Learn Spanish with Utatlán Language School, While You Volunteer.
Special Partner Rates for Caras Alegres Volunteers
Caras Alegres volunteers can access special discounted rates at Utatlán Language School, located in the heart of Quetzaltenango (Xela), right by Central Park. Their one-on-one Spanish lessons are designed to help volunteers communicate more deeply with the local community while experiencing Guatemalan culture.
Flexible Learning
Classes are adapted to volunteer schedules, with morning, afternoon, and Saturday options available. Lessons are personalized for all levels, from beginners to advanced students.
Special Rates for Volunteers
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Flexible schedule (less than 20 hours/week): Q70 per hour
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20 hours/week: Q1,225
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25 hours/week: Q1,325
Cultural Activities
Students can also join optional cultural and social activities such as salsa classes, cooking workshops, hikes, movie nights, hot springs visits, and local tours.
Accommodation & Transportation
Utatlán offers affordable homestays with local families, as well as support finding private accommodation and arranging transportation within Guatemala.
To enroll, volunteers can complete the sign-up form using the discount code: Caras Alegres.
For more information, contact: utatlanxela@gmail.com
How it all started...
Caras Alegres began with funding from "Vastenaktie," a Catholic social aid group based in Holland, supported by four Catholic parishes: Hoogmade, Woubrugge, Oud-ade, and Rijwering, who collaborated to fund the organization since 1995. The funds are centralized through Vastenakie. The parish federation of Doortocht, including the parishes of Leijmuiden/Rijnsaterwoude, extended this support under the name of Emmanuel in Roeloarendsveen/Oude Wetering.
The initiative gained momentum through the efforts of Mrs. Betty Bank, who passionately shared her daughter Judith's experiences in Guatemala with Marcel. Despite not directly seeking assistance for Caras Alegres, her anecdotes sparked enthusiasm within the parish community, prompting support for Judith and Marcel's efforts.
In late 2008, Caras Alegres received approval for the "Road to Independence" project, with initial organization efforts led by two individuals and later transitioned to local leadership. The project's inception involved identifying key challenges in Barrio las Rosas, leading to the formulation of mission and vision statements, setting objectives, and creating an action plan with comprehensive evaluation mechanisms to achieve desired outcomes.
Mission
Our mission is to enhance the overal well-being and empower children and women living in conditions of poverty, neglect and personal distress.
Vision
We aim to combat the adverse impacts of poverty and foster a positive outlook for the future among children and families in Xeúl Canton and the Las Rosas neighborhood.
Meet The Team
Our Dutch Board/ANBI Team.
The board from Caras Alegres is situated in the Netherlands. On this page you can find information about our board and documents regarding our Dutch board.
About the Board
Organisatienaam: Stichting Caras Alegres
Bezoekadres: Hazelaar 90 5757CD Liessel (Alleen op afspraak)
Postadres: Hazelaar 90 5757CD Liessel
E-mailadres: Carasalegres@gmail.com
Telefoonnummer: +316 30252632
Website: www.carasalegres.com
RSIN nummer: 813973673
KvK-nummer: 27268614
The board does not receive any contribution for their work. Every board member works for Caras Alegres on a voluntary base.
Board Activities
The foundation raises funds to support the underprivileged and vulnerable target group in Guatemala. The foundation also supports the Asociación Caras Alegres team. With the donations we receive The Caras Alegres foundation supports various projects:
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after-school care
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lunchroom to combat malnutrition of the children
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family support through food parcels
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scholarships
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filled backpacks with school supplies for the children when the school year starts
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psychological help
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a computer/study room for the children who need it. A teacher is present here at all times for questions and help
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workshops and training for the children's mothers.
Documents for download
Caras Alegres