Causes:
- Child education access and improving infrastructure in educational facilities
- Child nutrition and food security
- Community health
- Sustainable agriculture and farming skills
- Social enterprise development
- Support for vulnerable and at-risk youth
Volunteer Hours:
15+ Volunteer Hours
Overview:
In 2026, we’ll travel to Belize and Guatemala to support Casa Guatemala, a nonprofit organization providing education, nutrition, health care, and safe housing for vulnerable children in rural Guatemala. Established during the civil war in 1977, Casa Guatemala now serves over 300 children annually from 30+ surrounding Mayan villages.
Intro to the NGO We Will Support
Casa Guatemala’s mission is to provide quality education, healthy meals, and essential health services in a safe, nurturing environment. Their vision is to empower children to become leaders in their communities through education, job training, and self-sufficiency projects such as their farm, hotel, and butcher shop.
What will I do?
- Help with educational activities, arts, sports, and basic English language practice.
- Assist in agricultural projects at the farm, such as planting, harvesting, and animal care.
- Support daily operations like meal preparation, maintenance, or health education workshops.
- Engage with local children through play, tutoring, or community events.
Where will I stay?
You’ll stay at Hotel Backpackers in Rio Dulce, Casa Guatemala’s social enterprise hotel. This hotel helps fund the NGO’s programs and offers comfortable accommodation right on the river.
What will I eat?
Enjoy healthy, local meals prepared at the hotel, with options reflecting Guatemalan cuisine and international flavors. Dietary needs can be accommodated.
What’s My Impact?
By volunteering with Casa Guatemala, you’ll help provide critical educational support, improve nutrition, enhance health outcomes, and contribute to the organization’s long-term sustainability. Every task—from working on the farm to playing with the children—helps strengthen a community working toward a brighter, self-sufficient future.