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Fantastic 4.56rating (55)
  • Life On Land

Forest Conservation & Community Resilience

location
2 - 50 weeks  ·  Age 18 - 50+
Verified

Highlights

  • Be part of the construction & socialization of firewood-saving stoves in rural communities and participate in monitoring & evaluation visits to forest fire response brigades in rural communities
  • Conduct the process for the creation of a workshop on the SDGs in rural schools, you can also be part of social and environmental projects monitoring and community development in Malinalco
  • Engage in peacebuilding and conflict management processes in which FCM and Aldeas de Paz México collaborate and you can also work with local NGOs allied with the Malinalco Community NGO

Highlights

  • Be part of the construction & socialization of firewood-saving stoves in rural communities and participate in monitoring & evaluation visits to forest fire response brigades in rural communities
  • Conduct the process for the creation of a workshop on the SDGs in rural schools, you can also be part of social and environmental projects monitoring and community development in Malinalco
  • Engage in peacebuilding and conflict management processes in which FCM and Aldeas de Paz México collaborate and you can also work with local NGOs allied with the Malinalco Community NGO
  • Being part of the teaching staff of an English class to a group of students from selected rural communities
  • Generate an art contest with users of wood-saving stoves in rural communities and generate a diagnosis on saving firewood with users of firewood-saving stoves.
    • You don't have to pay anything yet

    Especially good for

    Age 18+
    Singles
    Couples
    Families
    Groups
    50+

    About the program

    Learn about nature conservation, experience a foreign culture and develop your skills for social conflict management and climate change mitigation.

     Aldeas de Paz has established a collaboration with a Malinalco grassroots NGO, one of the most prestigious civil society organizations in the municipality of Malinalco. This  successful NGO was created in 2007 with the aim of promoting community participation to preserve and protect the natural, ...

    About the program

     Aldeas de Paz has established a collaboration with a Malinalco grassroots NGO, one of the most prestigious civil society organizations in the municipality of Malinalco. This  successful NGO was created in 2007 with the aim of promoting community participation to preserve and protect the natural, social, historical and spiritual heritage of Malinalco. Through its programs, FCM activates, builds capacities, accompanies and finances community projects to strengthen the diversity of communities that live in Malinalco. The central aim of this joint volunteering program is to be able to enhance peace culture and conflict transformation processes in the forestry field in Malinalco, as well as to strengthen the activities and goals of the Forestry Culture Program of the FCM in the region.

    Typical day

    What to expect

    We seek volunteers to be part of activities to ensure that the ecological environment of Malinalco maintains its sustainability in the short, medium, and long term, through the care and protection of our forest resources, with strategies such as reforestation, fire prevention and ...

    Typical day

    What to expect

    We seek volunteers to be part of activities to ensure that the ecological environment of Malinalco maintains its sustainability in the short, medium, and long term, through the care and protection of our forest resources, with strategies such as reforestation, fire prevention and eradication. Also, the program enhances links with community brigades, reactivation of forest nurseries, training of young environmental guardians, and the implementation of firewood-saving stoves, among other activities. A weekly work agenda is built in a personalized way with each volunteer in which they can choose to participate in activities from a variety of projects that suit their personal or professional interests.

    Activities can include but are not limited to 

    • Be part of the construction and socialization of firewood-saving stoves in rural communities

    • Participate in monitoring and evaluation visits to forest fire response brigades in rural communities

    • Engage in peacebuilding and conflict management processes in which FCM and Aldeas de Paz México collaborate

    • Conduct the process for the creation of a workshop on the SDGs in rural schools

    • Be part of social and environmental projects monitoring and community development in Malinalco

    • Design and implementation of educational activities and learning processes for environmental guardians

    • Being part of the teaching staff of an English class to a group of students from selected rural communities

    • Work with local NGOs allied with the Malinalco Community NGO

    • Generate an art contest with users of wood-saving stoves in rural communities

    • Generate a diagnosis on saving firewood with users of firewood-saving stoves

    Volunteer placement, apprenticeship or internship

    You can join this program as a volunteer, apprentice or intern. As a volunteer you are free to commit any number of hours per week. That's up to you! As an apprentice or intern however you probably have to fulfill requirements set by your school or university. Please inform us of your school or university internship requirements in advance so that we can work out your personalized work plan together. Also tell us about your personal expectations and goals. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during the placement.

    Requirements

    No previous experience or special skills are required. A typical forest conservation and community resilience volunteer/intern needs to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge and has to have a desire to take initiative; friendliness, care, commitment and patience are among important qualities. Motivation and desire to learn about the community development field as well as passion for community work and grassroots development. We seek that the volunteer experience supports both a comprehensive experience for the person who participates and for all the members and beneficiaries of our community. We expect that volunteers adapt to program needs with flexibility, responsibility, commitment, patience and perseverance, among other significant qualities. It is necessary for volunteers to meet certain requirements:

    • At least 18 years of age at the start point of the volunteering period

    • At least intermediate Spanish competence (B1 completed)

    • Respect for the other and openness to discover new ways of life and cultural practices

    • Preference will be given to those candidates who have work experience with people in vulnerable situations

    • A valid medical insurance throughout your stay is mandatory

    • Candidates will be interviewed through video call by the NGO staff.

    • An ideal volunteer is proactive, result-focused but still patient and willing to engage in activities autonomously while still having our support and supervision.

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers and interns receive free language lessons throughout their placement duration. Classes focus on developing four basic communication skills: listening, comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Students are encouraged to speak Spanish right from the very first day, using it in typical ...

    Free-time activities

    Volunteers and interns receive free language lessons throughout their placement duration. Classes focus on developing four basic communication skills: listening, comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Students are encouraged to speak Spanish right from the very first day, using it in typical real-life situations as soon as they step outside the classroom where learning continues as they are immersed in the Spanish language and Mexican culture.

    Requirements

    Requirements

    Minimum Age: 18 years

    In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.

    Language Skills

    You need to speak Spanish (intermediate level) or English (basic level)

    Required Documents

    CV

    Nationality Restrictions

    No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.

    Time Commitment

    Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10:00 - 18:00

    What's Included

    What's Included

    On-site Services

    Costs & Benefits

    Aldeas de Paz works hard to keep the required financial contribution to an absolute minimum and to offer financial transparency by practicing an open book policy. The minimum contribution starts at US$ 195 per week (after the second week) and includes Spanish language classes and accommodation at our fully equipped guesthouse apartments, a special program donation as well as a personal welcome service and pick-up at the airport, transfer to the bus, bus fare and free transfer to your placement location.

     This is included:

    • • Airport welcome service & transfer to your placement location
      • Fully equipped Accommodation
      • Free WiFi & access to washing machine
      • Free regular Spanish lessons throughout your placement
      • Placement introduction, certificate & student credit
      • Full support and 24/7 backup from local staff
      • Information about adventure packages & in-country travel


    Special Offer
    Volunteers and interns receive free language lessons throughout their placement duration. Classes focus on developing four basic communication skills: listening, comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Students are encouraged to speak Spanish right from the very first day, using it in typical real-life situations as soon as they step outside the classroom where learning continues as they are immersed in the Spanish language and Mexican culture.

    Airport Pickup at Benito Juarez International Airport

    About your Placement Location
    Malinalco is a small town with just under 12,000 inhabitants and capital of the approximately 30,000 inhabitants of the municipality with the same name in the southeast of the Mexican state of México. Because of its colonial character, the place is one of the "Pueblos Mágicos" (Magic towns).

    Travel Logistics
    The Foundation will do everything to make sure our volunteers remain safe during their arrival and stay in Mexico. On arrival at Mexico city airport you will be welcomed by our english speaking driver who will help you personally during your transit from the airport to the bus terminal granting you peace of mind and tranquility. The driver will purchase your bus ticket while you catch the direct and comfortable bus to your placement location. Travel-time on the bus is one hour only. On arrival at the placement location, fellow volunteers and our Staff will welcome you and bring you to your accommodation.

    Accommodation

    Our Volunteer Guesthouse Apartments and our Host Family home stays in Mexico
    The Foundation’s popular volunteer guesthouses apartments are located in strategic areas of the different towns where the work is conducted. Although the towns of Malinalco, Chalma, Chetumal and Cardonal (Mezquital Valley) are different and have different cultural vibes, all of them are scenic, laid back and peaceful towns, with friendly and easy-going inhabitants, living their life with tourism, commerce, agriculture and fishing activities (Chetumal). Malinalco is a popular "magic town" of Mexico where people from different countries have settled. Chalma is a religious Sanctuary and cozy town. Chetumal is a small and student city, although is the capital city of its region. Cardonal (Mezquital Valley, Hidalgo, Mexico) is a more isolate setting but immerse on an awesome natural landscape! Our Volunteer Guesthouses Apartments are extremely conveniently located with shops, services and touristic spots nearby. All places where we work are safe and volunteers will get to know that the insecurity reputation of Mexico is  not generalized and should be understood through its regional contexts.  A shared room with three beds is the standard option (Four in Chetumal). Upgrades are available for double and single room occupancy and home stay with our lovely host families. Free wifi and access to a washing machine is, of course, standard at all Aldeas de Paz facilities. Living together with volunteers from all over the world is a unique chance for cultural exchange and can be an exciting and new way of living compared to anything you’ve ever experienced before. It has certainly been a key experience in the lives of many past volunteers! Volunteers work and live together and learn how to be empathetic and considerate of others’ needs. They often share their free time, house cleaning tasks and cooking (optional). It means they also become close, develop lifelong friendships and have immense fun along the way! We feel that it is important to highlight that we have created an environment of respect and consideration.

    Internet Access

    Good access at the project site
    You don't have to pay anything yet

    What's NOT included?

    What's NOT included?

    Food & Beverages

    Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.

    Flight Tickets

    The nearest airport is Benito Juarez International Airport (MEX) in Mexico City. We assist you to find cheap flights to Mexico. FIND CHEAP FLIGHTS

    Travel Insurance

    Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Mexico provides security and is a plus to have. GET A QUOTE

    Vaccines

    If you are intending to volunteer in Mexico you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Mexico. VACCINE CHECKER

    Details on arrival

    Availability
    This program is ongoing throughout the whole year

    Time Commitment
    A minimum time commitment of 2 weeks is required and can be extended up to one year. Activities are usually held during weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm, but a personalized schedule will be organized with each volunteer on a weekly basis.

    Placement Location
    Malinalco, México

    About your Placement Location
    Malinalco is a small town with just under 12,000 inhabitants and capital of the approximately 30,000 inhabitants of the municipality with the same name in the southeast of the Mexican state of México. Because of its colonial character, the place is one of the "Pueblos Mágicos" (Magic towns).

    Travel Logistics
    The Foundation will do everything to make sure our volunteers remain safe during their arrival and stay in Mexico. On arrival at Mexico city airport you will be welcomed by our english speaking driver who will help you personally during your transit from the airport to the bus terminal granting you peace of mind and tranquility. The driver will purchase your bus ticket while you catch the direct and comfortable bus to your placement location. Travel-time on the bus is one hour only. On arrival at the placement location, fellow volunteers and our Staff will welcome you and bring you to your accommodation.

    Availability
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

    Program Fees

    $606 per week 2 - 50 weeks Age 18 - 50+

    Payment methods

    Visa Master Card Maestro American Express PayPal

    NO CREDIT CARD FEES

    Duration

    2 - 50 weeks

    Deposit

    Reserve your spot with just a few clicks and a small, secure deposit. You can pay by credit card, PayPal, or other convenient methods.

    Final Payment

    You’ll agree on the final payment method with your local organization during the application process. This final payment is only due closer to the start of your trip.

    You don't have to pay anything yet
    4.6
    Top Pick
    One of the top picks on Volunteer World, according to travelers

    Location

    Americas > Central America > Mexico > Malinalco

    Meet your project coordinator

    Nilaya
    55
    reviews
    4.56
    Fantastic
    2001
    Founded

    Verified

      Very high response rate
    Spoken languages: Portuguese, English, German, Spanish
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    Volunteer Abroad  >  Community  >  Social Work in Mexico
    Contact Nilaya
      Very high response rate
    Portuguese, English, German, Spanish

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    Travel dates

    1. - 1. Jan 1

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