Volunteering at Primeros Pasos

 

As a volunteer for Primeros Pasos, you will work hard and learn more.

While interacting with medical professionals and other volunteers from around the world, you will be immersed in a challenging and cooperative environment.

 

At the end of your experience, the time you have offered and the efforts you have made will give you far more knowledge, sensitivity, and memories than you ever imagined. You will learn about the vibrant Guatemalan highland culture in a way that no tourist ever could and will leave filled with inspiration to work for a better and more equal future for the world’s poor.


We are always looking for volunteers to fill the following positions. Specific volunteer needs vary with the current inflow of patients, new programs we are undertaking, and the number of volunteers working with the project.


We strongly encourage you to consult our listing with Idealist.org, which may have more up-to-date and extensive postings. Just use the search function for Primeros Pasos and select Guatemala as your country of interest.

 

If you are interested in working with us, please contact us at info@primerospasos.org.


Feel free to browse the following documents to learn more about the Primeros Pasos volunteer experience and how you can prepare yourself for working in Guatemala! 

Medical Positions

 

Medical Professional: Doctors, PA’s, RN’s and fourth year medical students to complete clinical examinations, make diagnosis and observations, and hand out medication.  Intermediate to Advance level of Spanish required.  Minimum 1 month commitment.


Lab Technician: To conduct lab analysis of fecal, urine and blood samples. Intermediate to Advance Spanish level required. Minimum 1 month commitment.
Non-Medical Positions

 

Children’s Health Educator: A Person interested in health education to teach the in-clinic children’s/women’s health education class as well as work within the schools and towns, developing curriculums and community organizing.  Advanced Spanish Required.  Minimum 2 months commitment.


Administrative/Fundraiser: A person with excellent writing skills, experience in international fundraising and grant writing. Intermediate to Advance Spanish level required. Minimum 2 months commitment. 


Stipended Volunteer Opportunities
We have no available stipended positions available right now.
Internships

 

Electronic Medical Records Internship-Create an electronic medical record with Primeros Pasos in conjunction with individuals at U.S.-based universities
-Source and Install new equipment required for the system

Qualifications:
-Advanced computer experience
-Bioinformatics experience
-English proficiency
-Spanish language ability preferred, although could work in tandem with other personnel


Evidence Based Medicine Internship-Create diagnostic and treatment algorithms for the most common illnesses sees at Primeros Pasos based on internationally recognized standards
-Investigate areas of diagnostic controversy at the clinic and find relevant literature to reach evidence-based conclusions

Qualifications:
-Medical background
-English proficiency
-Spanish language ability preferred, although could work in tandem with other personnel

Pharmaceutical Analyst Internship

Responsibilities:
-Evaluate medications currently in the pharmacy stock
-Reconcile current inventory with World Health Organization essential meds. list
-Review current pharmaceutical procurement policies and work towards more sustainable pharmaceutical and supplies procurement options
-Collaborate with the development director and fundraising volunteers to explore additional options for supplies and equipment donations

Qualifications:
-Significant organizational experience
-Public health background preferred
-English proficiency
-Spanish language ability preferred

 

To apply: 

If you are interested in any of these positions, please email info@primerospasos.org.
Costs & Stipends

 Although we cannot offer stipends nor room and board to most volunteers, we can offer you the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of the people we serve. Living costs in Xela run about $250-$300USD per month including rent, food, transportation and personal expenses.  As a volunteer with Primeros Pasos, you will be responsible for all your living expenses.


Primeros Pasos is a grass roots funding, low budget organization that relies heavily on the generosity of past and present volunteers to keep its projects running.  We ask all volunteers to donate 250 USD to our organization before or upon arrival so that we may continue to provide medical and educational services to the communities of the Palajunoj Valley.  A donation of 250 USD covers an integrated health care program for and entire class of children in the Palajunoj Valley.  We sincerely appreciate the generosity of our volunteers! We know you will feel good about giving to the clinic after experiencing the difference you make in the lives of the people we serve.  There are several ways to fundraise for the donation!  If you are having a hard time coming up with a great idea, please e-mail is at info@primerospasos.org for a full fundraising packet!  Here are a few ways you can donate:


(1) Donate 250 USD directly to Primeros Pasos.  Volunteers many donate USD or Quetzales (cash) or donate online at  www.interamericanhealth.org.  


(2) Enroll 5 people in the Five Times Five Hundred Fundraising Campaign

(http://www.razoo.com/story/Five-Times-Five-Hundred).


(3) Donate 250 USD worth of supplies to Primeros Pasos. Please e-mail info@primerospasos.org for a complete list of supplies.