. The project is therefore also a way to strengthen community ties.

Nataté has a long term partnership with Habitat for Humanity–Chiapas ( “Tsotsil Tsetal HPH” ) who's active since 1994 in the state and actually for 21 communities, particularly in the border region with Guatemala  where the concentration of Native Mexican communities is the among the highest.

Through its involvement, Habitat for Humanity contributes to the development of a more fair society where human rights and dignity are respected by all and for all.

See for more informations about their activity: http://www.habitatmexico.org/afiliadoschiapas.html

Title: “Trinitaria para la Humanidad ”,  La Trinitaria municipality, close to Comitan city,  South-East of Chiapas State , South Mexico

CODE NAME                        LOCATION               DATES                       TYPE              AGE   

NAT 03  HABITAT 1    La Trinitaria          20/06 – 05/07       SOCI/CONS         18+     

NAT 06  HABITAT 2    La Trinitaria          04/07 – 19/07       SOCI/CONS        18+     

NAT 09  HABITAT 3    La Trinitaria          01/08 – 16/08       SOCI/CONS        18+     

Background

Habitat for Humanity is an international NGO which supports the development of local communities worldwide. Its Chiapas delegation is developing construction projects for very disadvantaged communities in several villages of the state. The volunteers will contribute to this project in the Trinitaria community.

Work

The main task will be constructing houses for the most disadvantaged part  of the village population. Playing informally with the children of the community is also foreseen during the project.

Study theme

The volunteers will learn about the activities of Habitat for Humanity in the world, in Mexico as well as in remote Chiapas . An extended cultural presentation of the region will also be given to the participants during the project.

Leisure Time

Volunteers will organise their leisure time with the support of the project coordinator but in accordance with the necessities of the project. San Cristobal de la Casas , Palenque , Tonina and Guatemala aren’t far from La Trinitaria. Some leisure time will be taken with the community during informal times.

Accommodation

The Volunteers will be hosted in a house in the village. Self cooking and cleaning in shifts. Very basic Mexican conditions. Sleeping bag and mat needed.

Location

La Trinitaria village is on the Panamerican road, very close to the Guatemalan border, near the colonial city of  Comitan , South-East Chiapas, South Mexico .

Terminal

National: San Cristobal de las Casas. International: Mexico city or Cancun

Special

Requirement

No special Profile is required for this project. A basic knowledge in Spanish language is needed. Volunteers interested and/or experienced in the construction field are most welcome. A large adaptability is required from the volunteers in any case.

Extra fee

 2300 Mexican Pesos (about 220 US $ / 145€ )

2.2.5 The “Oxchuc pueblo Maya”project

Oxchuc is a little town 48 Km . north of San Cristobal de las Casas in the state of Chiapas .

Mainly inhabited by a Mayan population belonging to the Tseltal ethnic group, the city of