Public Health Research and Awareness

Keyword volunteering abroad free volunteering abroad volunteer opportunities volunteering overseas belize free volunteer abroad volunteer work volunteer abroad volunteer work abroad volunteer project volunteer abroad free volunteering volunteer oppor
  • The Project

    Volunteer abroad in Belize and work on a project conducting vital research into the state of HIV and AIDS within the elderly community of San Ignacio. We are currently recruiting for volunteers interested in carrying out work with the Ministry of Health, the Aids Council and elderly citizen’s organizations researching pertinent issues relating to HIV/AIDS.

  • Why the project needs you

    The area of HIV/AIDS among the older population of Belize has been totally ignored in the past but as the population ages many institutions are seeing a large number of older Belizeans with the disease. While it may be easy to associate the virus to be affecting those of a younger age, in Belize HIV/AIDS is becoming a real issue for older generations. While the subject is no longer a taboo, time needs to be spent understanding why the rate of infection in the elderly is increasing as well as educating those at risk as to the methods of prevention. This project needs committed and perceptive volunteers to get involved with education, public awareness and research in its purest form to drive home the realities of a population growing old with this disease.

    Project Location

    Kaya's programmes are based in San Ignacio and the surrounding communities. San Ignacio, referred to locally as Cayo, is located 2 hours from Belize City along the Western Highway and is a tourist centre. The town and the surrounding communities contain a diverse mix of creole, Maya and mestizo populations. San Ignacio is also an attractive market town set among pleasant tropical hills. The friendly people of San Ignacio enable rich cultural exchanges and productive development projects.

  • Project Facts

    • Duration: 4 weeks – 6 months
    • Cost: £1265 ($2213) for 4 weeks, £235 ($411) for each week thereafter (contact us for a 3 month+ placement cost)
    • Requirements: 18+
    • Location: San Ignacio, Belize
    • Project activities: Research, education, liaising with various bodies to understand the state of HIV/AIDS in the elderly population
    • Working hours: Monday to Friday 08:00 - 5:00
    • Project availability: Project starts the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month. Project available year round.

  • What is included

    •Accommodation: Single/shared room in a home-stay or volunteer house (£20 supplement p.wk)
    •Food: 3 meals a day
    •Airport pick up and drop off
    •Training: Orientation and project induction provided
    •Support: 24 hour support
    •Excursion Planning: Staff can help to suggest weekend activities (activity price will be extra). Trips may include; canoeing through jungle, caves, tubing, visit Mayan ruins, hiking and horse riding.

  • What is not included

    • Flights
    • Insurance
    • Visas

Related Projects

Other Projects in Belize