Volunteering in agroecology and sustainable community development - Amplifying the Voice for Climate Action (AVCA Project)
ASPEm
Asociación CDRO
Totonicapán, Guatemala
Description
The volunteer, sent by ASPEm, will support CDRO association in Guatemala contributing to promote agroecology and sustainable agriculture. They will take part in activities aimed at strengthening food security and environmentally sustainable production systems. They will support field visits and exchange activities with rural families, contribute to training initiatives on agroecological practices by assisting in the creation of educational material and implementing training pathways, and collaborate in the development of awareness-raising materials (guides, manuals, videos, short clips). Activities will combine practical fieldwork with research and analysis of good agricultural practices, with the aim of assessing their potential replicability by CDRO in other communities, for example through initiatives such as biofactories. These activities will be complemented by office tasks, including documentation, report writing and support for communication activities related to agroecology.
Accommodation, food and transport arrangements
The volunteer will live in Totonicapán, near the municipal building in zone 1, in an area surrounded by services such as markets and pharmacies. The organization covers rent and basic utilities such as electricity, water, and internet. The house has a private room and a kitchen. The volunteer can eat in local eateries or buy groceries and prepare meals at home. They can also bring food to the office, which is located about 2 km from the apartment. Local minibuses provide transport in about 15 minutes, and taxis and buses are also available.
Training during the activity
The volunteer will take part in a pre-departure in-person training organized by ASPEm in Italy. Upon arrival at CDRO, they will receive additional onboarding, including a team introduction, an overview of the organization’s goals and projects, visits to local communities and an introduction to the local context and daily life. During the project, the volunteer will develop skills in working with local communities, knowledge in sustainable agricultural practices, intercultural communication and organizational abilities. All acquired competencies will be certified through Youthpass.
Participant profile
Preferably with a background in agroecology, agriculture, or related fields, with studies or knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices and community-based farming systems. Familiarity with agroecological approaches, food security, and environmentally sustainable production methods is valued. Knowledge and, preferably, experience in training activities, participatory approaches, and the development of educational and awareness-raising materials (such as guides, manuals, and audiovisual content) are considered an advantage. Interest in research and the analysis of good agricultural practices, with a focus on their potential replication in local contexts, is also appreciated. Ability to work collaboratively in teams and with rural communities, demonstrating a strong volunteering attitude, sense of responsibility, and good organizational skills. A proactive and initiative-driven mindset is highly valued. Knowledge of Spanish is an advantage. Eligibility : Candidates must be 18 to 35 years old, reside in one of the eligible countries (EU Member State, North Macedonia, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Turkey), have completed the compulsory Humanitarian Aid Volunteering training and not have participated before in individual Humanitarian Aid Volunteering. When adding together this new volunteering opportunity and any previous participation in EU volunteering programmes, the total duration cannot exceed 12 months.
Activity dates
A total of 48 week(s) during the period 09/10/2026 to 13/09/2027
Activity location
Paraje Tierra Blanca, Cantón Chuicruz,, Totonicapán, Guatemala
Activity type
Individual volunteering
Looking for participants from
Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye
Activity topics
Environment and natural protection
Education and training
Nutrition and subsistence agriculture
Deadline for applications
Application deadline: 10/07/2026 23:00
Project code
2025-1-EACEA-VOLUN-101250792