Short-Term/ Student Volunteer Groups

Volunteering as a high school student or groups of friends or colleagues can be a life changing experience for many. It opens eyes and hearts. When volunteers engage with the Somos kids in educational activities it is deeply gratifying for the volunteers as well as the Guatemalan children. Before arriving, volunteer groups work with Project Somos staff  to prepare a special  schedule, it becomes like a summer science or sports camp for the Somos kids when the volunteers arrive.

We encourage the volunteers to engage in English conversation with the Somos kids, as it is an important skill for them to develop to be able to further their future employment and educational options.

This English interchange is scheduled at lunchtimes when the volunteers eat with a Somos class and afterwards play board games such as chess, checkers, Blokus, Connect 4, and Othello. The Somos kids benefit greatly from the time and attention of the volunteers.

During your visit, there will be opportunities to learn more about Guatemala and the challenges faced in this country through documentaries and/or discussions. There is an opportunity to visit local Mayan ruins and the bustling weekly market. 

Of the volunteer groups that have made Project Somos part of their service program, over the years, many have returned multiple times.

We have hosted over 500 volunteers from over 15 countries which included high school groups from Canada, including:

• West Point Grey Academy, Vancouver, BC
• Saint George’s High School, Vancouver, BC
• York House High School, Vancouver, BC
• King David High School, Vancouver, BC
• Aberdeen High School, Kelowna, BC
• Southridge, Surrey, BC
• Strathcona Tweedsmuir, Etobicoke, Alberta
• Ucluelet Secondary School, Ucluelet, Vancouver Island
• SelfDesign High, Nelson, BC

There are opportunities for university students to come and volunteer – in groups or as a practicum for specialized studies. It is a beautiful working environment with many areas to dive deep into practical application of one’s academic path.

See what your accommodations look like in this photo album

Have questions? Check out our FAQ page.