Guatemala

D.A.R.E.s Guatemala project takes place in Casa Guatemala, an independently-funded orphanage situated on the banks of the Rio Dulce. See http://www.casa-guatemala.org

Around 200 abandoned, abused, or poverty-stricken children live at the orphanage, while another 50 from the surrounding villages go to school at Casa Guatemala. The children range in age from 3 to 16.

Guatemala is one of the most beautiful and culturally-rich countries in Central America. It is home to volcanoes, rich tropical forests and outstanding Mayan ruins, but also some of the worst poverty levels in the hemisphere, with a huge gulf between the nations rich and poor.

In 2006 DARE were able to send a group of students to help Casa Guatemala. Their project was based around the school, the orphanage and the medical clinic. Students helped wherever they were needed be this teaching English, P.E or crafts, doing construction and painting work, helping the children get washed, fed and ready for school and then back to bed at night (easier said than done!), assisting in the medical clinic and of course playing with the children during their free time.

The group also had the opportunity to meet other volunteers who were working there and pick up a little Spanish from the kids. All in all, a great experience and one that will not be forgotten!