our project
The Objective
The project, “El Proyecto 123”, was founded in 2009 by Jorge Pérez with the assistance of volunteers, Jocelyne Van Horn-Foy and Terralynn Forsyth, in Aldea La Candelaria, Taxisco, Santa Rosa,
Guatemala. The objective of the project is to give children in the community an opportunity to learn English and relevant language skills. We believe that English language skills are important
for every child’s future. In order to fulfil our objective, we require volunteers like you help us in our small community on the pacific coast of Guatemala.
The Classes
Following the first classes organized by volunteers Sanne Francois Lefebvre and Lucinda Evans, we also recognized that environmental awareness is also desperately needed in our community. We wish
to implement environmental education that informs our community about best practices concerning waste disposal and recycling. Problems such as plastic waste disposal are large issues for the
community of Candelaria.
Thanks to Sanne we now have a personal computer and have purchased materials needed for classes. Lucia also created a website which has also assisted our outreach efforts. We work with children
ages 6 to 12 years offering basic English classes and environmental education. Usually we work in the mornings, with the normal class schedule set at 7:30am-12:30pm. It is also possible to work
in the afternoon in a different local school. Volunteers have the option of working two,
three, or more hours a day. An advanced level of Spanish is not required as the founder of the project is a Master in Spanish and is readily available to assist volunteers in this capacity.
Volunteers will have access to materials and art supplies to facilitate classes, such as coloring books, reading materials in English, markers, crayons, and paper. Volunteers will also have
access to the computer, printer, internet, and teaching board.
Aldea La Candelaria
Aldea La Candelaria is located 8 kilometers from Monterrico Nature Reserve on the Pacific Coast. The Channel of Chiquimulilla
is situated close to the north side of Candelaria. Volunteers have the opportunity to live with a local family for $65 US. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as access to
a private room, basic amenities, hammocks, and garden with local fruits. There are opportunities to participate in family and community activities to learn more about the culture, such as fishing
in the canal and scouting for sea turtles on the beach. Another accommodation option includes a hotel in Monterrico Nature Reserve (8 kms).
In Candelaria volunteers will have access to a supermarket where you will be able to purchase different products, health centre, pharmacy, gas station, library, and schools (primary, basic and
diversified). In the future, we hope to establish a university - it is a dream of our community!
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