ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION & COMMUNITY RESILIENCE - Be part of an Initiative which aims to improve the quality of life of people in Hidalgo

Program Description

Aldeas de Paz has established a collaboration scheme with a local grassroot NGO. This NGO arose in 2003 with the objective of improving the living  conditions of marginalized sectors in the state of Hidalgo, through participatory cultural  and productive processes of education and development. The aim is to promote a change in social awareness to act for the common good based on human rights, local resources and  sustainability. Aldeas de Paz is conducting several nature conservation activities on site and the local NGO is in charge of the follow-up. Volunteers will learn about social development and nature/ culture conservation. Joining us will definitely be a life changing experience for our volunteers!

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About Aldeas de Paz programs in Mexico

Our Mexican programs are focused on socio-environmental conflicts management and transformation. Aldeas de Paz has partnered with local grass root NGOs that are committed to these tasks and that are helping us generate local change and impact. It is possible for any volunteer to divide its time on the different locations and programs. A two weeks minimum stay is required in any program. We encourage volunteers to take advantage of the different areas to visit in Mexico and we propose activities to do and places to see. Help us establish these programs and let’s start generating local changes in the different communities where we are working in Mexico. With Aldeas de Paz you can travel around Mexico and get to know new projects, people and challenges. This program is the first of its kind with Aldeas de Paz!

Volunteer placement, apprenticeship or internship

You can join this program as a volunteer, apprentice or intern. As a volunteer you are free to commit any number of hours per week. That's up to you! As an apprentice or intern however you probably have to fulfill requirements set by your school or university. Please inform us of your school or university internship requirements in advance so that we can work out your personalized work plan together. Also tell us about your personal expectations and goals. We are happy to give students academic credit or provide a report outlining the learning outcomes and deliverables achieved during your placement.

What to expect

Take part in actions that improve the quality of life of people in medium  and high marginalization regions of the low sierra and the valley of the Mezquital Hidalgo. These actions revolve around environmental recovery, the conscious use of natural resources, traditional agricultural production or  milpa, the use of eco-techniques, in addition to generating production processes according to the axes of sustainability and social economy, always revaluing and respecting the essential aspects of the traditional Hña Hñu  culture. The working schedule is from Monday to Friday from 09 am to 14pm, leaving weekends free so that volunteers can carry out activities and explore places adjacent to the community.

Activities can include but are not limited to 

• Participate in training and production processes 
• Participation in agro ecological processes 
• Participation in cultural activities 
• Research and registration of biotic and abiotic agents in the context  of the natural context 
• Research and documentation of the Hña Hñu culture 
• Participation in processes of reappropriation of natural and social  spaces 
• Adaptation of eco-techniques in rural contexts 
• Participation in recycling activities and water reuse 
• Promotion of social and solidarity economy practices 
• implementation of social currency, time slots and free processes

Requirements

No previous experience or special skills are required. An environmental volunteer/intern needs to be enthusiastic, willing to learn, ready for a challenge and has to have a desire to take initiative; friendliness, care, commitment and patience are among important qualities. Motivation and desire to learn about the community development field as well as passion for community work and grassroots development. We seek that the volunteer experience supports both a comprehensive experience for the person who participates and for all the members and beneficiaries of our community. Each volunteer will receive a personalized schedule according to his/her needs and availability of activities. A minimum time commitment of 4 hours/ 4 days a week is expected for all volunteers. We expect that volunteers adapt to program needs with flexibility, responsibility, commitment, patience, and perseverance, among other significant qualities. We do not require special training, just have a proactive attitude to learn new things. It is necessary for volunteers to meet certain requirements:

• At least 18 years of age at the start point of the volunteering period.
• It is possible to receive volunteers with little knowledge of Spanish, however some Spanish is of great help
• Multimedia activities and documentation activities can be done without previous Spanish knowledge
• Respect for the other and openness to discover new ways of life and cultural practices
• A valid medical insurance throughout your stay is mandatory
• Candidates will be interviewed through video call by the NGO staff
• An ideal volunteer is proactive, result-focused but still patient and willing to engage in activities autonomously while still having our support and supervision

Availability

This program is ongoing throughout the whole year.

Time Commitment

A minimum time commitment of 4 weeks is required and can be extended up to one year. Activities are usually held during weekdays from 10 am to 6 pm, but a personalized schedule will be organized with each volunteer on a weekly basis.

Placement Location

Cardonal, Hidalgo province, Mexico

About your Placement Location

Cardonal, a small city with just under 170,000 inhabitants and capital of the Mexican State of Hidalgo. Accommodation is located on a walking distance (maximum 20 minutes) from the main office. Other workplaces will be reached with help of the local staff (no extra cost)

Travel Logistics

The Foundation will do everything to make sure our volunteers remain safe during their arrival and stay in Mexico. On arrival at Chetumal Airport (best option, international flights with a leg in Mexico City or Cancun) or at Cancun International Airport (six hour bus ride to Chetumal) you will be welcomed by our English speaking driver who will help you personally during your transit from the airport to your accommodation. For arrivals at Cancun, the driver will take you to the bus terminal granting you peace of mind and tranquility. The driver will purchase your bus ticket while you catch the direct and comfortable bus to your placement location. Travel-time on the bus from Cancun is six hours. On arrival at the placement location, fellow volunteers and our Staff will welcome you and bring you to your accommodation.

Costs & Benefits

Aldeas de Paz works hard to keep the required financial contribution to an absolute minimum and to offer financial transparency by practicing an open book policy. The minimum contribution starts at US$ 155 per week (after the second week) and includes Spanish language classes and accommodation at our fully equipped guesthouse apartments, a special program donation as well as a personal welcome service and pick-up at the airport, transfer to the bus, bus fare and free transfer to your placement location.

 This is included:

• Airport (MEX or NLU) welcome, pick-up and transfer by land to the accommodation in Cardonal 
• Accommodation at a shared bedroom with maximal four people
• Wi-Fi internet 
• Kitchen and washing machine available
• Placement introduction 
• Certificate after completion and the possibility of student credit
• Follow-up meeting at work once a week
• Free regular Spanish lessons throughout your placement
• Full support and 24/7 backup from local staff
• Information about adventure packages & in-country travel

Special Offer

Volunteers and interns receive free language lessons throughout their placement duration. Classes focus on developing four basic communication skills: listening, comprehension, speaking, reading and writing. Students are encouraged to speak Spanish right from the very first day, using it in typical real-life situations as soon as they step outside the classroom where learning continues as they are immersed in the Spanish language and Mexican culture.

Contact Information  

Project/charity name: Fundación Aldeas de Paz

Address: Samana, Dominican Republic

Whatsapp: +1 829 7055 123

E-Mail: mail@peacevillages.org

Webpage: https://www.peacevillages.org/cardonal-community-resilience/

Facebook: https://www.facebook/AldeasdePaz

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/AldeasDePaz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AldeasDePaz

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/Peacevillages