Guatemala: Social Work and Health Care

Even in the health care systems of modern nations, there always seems to be a lack of helping hands. It is easy to imagine the situation in a country where the poverty rate reaches about 50%, as is the case in Guatemala. Behind the idyllic holiday façade of tropical rainforest, ancient ruins, and enchanting landscapes, there is the reality of Guatemala: poverty and individuals in serious need of medical treatment.

Here, your help is needed most. Support a medical facility in Guatemala and give sick locals your time and affection.
Depending on the projects’ needs, you will work either in a bigger medical home or in a small community health center. Of course you can discuss your preferences with us, but the placement is dependent upon the availability of places.

The health centers care for the concerns of the people from communities surrounding Antigua. Usually, they have two doctors – one in the mornings, another in the afternoons. Since the centers are a shelter for people from the surrounding areas, doctors treat all kinds of diseases and ailments. Usually, they also offer a selection of medications at low prices.

A different placement is within the medical home. This is not a hospital, but rather a home for poor people with diseases. Many of the 500 patients are abandoned children, people without family and without financial resources, or sick individuals, recovering from or preparing for surgery. The areas for volunteering are broad. You can volunteer, for example, in the ward for malnutrition, children with disabilities, the elderly, and/or the ward for babies and children.

Depending on the project site, you can support a large hospital with hundreds of patients or a small health care center that has only few doctors. In both locations, there is plenty to do.
Your tasks as volunteer may include social work, such as patient care, or have a medical element.

The most important aspect while working with people is care and attention. This means having time for the patients, talking to them and listening, playing with the kids and doing plenty activities
that makes them forget about their sickness for a while.

Note: The volunteer work described here takes place in different volunteer projects. The participation fee may vary depending on the project. The prices are therefore to be understood as reference prices. Please send us an inquiry, so that we can tell you the exact prices and project information.