We consider a volunteer to be a 'friend with authority' here at Mision Mexico. The children need love and fun but also guidance and discipline. Every volunteer has some talent that they can share. You don't need to be an engineer or a certified child psychologist. A genuine love for children and enthusiasm to work is a basic requirement.
Role of a volunteer at Mision Mexico
Every day is different but generally volunteers are involved in helping with the children doing the following tasks:
• Educational games and activities
• Assisting with homework and revision
• Developing creative programs such as dance, arts, music, crafts, sewing, computer games and cooking
• Organising sport activities and exercise such as soccer, basketball, yoga, swimming races and children's fitness
• Organising projects to learn about, for example, different countries, dinosaurs, animals and festivals
• Supervising outings , for example, to the beach or swimming pool
• Helping the children with various health and sanitation needs
At times there may be other volunteering opportunities at the refuge such as building, landscaping, painting, cooking or office administration. If you have experience in these areas and would like to know more about opportunities to assist with these during your visit please email us.
Skills/Qualification Requirements
Mision Mexico welcomes capable volunteers of all ages, however, we don’t recommend volunteers under the age of 20 due to the age group of our children here. Exceptions can be made so please email us at info@lovelifehope.com to discuss your interest. Younger people may come to assist as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Volunteers do not require any specific qualifications to volunteer in our refuge. However, volunteers interested in helping us must have a love for children and a willingness to share their time and compassion with patience and flexibility. Being able to work as part of a team is important as there is likely to be other volunteers assisting at the same time. Lots of energy and creativity are needed at all times to encourage the childrens' learning and development! Please be aware that the days are long and tiring but very rewarding. The children are full of beans and desire love and attention at all times.
Knowledge of the Spanish language is helpful but not essential as is experience in working with children.
If you would like to bring things for the children most items can be purchased cheaply in Tapachula, Chiapas. However, if you are planning to bring donated items with you, please ask us what is needed at the time of your expected arrival.
Accommodation & Food
Volunteers are not paid but basic food and accommodation is provided.
Volunteers’ accommodation (the casita) is located a couple of minutes walk from the refuge and is true Mexican living! It is highly likely you will be sharing a bedroom however there are seperate sleeping areas for men and women.The bathroom is located outside with all necessary amenities.....bucket shower and a toilet (no squatting required!) that is flushed with a bucket of water. Cooking facilities are provided and there is an area outside to sit and relax.
The main meal is provided at the refuge at lunch time but there are numerous stalls and restaurants in the area with very reasonable prices if you prefer. There are also stores within walking distance to the casita to purchase food if you care to prepare meals yourself. A light evening meal is prepared at the refuge which you are welcome to enjoy but again there are other options if you prefer.
Volunteers get one day off per week and are encouraged to have a weekend or a few days away every few months if staying long term.
Location Description
Our home, situated in Tapachula, has a growing population of around 217,000. It is situated to the very south of México in the state of Chiapas about 225kms from the capital, Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Tapachula is located a short drive (about 30mins) from the Guatemalan border. Guatemala city is just under 200kms away. The nearest coast line (pacific) is a mere 30 minutes drive from the centre of town which houses Tapachulas own port, Puerto Chiapas . Temperatures are generally hot and consistent usually around 30º but with a high humidity. Summer although hot, has the mid afternoon relief of a heavy downpour. Tapachula aids as a very important trade centre. It yields high produce of coffee due to the numerous surrounding volcanos; Tacana being the closest clearly visible towering over the town. Because of the high humidity and rainfall it also bears an abundance of fruit and vegetable.
During your free time you may want to wander around the market which sells everythiing from jewellry and clothes to food and drink. Take a trip to Izapa and visit the archaeological zone encompassing the remains of what was once the largest centre of pre-Hispanic culture on the Pacific coast of Meso-America . Visit Finca Argovia and learn about the coffee culture in this well preserved ecological niche in the tropics .
A typical day volunteering at Mision Mexico
The day starts around 9am. Breaks are taken for a few hours in the afternoon and volunteers return to the house late afternoon to assist with evening activities until 8.30 / 9pm.
Morning – Ensure children have completed their morning chores e.g. tidying their sleeping area, cleaning up after breakfast. Help those going to school get ready. Organise exercise/sport activity for other children. Educational activity e.g. maths, English, writing, reading.
Lunch – Help children wash hands and get ready for lunch. Supervise lunch. Assist children to get ready for school.
Afternoon – Ensure all lunch preparation has been tidied away. Assist children with homework. Creative play for non-school children. Assist children with showers before dinner.
Dinner – Supervise dinner. Assist children with brushing their teeth.
Evening – Assist children going to bed and reading bedtime stories.
Information we require
If you are interested in volunteering with us we ask that you commit to staying for a minimum of one month. It can take a couple of weeks to integrate yourself into the environment, in terms of both the refuge and the city. Learning the kids names is a skill in itself! Allowing yourself more time to get to know the children is really valuable and helps in establishing your role as a volunteer.
Please email us with the following pieces of information to info@lovelifehope.com:
Main Menu
.gif){kind=small}
Links.gif){kind=small}
