Causes:
Water, Education, Health Services
Volunteer Hours:
40+ Volunteer Hours
Overview:
Lake Atitlán is considered to be one of the most beautiful places in the world. This breathtaking crater lake is surrounded by 3 volcanoes, home to a dozen Mayan communities, multiple native languages, vibrant textile designs, ancient stories, and an incredible diversity of birds and trees.
But the people that live around the lake are struggling. In rural areas of Guatemala like this more than one-in-five (20%) of the population does not have access to any source of water – the rest are subject to intermittent services that are lacking in both quality and quantity. The variability and changes in the climate only increase the water shortage, affecting mainly families living in extreme poverty, as they lack the resources and capacities to adapt properly in the face of events such as droughts, hydric stress, and the contamination of surface water sources
Shad Qudsi — Executive Director, WellKind Guatemala
Shad is a passionate farmer, designer, and permaculturalist. He has lived and worked in Tzununa, Guatemala, for the past 12 years, where he and his wife founded Atitlan Organics, a permaculture-inspired organic farm. He believes that humans can live harmoniously on the planet and meet all their needs while actually enhancing the local and global ecology. After spending years practicing regenerative food production, Shad began partnering with a wide range of local farmers and community members. Shad’s current role as Program Director of WellKind Guatemala enables him to build community-driven, permaculture-inspired solutions to food security, climate change, and economic disparity.
Project Examples:
Rain catchment systems, build and distribute water filters.
What will I do?
First, you will learn about the community, their needs, and the project you will be supporting.
You will join the other members of the GLP to fundraise for the project. You will have a VR Advisor supporting you along the way. Fundraising is a key component to creating actionable change.
As a volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to engage with community members your supporting and connect with them while in Guatemala. You will also learn more about the community you are helping and engage in some fun surprise activities.
Where will I stay?
We will stay in Tzununa, a quaint lake-side town on the shores of Lake Atitlan. You will be housed in comfortable accommodations, in bunk-style rooms with multiple other travelers.
What will I eat?
We eat breakfast at the hotel or on the drive over to the project site. Lunch will be provided by our partner WellKind. We will it dinner back at the hotel.
What’s My Impact?
Your impact expands far beyond the scope of the specific impact project you work on. Each project completed will empower the communities to improve their quality of life and embolden them to plan for a brighter future. There is no doubt the things you learn during this process will highlight the common thread that connects us all and change your life forever.
