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If you are looking for an opportunity to volunteer for free, consider volunteering
in Central America. Central America is comprised of seven countries (Belize, Costa
Rica , El Salvador , Guatemala , Honduras , Nicaragua , and Panama ) in one on the
world’s most ecologically diverse regions making any one a wonderful place to volunteer.
Although Central America doesn’t cover that many square miles, each country has
a different culture inspired by colonial settlers and their Mayan ancestry. Enjoy
the different dialects and practice your Spanish for free while on your volunteer
assignment. |
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Agricultural volunteers are welcomed in many countries in Central America. The fertile
soils and natural resources are the basis for many of the area’s economies. Fruit
production, lumber harvesting, and extraction of natural resources are the primary
source of employment for many in Central America. The pay is low and the work is
hard, but many aren’t fortunate enough to have one of these jobs. The rugged terrain,
heavy rainfall, and frequent volcanic and seismic activity make it difficult and
expensive to maintain road and railway systems. Those that live in rural isolated
areas have little opportunity to find work so they work as farmers or attempt to
be self sufficient. Volunteers are needed to help establish free trade practices
so that these workers have the opportunity to earn a reasonable wage for their work
and are not exploited by exporters sending their cheap goods to the US or European
nations. Volunteers can help setup cottage industries and develop marketing strategies,
or finance free micro loans to help those living in poverty start a small or home
business.
Besides economic hardships for those in Central America , many areas have little
or no healthcare available (assuming the costs wouldn’t keep many families away).
Volunteer doctors, nurses, and surgeons can all make a huge difference in the lives
of families that would otherwise have to do without medical care. Volunteers have
setup jungle clinics in extremely rural areas, others work in clinics in smaller
villages, and some have gone so far as to perform cleft palate surgeries for children
who would have otherwise have had to live with this correctable birth defect. Volunteer
dentists and ophthalmologists are welcomed with open arms at free medical centers,
free clinics, and orphanages. Medical care is rare enough, but dental and vision
are almost unheard of. Psychologists and social workers are also in demand to care
for children of neglectful parents and orphans. Mental, physical, and sexual abuse
is too common and resources aren’t available to handle the crisis. Volunteer can
help to treat and protect the most vulnerable in these developing societies. Due
to the need for medical professionals, free room and board is almost always available.
Travel costs may be included or negotiable when you volunteer for free.
Destruction of habitat and illegal animal trafficking are endangering one of the
most ecologically diverse regions of the planet; this is a great area for volunteers
to make a difference. What child doesn’t think it would be wonderful to have a monkey
as a pet? Even bird lovers may inadvertently purchase a pet that was illegally taken
from this tropical region. Animal populations aren’t the only thing dwindling; deforestation
due to lumber harvesting and land clearing for farming is reducing the available
habitat for many species. It is sad to think of the loss of the wonderful animals
we have discovered, but even more so for the ones we haven’t discovered yet. Volunteer
to rehabilitate injured animals and set them free in protected habitat. These charitable
organizations not only help to save animals and habitat, they provide job opportunities
to local villagers and work to educate area children on the importance of preserving
their natural resources.
There is truly no shortage of ways to volunteer for free in Central America; opportunities
exist for individuals, couples, and groups regardless of interest. Developing business
and employment opportunities, providing free medical and other healthcare services,
or protecting the diminishing flora and fauna in Central America are all great ways
to enrich your life by volunteering for free. |
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