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Public Hospital
Guatemala Volunteer Placement
Options
- Full-time volunteer
- Internship
- Part-time volunteer
- Volunteer Only
This public social program started in 1980. It is housed in the old hospital which was destroyed in the earthquake of 1976. With the help of private donations, the hospital has been rebuilt and now houses the following: Child and Infant Nutritional Recuperation Center, Children with cerebral paralysis, Invalid adolescents, Adults with mental and physical impediments, Geriatric Ward. In addition, they have the following facilities: operating room, laboratories, diagnostic center, clinic, pharmacy, second hand clothing store and school for children with learning disabilities and physical handicaps. It is a place unlike any other – a multi-service facility providing a home and loving care for the elderly and orphaned, the mentally challenged, and the chronically ill. They currently have approximately five hundred beds (including cribs) and routinely provide a permanent home to more than 250 people ranging in age from just a few days old to over ninety years old. Most of the residents have chronic disorders such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, mental retardation, Alzheimer's, polio paralysis, deafness and blindness, and senile dementia.
You can work in the area that you are most interested in, or where your skills are most needed. Some areas include: Helping with mentally handicapped children and adults, assisting in the nutrition program, bi-lingual translators for medical teams who visit from the U.S. (occasionally), tutors or English-speakers for classes, medical students or doctors are greatly needed. Most of the work involves spending time with, and assisting in the care of the full time residents of the home. Your full or part-time schedule will be arranged on site as well as the area in which you will work.
Work Schedule: Varies. All day or half day, weekend shifts are possible too.
Location of Placements: Antigua, Guatemala
Lodging: Homestay or residence in Antigua.
Requirements:
- Minimum age: 18 years.
- Minimum commitment: 24 weeks.
- Minimum Spanish level: High-Beginner
- Related experience (patients w/ epilepsy, spina bifida, mental retardation)
- Art, music and/or sports skills.
- Positive attitude.
- Must bring 2 passport size photos.
Important Things to Consider:
- Must be patient and able to deal with very a difficult emotional setting. Patients have severe physical and mental handicaps.
- Although this is a religious organization, it is not required that volunteers practice a certain religion.
- Medical students or doctors are greatly needed.
Other Comments:
The maximum number of participants that this organization accepts is 10.
(Note: We don't know if positions are available until you apply.)
Longer commitments are preferred because short-term placements cannot see patient progress. Short-term volunteers are better in nutritional program.
Program Fees:
click here to return to Guatemala Summary page with program fees
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