About Guatemala

Guatemala has been home to various civilizations dating back to at least 10,000 B.C.E. The Mayan Empire spanned the territory of Guatemala before Spanish invaders arrived in 1518. By 1812 Guatemala had become a republic. A civil war during the 20th century saw a standoff between the landowning conservatives—backed by the army—and a mainly indigenous majority over the issue of land reform. The country returned to peace in 1996. Indigenous Maya still account for half of the population. The traditional dress and customs of the Maya and ancient ruins from the days of empire are part of the allure of Guatemala. Foreigners also come to Guatemala to see its beautiful mountains, volcanoes, hot springs, and Lake Atitlan. Although a great deal of political progress has been made in Guatemala, it is still considered one of the ten poorest countries in Latin America. The country ranks 118 out of 177 on the UNDP Human Development Index. Illiteracy, poor health, and violence against women are among the social ills afflicting the population.

Women's Shelter Quest

Volunteers can empower women and children at a battered women's shelter in Xela. The shelter is managed entirely by women and funded by private donations. Volunteer work includes tutoring the children before and after school and/or organizing recreational and creative activities for the children and their mothers. 

Orphanage Quest
United Planet's partner orphanage in Xela is a home for boy's where all of the children's basic needs are met (shelter, food, clothes and education). The center also focuses on creating an environment that encourages the children's growth and development. The children range in age from 1 to 14 years old; many have been abandoned, are sick, belong to single mothers or have been separated from their parents by the state to ensure their wellbeing. As a volunteer you can help to do some construction work such as repairing windows, doors etc. Volunteers can also teach English, organize artistic (theater, music, arts) and sports activities, help the children with their homework or teach agricultural education.

Spanish Language Immersion Program

Volunteers also have the opportunity to include a Spanish Language Immersion course for the first one or two weeks of their Quest.