In een oogopslag
- 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
We hebben onze doelen en belangen van onze projecten uitgeschreven in onze Management Plans. Op deze manier kunnen we uitgebreid plannen welk werk moet gebeuren op elk project. Het helpt ook om het werk te meten en te evalueren wat we elk jaar bereikt hebben.
Het is uiteindelijk de bedoeling dat onze Management Plans de projecten effectiever maken. Je gaat daardoor deel uitmaken van een duurzaam project dat impact heeft waar het echt nodig is. Lees meer over onze Management Plans.
Onze impact
Onze projecten zijn opgesteld voor de lange termijn, en er worden elk jaar specifieke doelen vooropgesteld. Elke vrijwilliger en stagiaire helpt met het behalen van deze doelstellingen, hoe lang ze ook helpen op onze projecten.
Elk jaar evalueren we de voortgang in het behalen van de doelstellingen. Daarom hebben we een Global Impact Report opgesteld waar we al onze verwezenlijkingen verzamelen. Kom meer te weten over de impact die onze internationale groep vrijwilligers, stagiaires en staff hebben gemaakt en lees het laatste nieuwe rapport.
Maaltijden en accommodatie
Je gaat bij een gastgezin verblijven in Guadalajara. Zij verwelkomen je met open armen in hun huis en delen graag de lokale gewoontes en cultuur met je. Dit is de beste manier om jezelf volledig onder te dompelen in de cultuur van Mexico en een unieke ervaring te beleven.
We proberen ervoor te zorgen dat je met minstens een andere Projects Abroad vrijwilliger of stagiaire verblijft bij het lokale gastgezin. Jouw kamer is bescheiden maar comfortabel, proper en veilig.
De kostprijs van het project is inclusief drie maaltijden per dag.
Lees meer over onze accommodatie.
Weekend en vrijetijdsactiviteiten
Prachtige witte stranden, verschillende kunstgalerijen en heerlijke restaurants, er valt zoveel te zien in Mexico.
Je kunt de oude stad ontdekken, de neo-gothische architectuur of de Templo Expiatoria del Santisimo Sacramento. Een prachtig stuk architectuur met ornamenten en kleurrijke ramen.
Leer de lokale geschiedenis kennen en bezoek de verschillende musea of vind rust in de natuur in het Las Peñas Ecological Park.
Wat Mexico zo uniek maakt is de lokale keuken. Proef de lokale tamales, pozole en geniet van de omgeving!
We hebben verschillende gastgezinnen in Mexico waar je samen met andere vrijwilligers bij kunt verblijven tijdens jouw vrijwilligerswerk project. Ga eropuit op je eentje of met een groep vrijwilligers.
Veiligheid en ondersteuning
Jouw veiligheid heeft onze hoogste prioriteit. We hebben verschillende procedures opgezet zodat jouw ervaring in het buitenland zorgeloos en veilig verloopt. Onze Projects Abroad staff is 24/7 beschikbaar, zowel door de week als tijdens het weekend, om je te ondersteunen en begeleiden. Zij zorgen ervoor dat jij je altijd veilig en comfortabel voelt. Mocht je ergens tegenaan lopen, dan zijn ze altijd beschikbaar om je te helpen.
Lees meer over veiligheid en ondersteuning.
Not quite what you’re looking for?
Take a look at the following pages where you'll find collections of similar projects:
Enquire Now
Onze partners
