Volunteering in training and technical support to community-based organizations in Totonicapán for the sustainable management of water and forests – PUENTES Project
ASPEm
Asociación CDRO
Totonicapán, Gvatemala
Apraksts
The volunteer sent by ASPEm within the PUENTES project will collaborate with the CDRO association in Totonicapán to support Water Committees, Forest Rangers, community-based organizations and rural community families in the efficient management and responsible use of water, as well as in the conservation of water sources and biodiversity, within a unique community-based management model. Among the main activities, the volunteer will contribute to strengthening the technical and ancestral knowledge of local organizations; support and guide conservation initiatives in line with Mayan spirituality; promote actions for biodiversity protection; accompany reforestation processes in areas where water sources are present; collaborate in the preparation and implementation of community meetings with local committees. Activities take place from Monday to Friday, with a commitment of 30–40 hours per week (excluding commuting time), combining office work and field activities within the communities.
Dzīvošana, ēdināšana un transports
Totonicapán has well-preserved forests and low crime thanks to strong community traditions. The accommodation for volunteers is in the town centre, ensuring safety and easy access to services. It offers individual rooms, basic utilities (hot water, electricity, gas, internet) and is about 500 meters from a laundry facility. In Totonicapán it’s possible to find all kinds of vegetables, legumes, herbs and meat, so volunteers can plan their meals independently. Typical dishes are maize-based. Volunteers reach the office with a 10-minute walk to the minibus stop followed by a 15-minute ride.
Mācības pasākuma laikā
Volunteers take part in a pre-departure training with ASPEm in Italy or Spain and an additional training with CDRO upon arrival to understand the organization and local context. During the project they engage in trainings on forest fire prevention, national context analysis and community water management, combined with peer exchange among volunteers and daily hands-on learning. The experience builds technical, analytical and intercultural competences, enhancing adaptability, communication and connections between technical knowledge and community practices. Competences certified via Youthpass.
Dalībnieka profils
A volunteer is sought with a profile preferably in environmental, forestry, water engineering or related fields. There are no mandatory requirements, but knowledge or interest in the environmental sector, the use of related technologies, and knowledge of Spanish are considered an asset. The ideal candidate shows adaptability to new and intercultural contexts, as well as skills in teamwork, collaboration, effective communication, and active listening. Competences such as problem-solving, managing unexpected situations, autonomy, sense of responsibility, and flexibility are also valued. Good time management, proactivity, initiative, empathy, and intercultural sensitivity are appreciated, together with an openness to continuous learning. Additionally, a person open to a deeply immersive experience is sought, going beyond environmental engagement. Volunteering in Totonicapán involves engaging with an ancestral worldview in which water and forests are sacred elements, making a respectful, sensitive, and learning-oriented attitude essential. In this context, the volunteer is expected to act as a bridge between technical knowledge and community practices, valuing and respecting local governance dynamics. 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.
Pasākuma datums
A total of 44 week(s) during the period 09/10/2026 to 09/08/2027
Pasākuma vieta
Paraje Chuipachec, final de la zona 1 Municipio, Totonicapán, Gvatemala
Darbības veids
Individuāls brīvprātīgais darbs
Meklējam dalībniekus no šīm valstīm
Austrija, Beļģija, Bulgārija, Dānija, Francija, Grieķija, Horvātija, Igaunija, Islande, Itālija, Kipra, Latvija, Lietuva, Lihtenšteina, Luksemburga, Malta, Nīderlande, Polija, Portugāle, Rumānija, Slovākija, Slovēnija, Somija, Spānija, Turcija, Ungārija, Vācija, Ziemeļmaķedonija, Zviedrija, Čehija, Īrija
Pasākuma temati
Environment and natural protection
Education and training
Pieteikumu iesniegšanas termiņš
Pieteikuma iesniegšanas termiņš: 19/06/2026 23:00
Projekta kods
2025-1-EACEA-VOLUN-101252031