Projektoversigt
- Provide support for migrants and refugees affected by economic decline and violent conflict
- Work in an aid shelter with social workers, lawyers, and other volunteers
- Help provide clothing, hot meals, and a clean living space
- Collect crucial demographic data
- Stay in Guadalajara, sample authentic Mexican food, marvel at cathedrals, and explore crystal-blue lakes
Is working with migrants and refugees in Mexico right for me?
If you're empathetic and proactive, then volunteering at a refugee and migrant shelter is something you should consider. Many refugees are vulnerable, often fleeing violence in Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador. Most travel in a caravan to Mexico and choose the longer western route through Guadalajara because it is safer than the Central and Gulf routes.
Since Mexico is a Spanish-speaking country, it’s recommended that you speak basic conversational Spanish. This will make conversing with the refugees easier and it’ll make their transition smoother. Although not required, we encourage volunteers with humanitarian work experience to join.
To ensure the best possible environments for the refugees and migrants, you’ll receive sufficient training from professionals. You'll get to work in an energising and fulfilling work environment, knowing that you're contributing to the better treatment of refugees and migrants abroad.
You can join for a minimum of two weeks but we recommend staying at least four. That's because each volunteer must work a minimum of 132 Hours at the Refugee Center. If you choose to stay for just two weeks, you'll have to work double shifts (around 10 hours per day).
Staying longer will allow you to work shorter shifts. Plus, the longer you stay, the greater your impact will be on vulnerable refugees.
This project runs all year round so you can join throughout the year.
What will I do on the Migrant and Refugee Project in Mexico?
Throughout your time on the project, you’ll support vulnerable refugees and migrants. You'll make a valued contribution to the ongoing operation at the shelter through the following activities:
Run the clothing bank at the shelter
In desperate situations, many refugees and migrants leave home with just the clothes on their back. The shelter has a clothes bank, supported by donations from the community, where they can find the necessary clothing and toiletries.
A simple shower and fresh clothing has a profound impact and often lifts their spirits during a turbulent time. You’ll be involved in the handing out of these items. You'll need to make sure they're the right size. We also place importance on whether they like the items they're getting. This makes their journey that much more comfortable.
Knowing basic Spanish will help as you'll be able to find what they need faster.
Prepare meals and assist with kitchen duties
While at the shelter, migrants and refugees are given three hot nutritious meals a day. You'll lend a hand in the kitchen whether it be cooking, cleaning or serving. This is a great way to learn how to prepare traditional Mexican dishes. You can even try to cook a meal of your own if you have experience preparing large amounts of food.
Where in Mexico will I work?
Guadalajara
You’ll live and work in the western city of Guadalajara, the second-largest city in Mexico. Famed for its mariachi style music and its tequila, Mexico is a country rich in culture and geography.
When you’re not working at the centre, you can venture into the historic town filled with tree-lined plazas, stunning cathedrals and busy markets. Don’t forget to stop by at the exceptional restaurants where you can try the local cuisine of tortas ahogadas.
A typical day working at a refugee camp in Mexico
You’ll start the day with a nutritious breakfast before heading off to the centre. Our local staff will show you how to get to the centre and introduce you to the people you’ll work with.
The centre is run 24/7 but the morning shift starts at 8.30 am where you'll discuss your daily tasks with the shift manager. You’ll generally work Monday to Friday with your weekends free to explore Guadalajara and the surrounding areas.
You’ll have your lunch with other volunteers, migrants and refugees in the kitchen. This is a great opportunity to learn more about where they come from and the reasoning behind their move. This will give you a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.
Once you are done for the day, you can relax at your host family or head out into town and enjoy one of the many fantastic restaurants.
What are the aims and impact of this project?
This project aims to provide much-needed support to the migrant and refugee centre and to sensitise the community to the refugee and migrant situation. It's often surrounded by misconceptions and prejudgment.
With growing instability in the nations south of Mexico, the number of refugee and migrant caravans in Mexico is expected to rise year after year. Therefore, the centre needs volunteer support to cope with the increasing demand for their services.
Assist with care and support, and help smooth the transition for migrants and refugees travelling through Mexico.
Management plans
Vi beskriver vores målsætninger for vores projekter i dokumenter, som vi kalder Management Plans. Vi bruger dem til at planlægge vores arbejde på en grundig og officiel måde. De hjælper os også med at gøre vores projekter bedre. Det betyder også, at du kan blive en del af noget, som faktisk har en stor indflydelse der, hvor der er brug for det.
Måling af vores indflydelse
Vores projekter arbejder mod klare, langsigtede mål med specifikke, årlige målsætninger. Hver eneste frivillig og praktikant, som vi sender ud på disse projekter, hjælper os med at komme nærmere vores mål.
Vi udarbejder en Global Impact Report, som dokumenterer vores præstationer og resultater.
Find ud af mere om den indflydelse, som vores globale fællesskab af frivillige, praktikanter og personale har, og læs den seneste rapport.
Kost og logi
Du bor hos en værtsfamilie i Guadalajara. De byder dig velkommen i deres hjem og er ivrige efter at dele deres kultur med dig, samt at lade dig lære dem om din egen kultur. Vi tror på, at det er den bedste måde at fordybe dig i kulturen i Mexico og at få en virkelig unik oplevelse.
Vi forsøger altid at lade dig bo sammen med mindst én anden Projects Abroad frivillig eller praktikant hos den samme værtsfamilie. Dit værelse kommer til at være beskedent men komfortabelt, rent og trygt.
Din projektpris inkluderer tre måltider om dagen.
Aktiviteter og fritid
Mexico har noget for enhver smag med dets smukke strande, fængslende kunstudstillinger og travle restauranter. Du får masser at lave i din fritid på dit projekt i dette dynamiske land.
Der er noget fascinerende ved at gå rundt i historiske bygninger. Hvis du er til neo-gotisk arkitektur, så tag på en tur til templet, Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento. Det er et sandt kunstværk med udsmykkede tårne og farvestrålende glasmosaik.
Der er også masser af museer, så du har rig mulighed for at dykke ned i Mexicos rige historie. Hvis du vil prøve noget anderledes, kan du tilbringe en dag med at beundre dyrelivet og den frodige beplantning i Las Peñas naturreservat. Du kan ikke rejse til Mexico uden at smage det autentiske, mexicanske køkken.
Du kan bruge en aften på at spise pozole eller tamales på en lokal restaurant og se den orange-røde sol smelte ned over horisonten.
Vi har et væld af forskellige projekter i Mexico, så der er højst sandsynligt mange andre frivillige i området, når du er afsted. Du kan derfor vælge at rejse og tage på opdagelse i landet på egen hånd eller i en gruppe sammen med andre frivillige.
Sikkerhed og personalesupport
Din sikkerhed er vores højeste prioritet. Vi har mange procedurer og systemer, som sikrer, at du får den støtte, du skal bruge for at nyde din rejse med ro i sindet. Vores Projects Abroad personale er til rådighed døgnet rundt for at hjælpe, og de står klar til at sikre, at du falder godt til i din nye bolig og på dit projekt. Hvis du støder ind i problemer, vil de være klar til at hjælpe dig til hver en tid.
Find ud af mere om sikkerhed og assistance.
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