After School and Community Library Volunteers Needed

Description of the Organization:

UPAVIM's mission is to empower women in the neighborhood of La Esperanza, located on the outskirts of Guatemala City, by giving them opportunities to economically support their families, while also providing services to improve the quality of life for the entire community.

Over the past 33 years, UPAVIM has grown from a small baby-weighing program to a women's cooperative employing over 100 local women and making handmade fair-trade crafts sold around the world. The proceeds from these crafts pay the women's salaries and fund UPAVIM's educational programs, which includes a daycare, pre-school, and elementary school (K-6th). In addition, the organization manages the first public library in the neighborhood, offers free English classes and tutoring for all ages, and houses a bakery to provide fresh and affordable goods to the community. Please find out more by visiting the website.

Overview: UPAVIM seeks a highly motivated volunteer to work in the after school program and also the community library starting. The after school program provides individualized tutoring services and lessons for pre-school aged children guided by a local teacher. The community library provides students a safe space to read, receive help with school work, and participate in literacy activities. These services are helping students to make up for the school lessons they missed while school was closed because of COVID-19. Many students were completing worksheets for the past two school years, often not understanding the topics because they did not receive any direct instruction. The after school program and community library support students as they make up for time lost during their prime educational years.

Responsibilities:

• Facilitate group and one-on-one tutoring sessions with students who are in need of additional help or are not attending school.
• Assist the librarian in activities in the community library.
• Collaborate with the Guatemalan teacher regarding classes, schedule, and students' needs.
• Visit and follow up with schools to encourage students who need additional help to attend the after school program.

Qualifications:

• Experience working with children of multiple ages, especially elementary school aged.
• Intermediate Spanish is a must. All classes are given in Spanish.
• Experience working in an after school program a plus.
• Ability to work in a multicultural setting.
• Well organized and able to adapt quickly.
• Fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
• Able to commit for 2 months to a year. There may be the possibility of a summer volunteer experience for students.

Compensation: Volunteers stay in shared bedrooms on "the roof" with a beautiful garden overlooking the city and nearby volcanoes. Additionally the volunteer may use their time with UPAVIM for academic credit, fieldwork and research.