Cultural Recovery & Social Activation - Help recover the history of one of the most visited towns in the world!

Program Description 

The Aldeas de Paz work center in Chalma is made up of a group of young professionals, committed to the social and cultural well-being of their community. The main objective is social integration, through cultural and recreational activities with the different sectors of society, elderly, youth and children. Aldeas de Paz is promoting a new community center that is located in one of the most important pilgrimage sites on the continent. 

Chalma’s needs and problems are huge, but also there are a lot of solutions that we are promoting. We want to promote social change but also to face one of the big challenges in town: look after abandoned dogs. Dogs attach to pilgrims while they walk to town and they don’t take them back with them. Every year, dozens of new dogs arrive in Chalma and the local population doesn’t have the capacity to shelter all. 

This project seeks to generate community well-being in a town that really needs this type of initiative. Because it is a well-known tourism center, its needs are diverse. One of the main tasks of the community center is to recover the history, culture, and traditions of Chalma through proper and systematic documentation (taking photographs, drone videos, interviews and organizing the international folklore festival in its fifth edition in 2023). We are also carrying out educational and occupational therapy activities with different sectors of the community. There is a lot to do and all volunteers are welcome! 

YOUTUBE:   https://youtube.com/shorts/Q8cZbKhSGw0?feature=share

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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 

We seek volunteers to be part of activities to help recover the history of one of the most visited towns in the world and participate in activities for community welfare and animal care! This program contributes to ongoing local initiatives and is developing multimedia material to document the history, culture, and environmental impacts in Chalma that will be useful in the short, medium, and long term. A weekly work agenda is built in a personalized way with each volunteer in which they can choose to participate in activities from a variety of projects that suit their personal or professional interests. The volunteers will be part of well oriented actions that seek to reverse this trend and generate the necessary change for a more sustainable future. Day-to-day activities will be agreed between the volunteer and the program coordination in Chalma after confirming the placement. However, notice that some activities may not be available at certain times of the year.

Activities can include but are not limited to 

• Be part of cultural documentation activities such as photographic activities, filming videos, conducting interviews and documenting Chalma's life.
• Work at the Aldeas de Paz work center in Chalma in community activities, such as planning tasks, care for the elderly, promotion of dance, culture and health.
• Help Aldeas de Paz’s team to find solutions for abandoned dogs on the streets (a huge problem in pilgrimage sites). This is a common phenomenon in Chalma derived from the large number of pilgrims who arrive. 
• Document the history of the pilgrimages that come to Chalma and learn about the history of one of the most visited places in the world.
• Carry out workshops and activities in schools in the area for the teaching of the English language. (In school season)
• Participate in the organization of the International Folklore Festival in Chalma in July 2023.
• Be part of recreational activities and occupational therapy sessions for adults over 60+.
• Be part of cultural activities in the different communities near Chalma where the team works.
• Help students improve their school performance through “homework club” activities (Available only at certain times of the year)

Requirements

No previous experience or special skills are required. A 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. It is necessary for volunteers to meet certain requirements:

• At least 18 years of age at the start point of the volunteering period.
• At least intermediate Spanish competence (A2 completed) is suggested. We accept volunteers with less Spanish (will limit possible activities)
• Multimedia activities and documentation activities (no Spanish is required)
• Respect for the other and openness to discover new ways of life and cultural practices.
• Preference will be given to those candidates who have work experience with people in vulnerable situations or with a social sciences/anthropology background
• 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 2 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

Chalma, Estado de México [Province], México

About your Placement Location

Chalma is a small town located in the State of Mexico in Mexico, famous for its beautiful church and the religious pilgrimage that takes place every year. The main attraction of Chalma is the Sanctuary of Chalma, which houses a statue of the Christ of Chalma. The town also has a beautiful natural landscape, with forests and mountains that offer a perfect opportunity for hiking and other outdoor activities. Visitors can also explore the local culture by visiting the artisanal markets, where they can find unique crafts made by the locals. Overall, Chalma is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Mexican culture, religion, and nature.

Travel Logistics 

The Foundation will do everything to make sure our volunteers remain safe during their arrival and stay in Mexico. On arrival at Mexico City International Airport (code: MEX, best option) or at Felipe Angeles International Airport (code: NLU) (1.5 hours more on the bus ride to Chalma) you will be welcomed by our English speaking driver/staff who will help you personally during your transit from the airport to your accommodation. 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 Mexico City to Chalma is 2.5 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 Chalma
• Fully equipped Accommodation in Chalma, Mexico; shared bedroom with maximal three person
• 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/chalma-cultural-recovery

Facebook: https://www.facebook/AldeasdePaz

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AldeasDePaz

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