Volunteering

We believe that intercultural exchange is an experience that benefits everybody, and the wonderful volunteers who have come from all around the world over the years have proven us right time and time again.

Some of the brilliant initiatives and skills that international volunteers have brought to share with the people of El Remate over the years include:

• Gender and empowerment workshops
• Permaculture and gardening help
• English and French lessons
• Music, self-expression and instilling in the children how important and valuable they are (frequently the only literate member of the household is a child)
• Ecological workshops such as crafts and recycled paper
• Screenings of movies
• Art and crafts
• A full inventory of the pharmacy and deep clean of the clinic
• Diabetes workshops and wellbaby clinics
• Nurses
• Doctors
• Physiotherapists
• Acupuncture therapists
• Construction workers
• Painters
• Electricians
• PR and communications
• Childcare specialists

El Remate seems to captivate volunteers and they stay from a week to months. The variety, knowledge and dedication of volunteers from all over the world has made an immeasurable difference to the lives of the local community.

The volunteer accommodation, which sleeps 4/5, is very affordable (currently the rent, which includes utilities, is about 40Q per week!) and is an absolute haven. It is owned by the founder of Direction for Dreamers, Monty Orozco. There’s an outdoor shaded relaxation area with hammocks, lots of beautiful plants and creatures, and the chance to really get back to basics and experience life as a local. The town has a variety of tranquil docks to chill on and watch the sun set over the beautiful Lake Peten-Itza each evening, as well as local shops, restaurants and cafes. There’s a bi-weekly fresh fruit and veg market, a cash point and local transport options to Santa Elena/Flores (the colectivo buses run frequently throughout the daytime and the 40-minute journey costs between 10 and 20Q). There is also always the option for volunteers to enjoy their own accommodation in a local hostel or hotel, or check out nearby rental options.

You can receive a written reference at the end of your placement if you’d like. You will have a wonderful experience here, whether long or short, that you’ll remember for a lifetime, learning new skills and making new friends and contacts. Because of our self-starting and supportive ethos, you will use your own skills in the way you want that benefits both you and the project in the best way.