Casa Hogar de Ninos

Casa Hogar de Los Ninos is an orphanage located in Cantel, 15 minutes outside of Quetzaltenango. The orphanage was established in 1990 for children who were either orphaned, or whose families were unable to provide adequate Care. It is now home to about 40 children ranging in age from 2 to 15. Long and short term volunteers are needed to help provide care and maintenance to the children and the facility. Duties in the orphanage include, but are not limited to healthcare, meal preparation, and building maintenance.

Live in volunteers

Live in volunteers must be committed for a minimum of three months, have a strong love of children, and be self motivated. They must have some understanding of Spanish, as no English is spoken. In addition to caring for the children, daily duties include dishwashing, laundry, meal preparation, and cleaning of the Hogar. Room and board can be arranged but are NOT provided.  Positions are subject to our current needs and are not always available.  Application required.  

Long and short term volunteers

These persons live in Quetzaltenango and make a daily commute to the orphanage by public bus. A one month minimum is required of any person wishing to work with the children. An understanding of Spanish is desirable, but not necessary. Volunteers living in Xela also help organise and prepare the weekly fund raising events. Room and board are not provided. The commuters will not have as much contact with the children and will focus their attention on the bakery and organic garden.

Office Help

Long term volunteers may also assist in the office work, short term volunteers who wish to work in the office do not work with the children, but play a very important role in helping the children. There is no minimum time required and both Spanish and non Spanish speakers are needed. Duties include typical office work along with decorating signs, arranging and holding fundraisers, and picking up and delivering supplies. Translators also needed.

Donations

Volunteers can help out, not only with their time and work, but also with any contributions they wish to make towards funding. This is a very important area, as it takes constant effort to maintain an adequate income stream for the needs of the children. Whether or not you intend to work as a volunteer, please consider making a much needed contribution for food, medical care, school supplies or for other essentials. You are most welcome to visit the orphanage to meet the children and staff, and to get a better idea of where funds are immediately needed.

How to get to the Hogar de Ninos

Catch a bus heading for San Francisco from the center of town, Cuesta Blanca or from El Redondo. Ask the driver to stop at Granja Penal. Walk down the road to the left of the penal (sign on the hill) for 5-10 minutes, passing an evangelical church on your left and shortly after seeing the sign for the Hogar on the left. When there ask for Mateo or Chris. The journey takes only 15 minutes from town and less from Cuesta Blanca or La Rotunda. The fare is Q1. Buses pass every 5 minutes. Alternatively meet up with a volunteer in Xela, and make the journey with them.

If you would like information on Volunteering contact

Contact:
Mateo (English or Spanish)
hogardeninos@hotmail.com