Student Volunteer Groups

Volunteering as a highschool student can be a life changing experience for many. It opens eyes and hearts. When students engage with the Somos kids in educational activities it is deeply gratifying for the volunteers as well as the Guatemalan children. Before arriving, student volunteer groups work with Project Somos staff  to prepare special  lessons in science, arts or sports, for when they are on site.  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 students, 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 students 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 schools 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:

• 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.