Youth Development

Our Youth Development Project in San Antonio Aguas Calientes, near Antigua, was founded back in 2006 by Lesbi and her husband Juventino. They created the project to provide quality education to children from their village of San Antonio Aguas Calientes, while strengthening their own cultural and family ties. Both are themselves from the region and belong to the indigenous community in San Antonio Aguas Calientes. Their commitment and love for the children is contagious, which is why the organization is supported by many people from all over the world. It’s a project that is captivating and a wonderful experience that you will never forget!

Children who attend the organization learn together, take music lessons, improve their English skills, practice computer skills, grow vegetables, share meals and give back to their community. The program is constantly expanding to meet the needs of the children, their families and the community. The unique cultural and educational program offered to the children and youth there empowers them to value their lives, make a difference and take control of their future.

It all started with a dance class for children, where they learned traditional dance accompanied by the marimba and performed at small concerts. Through the hard work of Lesbi and Tino, as well as many volunteers and sponsors, an organization has been built over the years that now supports over 30 children of various ages.

In Guatemala’s rural areas, there are many children who live in poor conditions and have little access to education. Most families cannot afford to send all their children to school, let alone buy books and laptops. Through donations, the organization was able to finance a small library with computers, which is open to all residents of the town.

From kindergarten age, through preschool, elementary and middle school, to college, children and youth from the region receive support. They also receive a hot meal, after school programs are offered, they have access to the library with computers and receive lots of love and support in all circumstances from the staff and volunteers.

Some students have joined the organization as young children and are now graduating from college! These life stories and great successes motivate Lesbi and her husband, as well as many volunteers, to keep the organization growing and thus changing the lives of many children and young people.

In addition to homework support, there are many joint activities where the volunteers are also present and help out. The children enjoy showing their marimba dances for visitors and putting on concerts. Lesbi also enjoys showing the children and visitors Guatemalan dishes, such as making traditional corn tortillas. With a view of the breathtaking volcanoes, everyone eats together on the terrace.

The project offers a variety of tasks for the volunteers – they are exciting and varied, so you will learn many new things and get a deep insight into life in Guatemala.

At the organization’s after-school program, you will assist with homework Monday through Wednesday from approximately 2:00pm to 5:00pm and help the children learn. Every Thursday there is a cooking class with the children and every Friday is soccer or hiking day.

The organization offers a comprehensive support program to the children of different ages. This means that the children and young people are supported in the areas in which they need help. A total of more than 30 children and young people are currently being cared for – from kindergarten age to the age of majority. There are various classes such as English, mathematics, computer courses, reading, writing or painting.

But the kids also get the opportunity to express themselves creatively and to develop themselves further. There are games, music and dance classes, sports activities and cooking and eating together.

If you are interested in food growing, you are welcome to help in the vegetable garden in the mornings. This involves tasks such as planting, harvesting, watering, fertilizing and maintaining the grounds. The vegetables harvested from the garden are used to feed the children and also benefit poor families and hospitals in Antigua.

The small community of San Antonio Aguas Calientes is located in the southwest of the Republic of Guatemala, just a short distance from Antigua. The town is originally known for its weavers who produce unique fabrics. In Mayan times, women used looms to weave the well-known traditional patterns here. From San Antonio Aguas Calientes you have a fantastic view of the volcanoes in the region. There are also many small cafés and restaurants where you can taste the real Guatemalan cuisine. A beautiful place to feel good!

Your program will take place in Aguas Calientes, but you will live in the city of Antigua.

Antigua is the former capital and our favorite city in Guatemala and makes the heart of every traveler beat faster. Because the positive atmosphere of this city is unique. Antigua is beautiful and impressive in many ways. Be enchanted by colorful houses, cobblestone streets and many small stores, restaurants and cafes. Antigua is a magnet for young people from all over the world, and many of those who have traveled here have stayed. The surrounding volcanoes offer a spectacular view and invite you to climb them. In the surroundings of Antigua you will find many coffee and organic farms to visit. The owners of the countless restaurants, cafes, bars and hostels come from all over the world, so it is accordingly international. In the bars you hear 1,000 different languages and quickly you have made new friends all over the globe.

Besides the work in the project, Antigua offers many opportunities for colorful leisure activities. Climbing the surrounding volcanoes is an experience you will probably never forget. Equally worthwhile is a weekend trip to Lake Atitlan.

More information about Antigua can be found here.

The national language in Guatemala is Spanish. You will spend a lot of time with locals who have no knowledge of English. Therefore, a basic knowledge of Spanish is important. If you do not have any knowledge of Spanish at the moment, we recommend that you take a language course in Antigua, which we will gladly organize for you. You can take this course before or during your time at the school.

The national language in Guatemala is Spanish. You will spend a lot of time with locals who have no knowledge of English. Therefore, a basic knowledge of Spanish is important. If you do not have any knowledge of Spanish at the moment, we recommend that you take a language course in Antigua, which we will gladly organize for you. You can take this course before or during your time at the school.

Our guesthouse is located at the northern end of the center of Antigua. It was founded a few years ago by a German woman who lives in Antigua. Here you can choose to stay in a shared room with another participant or in a single room. The shared rooms have their own bathroom. The single rooms share the bathroom with two other people, it is located in the corridor right next to the room.

The Guesthouse has a nice common area and a kitchen where the volunteers like to cook together.

The guesthouse is also home to our Eco-Farm and Teaching Program participants. They often cook together and go on many excursions together.

The main square of Antigua is a few minutes walk away. There are many restaurants, bars and cafes in the area.

Depending on availability, you will stay in a guesthouse or similar accommodation.

You will reach the project daily by bus, the travel time from Antigua is about 30 minutes (at your own expense). The two bus rides there and back are about 1,25 Euro per day.

Prices:

Single room:

• 1st month in start package: 1.210,00 €
• Extension month: 600,00 €
• As 2nd or 3rd program: 960,00 €

Double room:

• 1st month in start package: 1.060,00 €
• Extension month: 460,00 €
• As 2nd or 3rd program: 810,00 €

Shared room:

• 1st month in starting package: 1.080,00 €
• Extension month: 480,00 €
• As 2nd or 3rd program: 830,00 €

Host family:

• 1st month in start package: 1.370,00 €
• Extension month: 770,00 €
• As 2nd or 3rd program: 1.120,00 €

Benefits:

Learn more about our benefits here.