Volunteering with Quetzaltrekkers/Las Tías
Though Shine a light has not yet met formally with Quetzaltrekkers/Las Tías, and thus the program is not a member of the Shine a light Network, it has asked Shine a light to look for volunteers. The program, based on the model developed by EDELAC-Quetzaltrekkers in Guatemala, runs wilderness treks for tourists as a way to support the work that Las Tías does with street and working children in León, Nicaragua.
More information is available at the excellent website: http://www.quetzaltrekkers.com/
Or write leon@quetzaltrekkers.com
The program has send us the following description of its volunteer needs:
Quetzaltrekker Guides
Quetzaltrekkers is an organisation run entirely by volunteers, without anybody owning it or pulling the strings. Therefore it relies completely on the constant flow of new volunteers. The good thing about this is that with every new volunteer new ideas arrive.
Want to volunteer with Quetzaltrekkers?
We are always looking for people to come and support our team! We have had volunteers from countries all over the world working in our different programs. Our project offers several positions to volunteer with.
Volunteer as a guide on hikes:
You will be guiding the five different hikes we offer. They are between one and three days and take you to the volcanoes and beach around León. The proceeds of these hikes form the main source of funding for our programs. For volunteers there is a minimum of two months commitment required. You pay for your first hike, which can be seen as a deposit that you get back after working with us for two months.
We look for volunteers that enjoy hiking, being in nature and working as a team member, speak basic Spanish, have trekking and first aid experience and take on projects on their own initiative. Strong experience is not necessary to work with us. We welcome the skills you bring and help train you in the once you lack.
As a volunteer guide your responsibilities include:
• Recruiting customers for the hikes
• Shopping and preparing food for the hikes
• Preparing maintaining and cleaning equipment for the hikes
• Running the Quetzaltrekkers office
• Making promotional materials for Quetzaltrekkers
• Guiding at least 1 hike a week
As a guide you receive all expenses and food on the hikes, experience in guiding, experience in cooperatively running a volunteer organization, and most importantly the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the children here in León.
