Now playing: Volunteer work in Honduras teaching and community work
Volunteers who join this programme have the unique opportunity of being immersed in one of several indigenous communities situated near Copan Ruinas. This old Spanish Colonial town allows volunteers to learn or improve their Spanish, while travelling to nearby rural areas for their project work. GVI, along with leaders of the indigenous communities and local teachers, are involved in many forms of community development including this education programme.
Mornings are spent teaching all types of lessons, including literacy, mathematics, social studies and science. The afternoons are spent working in GVI introduced "aulas abiertas", or "open classrooms" which at present are operating as English classes for any members of the community who wish to attend.
The day-to-day running costs of the projects itself make up a large proportion of the fee, including daily transport, food subsidies for the school meals and fruit for the children (sometimes their only meal of the day), educational materials for classes, monthly birthday celebrations, painting and maintenance. On top of this, each volunteer has a US$100 donation; you decide where it should be spent. All class-related materials for day to day teaching are also included.
Education is free in Honduras though the parents still have to buy the basic materials for the child to attend, which they often cannot do. GVI is endeavouring to cover these costs and included in your fee is a utensils scholarship for one child for one year.
Forty hours of one on one Spanish classes (based on skill level) are included in the price and are highly recommended for those volunteers with no previous Spanish experience or those who want to brush up on their Spanish language!
The programme fee also includes a day trip to the Copán Ruins with a guide, separate horse-riding and hiking treks in the surrounding hills and valleys of Copán and a visit to local hot springs, as well as a tour around a Macaw breeding centre and a Butterfly Farm near to Copán. Weekends are free for volunteers to take advantage of these trips that are included, explore other locations of interest or to simply relax and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Copán. There is also 15 hours worth of free internet and phone calls included.