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Volunteer
Maya Pedal has a small number of volunteer positions for
skilled, self motivated people. We expect volunteers to come
to us with skills to offer and skills to teach.
Volunteers must have previous relevant experience as well
as reasonable Spanish comprehension. We have roles which include:
:: Workshop Engineers
Making pedal powered machines using arc
welding gear and heavy duty power tools, as well as mixing
concrete, painting and finishing.
:: Cycle Mechanics
Taking donated bikes and making them ready
for sale and fixing up bikes brought in by the public. If
you're new to bike mechanics, please check out our beginners
guide to fixing bikes.
:: Sales & Marketing
Getting the machines out there. Selling
at local markets and events, making links with Guatemalan
NGOs and local cooperatives. Improving promotional materials.
:: Producing PDF Instructions
Writing and photographing clear, step by
step instructions for each bicimaquina. The ability to take
sharp informative photos and write clear text without jargon
is a must.
:: Translating
All our instructions need translating from
English to Spanish and other languages.
These roles are flexible and work is varied.
Volunteers are also responsible for keeping the premises
clean and comfortable. Painting, decorating and improving
volunteer accommodation. Accommodation is modest.
Location
San Andrés Itzapa, is a colorful, friendly town in
the highlands, close to Antigua and 1,800m above sea level.
There’s a bustling market selling just about everything
you’ll need for your stay, as well as a few restaurants,
a bank, and an ATM machine. The atmosphere is relaxed and
the locals are friendly and welcoming. People are predominantly
Kakchiquel speaking and Spanish is their second language.
The surrounding hills support lush, protected forests with
superb views.
Perks
Sight seeing: volcanoes, lakes, hot springs and waterfalls
are all within cycling distance. Aside from helping out in
our shop and getting to know the folks around Maya Pedal,
it is likely you will also get to experience some of the partnerships
we have with local NGOs representing women, indigenous people,
and agricultural workers - each working on unique community
projects.
Aviso
There is no structured work schedule or learning program.
Maya Pedal is not a school of appropriate technology. We spend
the vast majority of workshop time fixing bikes, not building
machines. Volunteering at Maya Pedal is, to a large extent,
what you make of it.
Terms
There is no minimum stay, but we would encourage you to stay
for a while and get involved. You will be expected
to be self motivated, work hard and contribute in any way
you can. We work from 9am until 5pm (mas o menos).
There is a small weekly fee for gas, Internet and communal
things (30 Quetzales = 4 Dollars) and volunteers are responsible
for buying and cooking their own food. We also have a wish
list and we gratefully accept cash or gift donations. Volunteers
are expected to get themselves to San Andrés Itzapa
by their own means.
Because spaces are very limited, we must know when
you intend to arrive and how long you intend to stay. Please
be specific. Your acceptance may be denied or differed
because of space constraints. If you are accepted,
you must let us know in advance if your plans change.
We may have turned people away in order to accept you.
All volunteers must answer the
questions below and email them to us. Applications
are processed by volunteers and should be written in English.
Apply to: mayapedal@hotmail.com
Application
Please email us with the following information.
...............
Date of Application: Name:
Address:
Phone:
E-mail: Date
of Birth:
Nationality: First
Language:
Other Languages: Level
of Spanish language:
Arrival Date:
Duration of Stay:
How did you find out about Maya Pedal?
What experience and skills do you have?
Do you have any health problems that we should be aware of?
Additional Comments:
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