Young Volunteers in Guatemala

By Anouk Reitz

Many local initiatives in Guatemala need volunteers. Without their help, they would not be able to keep up their work as they used to. However, as Anouk Reitz reports, successful cooperation depends on several factors, including good preparation and communication. Volunteering agencies have a responsibility to assist local organisations with their volunteer management, and they have to make sure that they match volunteers with sufficient experience to the respective projects. Volunteers should be prepared to adapt to local ways of living and working. They can be of great value to their host organisations, while gaining experience and developing intercultural skills.

(Translation by Christina Kamp)