Friday, December 18, 2009

See a Different Mexico, Volunteer

Mexico is a country of rich history, of beautiful landscapes, of amazing food, and of unique culture. Unfortunately, much of Mexico’s population suffers from and ongoing economic and social problems, which force many Mexican families to fall below the poverty line, despite the fact that they are working.
For these reasons, among others, Mexico needs volunteers. They need people ready and willing to get down and dirty. They need volunteers who don’t mind hard work, like mixing concrete and laying brick to build or restore homes for families. Volunteers who want to play outside with children, and teach them to play games and songs as well as to read and write.
Since Mexico shares a border with the United States, many Mexicans speak at least some English. Many are bilingual. Even so, volunteering in Mexico makes for a perfect opportunity to brush up on those Spanish skills that have been slipping away. It’s amazing how quickly conversational Spanish returns when you’re immersed in a Spanish speaking country.
Mexico has 5800 miles of coast along the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, and needs volunteers to help protect various endangered species, like Kemp’s ridley sea turtle. Environmental volunteers get the best of both worlds when in Mexico. They work hard to protect the environment, and they are able to enjoy Mexico’s beautiful beaches.
As a result of overpopulation in urban areas, much of Mexico’s freshwater supply is contaminated. The US government considers the lack of fresh water a national security issue, and with the help of volunteers, river water can be cleaned, industrial waste can be contained, and fresh water can become more widely available for all.
Volunteering in Mexico is an experience to treasure for a lifetime. Mexican people are grateful for all the help they receive from international volunteers, and many will show their gratitude with copious amounts of delicious traditional food. Families will never forget the people who helped build their new home, and those who played with and taught their children while they couldn’t.
It is one thing to visit a country, drink their booze, and lay on their beaches. Anybody can travel to Mexico and have a wonderful, party-filled vacation. It is something completely different to make a difference in individual lives by lending a helping hand while experiencing all that you do on vacation and more. Volunteering in Mexico is a truly rewarding and humbling experience.
(for more information, visit our website here)

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