In the fall of 2007, DGH was approached by a Guatemalan NGO, Primeros Pasos. Working in Quetzaltenango (otherwise known as Xela),
Primeros Pasos provides comprehensive health care services to the poor indigenous community in the Punaloj valley just minutes outside of the international downtown tourist stop. The mission and work of Primeros Pasos fits in well to our own commitment to “promoting health and human rights with those who have no voice." As a part of our new partnership, Doctors for Global Health directs qualified interested volunteers to this site.
Doctors for Global Health provides volunteers who support the day-to-day functioning of the Primeros Pasos clinic – in pediatric outreach activities in local schools; in comprehensive clinical medical, dental and mental health services; and in health education activities on a variety of topics.
FAQ
Complete an online volunteer application at www.dghonline.org. From there you will be contacted by a DGH member and interviewed, and then directed to Primeros Pasos site coordinator as appropriate.
Spanish is needed, but many volunteers are able to take advantage of the resources available in the town of Xela to also enroll in a Spanish language course. For example, you may be able to volunteer in the clinic ½ day and then take classes for the rest. Individual options may vary based on the needs of the site.
Most volunteers rent a room or an apartment in downtown Xela (~10 minute bus ride from the Primeros Pasos clinic). More details are provided before your trip to help arrange accommodations.
