Volunteering in a community project in Chalma, Mexico

Would you like to revive the history of one of the most famous cities in the world and to participate in activities for the common good and animal welfare? Together with like-minded people, you will engage in the social and cultural well-being of the local community and become part of one of the most exciting organizations in Mexico. 

Cultural Restoration and Social Activation 

Join a team dedicated to restoring the history of one of the most visited cities in the world! All of our programs in Mexico focus on addressing and transforming social and environmental conflicts. They are a perfect initiative for volunteers who want to contribute to social change and conservation. Immerse yourself in an exciting culture and develop social conflict management skills while improving and strengthening your overall communication skills.

The program

The main objective of this exceptional volunteer program is the social integration of different generations through various cultural and recreational activities, as well as educational and occupational therapy activities and interventions. The community center, located at one of the most important pilgrimage sites on the continent, provides opportunities for the elderly, youth, and children to learn from, inspire, and support each other. The diverse needs and problems of Chalma are significant, but countless solutions are communicated and promoted together with the local team. In this way, you'll work with local partners to promote social change and help address one of the city's biggest challenges: The care of abandoned dogs. Many dogs accompany pilgrims, taking them in as they pass through the town and leaving them behind at the end of their journey. Thus, every year dozens of new dogs arrive in Chalma, which poses significant problems for the local population, who need more capacity to receive and feed all the dogs.

Furthermore, the community center documents the history, culture, and traditions of Chalma through photographs, drone videos, and interviews. It organizes the International Folklore Festival, which will be held for the fifth time in 2023. This project aims to promote the well-being of the community and the city, a well-known tourist center with multiple needs. So there is a lot to discover, and all volunteers are welcome to support all projects actively!

Overview:

• Extendable from 2 weeks up to 1 year.
• All programs are open to volunteers, trainees, and interns
• Minimum age of 18 years at the beginning of the volunteer project
• Valid health insurance for the duration of the entire stay
• Tailor your program to your individual needs and wishes
• Individual start date and program duration available
• Minimum intermediate level of Spanish (A2 completed) (volunteers with less Spanish skills will be accepted, but the missing language skills may limit the possible activities)
• Location: Chalma, Estado de México, México

Requirements:

​​You don't need to have any special skills or previous experience. The program is for all globetrotters and curious people who are flexible and can quickly adapt to new circumstances. However, you should enjoy multimedia and documentation activities and be open to new ways of life and cultural practices. It would be best if you also enjoyed working with children, young people, and the elderly and were able to adapt well to their needs. Applicants who have previous experience working with people in difficult life situations or with a social science/anthropology background are especially sought after and welcome. Last, but not least, all volunteers should be proactive, results-oriented, patient, helpful, and able to work well in a team. Does all this sound like you? Then we are very much looking forward to your application!