Ak’ Tenamit’s project site in Guatemala counts on international professional volunteers to help accomplish its mission. The number of volunteers working at the project varies from time to time, but a reasonable estimate is 8 volunteers involved at various levels.
Ak’ Tenamit prefers a minimum commitment of six months, or three months as a clinic volunteer, and a working knowledge of Spanish. Volunteers receive board (a small room in the volunteer “galera”) and food (three meals a day, seven days a week consisting in rice, beans and tortillas), but are responsible for their travel to and from Guatemala and for any personal expenses.
Ak’ Tenamit is currently looking for volunteers to fill the following positions:
Doctor/Nurse: Working to provide primary care in the rural health clinic. Candidates must have completed their education and have some working experience as well as moderate to high ability speaking Spanish. A three-month minimum commitment and moderate to high level of Spanish fluency is required.
Dentist: Providing basic care in our floating dental clinic. Volunteers must have completed their education and have some working experience. A three-month minimum commitment and moderate to high level of Spanish fluency is required.
English Teacher: Native English-speaker sought to teach high-school level students basic grammar and conversation skills. Currently looking for a volunteer to fill the post during the 2011 school year (January-November), or at least the first six months. Preference given to candidates with teaching experience and Spanish speaking ability.
Tourism specialist: Working to develop community-based tourism projects at Ak’ Tenamit and/or surrounding villages (walking tour areas, animal habitats, adventure sports, etc.). Could also have a teaching role in the school. Multilingual individuals (English, Spanish, French, German, etc.) will also work with tourist groups at the Ak’ Tenamit site during peak tourist season. Specifically in search of those with educational backgrounds in sustainable or eco-tourism.
Communications and fundraising liaison: Support Ak’ Tenamit’s fundraising efforts and donor communications. Expand Ak’ Tenamit’s online presence via social media sites, blog, and website. Collect up-to-date news, photos, and videos for use in donor communications and marketing activities. Facilitate communication between GTF office and Ak’ Tenamit’s site in Rio Dulce. Three-month minimum commitment and moderate to high Spanish and English fluency are required.
HIV/AIDS & gender specialist: Work to develop the program’s long-term, strategic plan, work with the team to put in place techniques to monitor and evaluate progress, and help to identify and implement a procedure to support victims of violence (counselling, referral to organizations which support victims of violence, training of Ak’Tenamit staff). A moderate to high level of Spanish fluency is required. Three-month minimum.
If there is a not a volunteer position applicable to your skills set, but you feel that you are able to help in a specific program area, please contact us and let us know your area of interest.
To apply for a volunteer position at Ak’ Tenamit, please email your resume/curriculum vitae to voluntarios@aktenamit.org with a cover letter describing your interests and qualifications. Our administrative committee reviews applications and selects volunteers based on current needs and candidates’ skills.
There are currently no volunteer positions available in the US. We will post positions on this page as they become available to please continue to check back for updates.
Over the past five years, 84% of GTF revenues have gone directly to project Ak' Tenamit in Guatemala.
