FAQs
Here you will find answers to the most common questions about our organization and our initiatives. We understand that you may have questions, and we are committed to providing you with clear and concise answers. If you don’t find what you are looking for, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.
JLC does not currently offer academic credit for volunteering. However, we can provide volunteers with a letter confirming their participation in the program, which may be used to support academic or professional goals.
Volunteers may extend their stay beyond the program duration, subject to availability and approval from the local staff. Volunteers are responsible for any additional costs incurred during their extended stay.
In addition to the program fee, volunteers are responsible for their travel costs to and from Honduras, as well as any additional expenses they may incur during their stay, such as personal expenses, meals outside of the accommodation, and travel on weekends.
Yes, volunteers can apply as individuals or as part of a group. When applying as a group, each member must complete an individual application, but they can specify their desire to be placed together.
JLC provides extensive support to volunteers before and during their stay in Honduras. This includes pre-departure information sessions, assistance with travel arrangements, orientation upon arrival, ongoing support from local staff, and regular check-ins throughout their stay.
To apply to be a volunteer with JLC, you can visit our website and fill out the online application form. You will be asked to provide personal information, work and educational background, motivation for volunteering, and any relevant skills or experience.
Volunteers are provided with basic and comfortable accommodation with host families or in volunteer houses located in the community where they will be working. The accommodation is selected to offer an authentic experience and to enable volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the local culture.
Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate in the program. There is no upper age limit, as long as the volunteer is in good health and able to participate in the program.
The duration of the volunteer program can vary from 35 days to 6 months. However, the recommended duration is 3 months or longer to allow volunteers to fully immerse themselves in the community and projects.
Communities are carefully selected based on several criteria. The JLC project focuses on working with indigenous groups in the area, and communities that have a proven track record of leadership and participation in human rights initiatives are prioritized. The JLC team also considers the level of need and potential for sustainable development in the community.
In addition, the JLC project has been working with indigenous communities in the area for over 12 years and has developed long-term relationships with them. The organization has run integral empowerment development programs with the leaders of these communities, allowing for a deeper understanding of their needs and goals.
Communities that the volunteers will work with have experience in several initiatives, allowing for a more impactful collaboration due to the experience of the beneficiaries working in similar projects. The selection process is based on careful consideration and a commitment to creating lasting positive change in the communities we work with.
Yes, all donations made to the NGO’s international program go directly towards funding projects in the communities. The budgets and working plans for each project are transparent and made available to volunteers. Throughout the exchange experience, volunteers have direct contact with community leaders who can provide firsthand feedback on how the investments made in the projects are helping the community as a whole. The NGO strives to ensure that all donations have a direct and positive impact on the target communities.
How does the international volunteer program benefit both the target communities and the volunteers?
The JLC international volunteer program provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to immerse themselves in indigenous communities and actively contribute to ongoing projects that benefit the community as a whole. The impact of the program is two-fold: the communities receive much-needed support and sustainability for their initiatives, while the volunteers gain valuable experiences and insights into a different way of life.
By working and living with the community, volunteers can learn firsthand about indigenous culture, language, and traditions. The program encourages cultural exchange and understanding, creating a mutually beneficial relationship between the volunteers and the community. The program empowers the volunteers to become agents of change, and in doing so, helps them to become more informed and engaged global citizens.
All the donations received by the organization are used to support the ongoing initiatives that the volunteers are part of. The donations are used to cover the expenses of the volunteers during their stay in Honduras, including transport, food, and accommodation. Additionally, the donations are used for the implementation of ongoing projects in the target communities. The organization is committed to transparency, and the volunteers have access to information regarding budgets and working plans. Furthermore, the volunteers have direct contact with the community leaders, who provide feedback on the impact of the projects on the community. Your donation directly contributes to creating a positive impact in the lives of the people in the target communities.
In addition to the volunteer experience, we offer several courses and certificates that volunteers can take to enhance their experience and skills. These include a certificate in rural community development, a coffee course and tasting, an intensive Spanish course, and courses on Garifuna gastronomy and dancing (punta). These courses provide a deeper understanding of the local culture, traditions, and economic activities of the communities, and volunteers can also use these skills in their future careers or travels.
At the beginning of the program, each volunteer works with the NGO to create a specific working plan based on their individual interests and expertise. This tailored approach ensures that each volunteer’s skills are put to best use, and that they can make a real impact in the target communities.
Throughout the program, there are regular check-ins and mid-term reviews with the implementation team to ensure that each working plan is on track to be fully implemented. By the end of the program, volunteers should have completed their working plan and contributed to ongoing initiatives, earning a participation certificate.
Volunteers have the opportunity to work on a variety of initiatives in the target communities, including projects focused on gender, food security, eco-tourism, education for children, and the mitigation of violence. Each volunteer is matched with projects based on their individual interests, expertise, and the needs of the community. This personalized approach ensures that volunteers are working on projects that are both meaningful to them and have a tangible impact on the community. Additionally, volunteers have the opportunity to participate in cultural activities and workshops that provide a deeper understanding of the local context and the challenges faced by the community.
The JLC international volunteer program creates real change in the lives of Honduran rural communities, particularly for indigenous groups who live in poor conditions without basic human rights. By working directly with community leaders, JLC is able to form strong alliances and implement sustainable projects that have a direct impact on the target communities.
Volunteers have the opportunity to work on ongoing projects in areas such as gender, food security, eco-tourism, education for children, and mitigation of violence. By participating in the program, volunteers not only contribute to these initiatives but also gain valuable experience and knowledge about the communities they work with.
Through the program, JLC ensures that all donation money is used for expenses related to the volunteer’s stay in Honduras, as well as the implementation of ongoing projects. Each volunteer has an individual project plan based on their interests and expertise, and progress is regularly reviewed with the implementation team to ensure successful completion. By participating in the program, volunteers are making a tangible and positive impact on the lives of Honduran communities while also gaining valuable personal and professional development.
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