In sintesi
- 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.
Piani di gestione
Nei Management Plans definiamo gli obiettivi dei nostri progetti. Questo è uno strumento importante per pianificare correttamente il lavoro dei nostri volontari. Inoltre, ci aiutano a misurare e valutare l'impatto e i risultati raggiunti ogni anno.
Grazie ai Management Plans possiamo migliorare i nostri progetti ogni giorno. Questo significa che, come volontario, entrerai a far parte di un programma che ha un un impatto reale dove è più necessario. Scopri di più sui nostri Management Plan.
Misurare il nostro impatto
Ogni anno, definiamo degli obiettivi specifici per ogni progetto e ci impegnamo per avere un impatto sostenibile e a lungo termine in ogni Paese. Ogni volontario e stagista contribuisce al raggiungimento di questi obiettivi, indipendentemente dalla durata del loro progetto.
Per documentare i progressi e i risultati raggiunti, elaboriamo un report annuale chiamato Global Impact Report. Scopri di più sui risultati raggiunti dai volontari, stagisti e dallo Staff di Projects Abroad. Leggi l'ultimo report.
Vitto e alloggio
Vivrai con una famiglia locale a Guadalajara o Ciudad Guzman. Ti accoglieranno a casa loro e saranno felici di condividere con te la loro cultura e di scoprire la tua. Crediamo che questo sia il modo migliore per immergerti nella cultura messicana e vivere un'esperienza veramente unica.
Cerchiamo sempre di accomodare due o più volontari o stagisti nella stessa famiglia. La tua stanza sarà modesta, ma confortevole, pulita e sicura.
La quota del programma include tre pasti al giorno.
Attività nel tempo libero
Con bellissime spiagge, gallerie d'arte e ristoranti affollati, c'è qualcosa per tutti in Messico. Durante il tuo viaggio di volontariato, avrai molto da fare durante il tuo tempo libero.
C'è qualcosa di affascinante nel visitare edifici antichi. Se ti piace l'architettura neo-gotica, concediti un viaggio al Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento. Con i suoi campanili decorati e le vetrate colorate, è una vera e propria opera d'arte.
Ci sono anche molti musei, che ti daranno la possibilità di immergerti nella ricca storia del Paese. Per qualcosa di diverso, è possibile trascorrere la giornata apprezzando la natura selvaggia e la rigogliosa vegetazione del Parco Ecologico Las Peñas.
Non puoi fare un viaggio in Messico senza assaggiare l'autentica cucina messicana. Potrai trascorrere una serata gustando tamales in un ristorante locale e guardando il vivido sole rosso-arancione che si scioglie all'orizzonte.
Gestiamo diversi progetti in Madagascar e avrai la possibilità di conoscere volontari da tutto il mondo. Ciò significa potrai esplorare il Paese da solo o in compagnia.
Sicurezza e supporto del nostro staff
La tua sicurezza è la nostra priorità. Adottiamo diverse procedure per darti il supporto di cui hai bisogno e per farti vivere il tuo viaggio all'estero senza pensieri. Lo Staff di Projects Abroad sarà sempre disponibile, 24 ore su 24, e ti aiuterà ad ambientarti a casa e all'interno del progetto. In caso di necessità, potrai contattarlo in qualsiasi momento.
Scopri di più sul Supporto e Sicurezza.
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