Safe Passage/Camino Seguro

I spent 5 months with Camino Seguro and I had an incredible time there! This volunteer program is one of the most genuine that I have come across, they are a highly functioning NGO working within the vulnerable 'garbage picking' community in Guatemala City and it is wonderful to be able to make meaningful connections with people within this community.
As someone working within development I found it incredibly useful to see the inner workings of Safe Passage and the volunteer program allowed me to use my specific skill set and improve on skills that I wanted to learn while I was there.
The Volunteer coordinator team are so supportive and fun, it made it much easier to deal with any difficulties that might arise. Its also a great way to learn spanish!!!

I spent almost a year volunteering with Camino Seguro, and I cannot recommend the experience strongly enough. The volunteer environment is warm, welcoming, and supportive, but the focus of everyone involved is exactly where it should be: on the community that Camino strives to serve. The work can be challenging, but hard, meaningful work inevitably contributes to any growth + progress achieved being exponentially more rewarding than work that requires little of you. Additionally, the sense of community among everyone involved is amazing. Due to the nature of the organization, many different types of roles are available, so you're more than likely to find one that features something you're passionate about. Whether it's for 5 weeks or 10 years, you will never want to leave Camino Seguro!

Knowing very little about the country or the circumstances that I would be introduced to, I can wholeheartedly say that I am very grateful that I was a part of safe Passage! They are an incredible organization with such a great support staff and set of leaders. In my time there I was fortunate enough to create bonds and form fun and educational relationships with not only my peers but also the children that I was tutoring. One of the most incredible experiences of my life hands down! If you're looking to do some good in the world and open your eyes to the many Avenues this life has to offer, I highly recommend volunteering for safe Passage. And continuing to contribute even once you are done volunteering for them, if you can.

Everything about my volunteer experience went above and beyond my expectations. The organization itself is a well-run and inspiring force for positive change, and it is supported by a dedicated, energetic, and extremely devoted group of employees and volunteers. I was able to learn more about the situation in Guatemala City, understand how best to make a positive change, and then actively work to better lives. I felt incredibly supported and included the whole time, and ended up making some lifelong friends. I would recommend doing a homestay while working at this organization, as it is important to be fully engaged in the culture of Guatemala if you seek to work with its people. Spanish-speaking skills are not necessarily necessary, but highly recommend that you have some knowledge or at least a willingness to learn. I can't sing Safe Passage's praises enough -- if I have the chance in the future, I would love to go back.

My time at Safe Passage was incredible! I went for five weeks and was able to quickly form relationships with the students, teachers, and other volunteers. The program is very supportive-the organization has private transportation for all of the volunteers to and from the project and will assist you if anything were to ever happen. The days are long, but are very much worth it. I felt my Spanish improving (I study it in college, but this was my first time being in a truly immersive setting) the entire time I was there. Getting to stay with a host family in Antigua was also a really cool experience that Safe Passage will coordinate for you-my family was warm, welcoming, and fun. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking to spend time volunteering, experience another culture, or to improve Spanish!

I had an incredible experience with Safe Passage. The project itself was very well organised and I formed some great working relationships with those around me, whilst developing myself personally. What really stands out however is the level of support given to volunteers before, during and after their time with the project, from finding suitable homestay families to opportunities for reflection. Safe Passage is a very special organisation doing some important work and I'm proud to have been part of the Camino family.