Volunteer in the Ancient Maya City of Copán Ruinas

1 week from $TBD

Since 1997, Founders, Rodger & Pam Harrison, have worked tirelessly to establish a variety of programs that assist impoverished families living in the Copán Valley of northwestern Honduras. Projects include health care, working with children and community development efforts.

Volunteers are needed on a continual basis for a variety of efforts.

Volunteer Projects in Copán

Health Care Project – Medical volunteers work in the clinic (Clinica la Esperanza) year-round. Alongside a Honduran doctor, volunteers treat mainly the local poor population of the Copán Valley and surrounding area. Volunteers do not need a temporary license to practice medicine in Honduras. However, final word in the treatment of patients will be given by the Honduran doctor. Prior permission of the doctor is required before booking the volunteer experience. The clinic is open 7 days per week from 7AM-3PM. Volunteer opportunities for the clinic are for licensed Paramedics, Nurses and Physicians. Volunteers must produce a valid current copy of their license at the time of request. Minimum stay 1 week. Spanish speakers preferred, but not necessary. If the volunteers do not speak Spanish, a local translator can be hired.

School Supply Program – School supply missions are done four times each year at the start of the Honduran school year in February. Supporting 25 mountain schools and over 2,000 children with school supplies is a huge undertaking and individual volunteers as well as volunteer groups are always needed. Each day 1-2 schools are visited and volunteers aid in the distribution of the supplies. Schools are open only in the morning so the afternoons are free to be a tourist, it’s the best of both worlds. 1-2 week stays are available. Spanish not needed, translators are provided. School year begins mid-February and ends mid-November.

C.H.I.P. (Children’s Identification & I.D.) - This program operates year-round. Volunteers aid in a health assessment, measure, weigh and photograph to provide an ID for each child in several of the 25 schools we work with. This not only allows for quick ID if a child is found missing, but the gathering of much needed anthropological information for future reference is of great importance. Again, schools are open only in the morning so the afternoons are free to be a tourist. 1 week stays are available. Spanish not needed, translators are provided. School year begins mid-February and ends mid-November.

Project Details

• Project Duration: Min 1 week – Long Term
• Project Costs: $TBD
• Project Location: Copán Ruinas, Honduras
• Arrival Airport: San Pedro Sula (SAP)
• Activities: Providing assistance to programs in health care, education & community development.
• Working Hours: Flexible
• Getting to the project: Transportation Provided.
• Requirements: Minimum Age 18

What’s Included

• Accommodation: Private or shared bedroom with bathroom.
• Meals: 3 meals/day are provided for the duration of stay.
• Airport/Bus Terminal Pickup & Drop-off : Included on arrival and departure day in Copán.
• Training: Pre-departure “Introductory Package” will be mailed and in-country orientation with our Volunteer Coordinator.
• Support: Pre-departure briefing & help-desk, local in-country Volunteer Coordinator and 24 hour emergency support.
• Insurance: All AAV volunteers will receive “Basic” Travel & Medical insurance included in their package.
• Bonus: “Welcome Package” with an AAV t-shirt, local tips and coupons to help you get settled quickly and enhance the duration of your stay!
• Ask about adding Spanish Language Classes to your trip!

What’s NOT Included

• Airfare: However, we would be more than happy to help you find and schedule your flight.
• Airport Transportation: from San Pedro Sula to Copán, $18USD by bus 3hrs.
• Departure Tax: Approx $37USD @ the San Pedro Sula Airport