Volunteer
Volunteering requires a sense of responsibility and a sense of humor!
Well-organized, affordable, and one of the best volunteer options in Central America — we've been welcoming volunteers with open minds and open hearts since 2009. Take the leap—let this adventure change your life while you help change the lives of others!
Your co-workers will come from around the world—and from right here in El Porvenir! Blended groups of international volunteers and local Honduran interns work together in a unified effort at our 3 walking-distance classroom locations.
HCA's educational and healthy living classes support reading and writing competency in Spanish, digital literacy and computer skills, conversational English, science, art, social-emotional learning, nutrition, and more. Our professionally designed curriculum—brought to life through the creativity of our in-country team—offers our students a well-rounded learning experience while providing international volunteers with a meaningful, hands-on opportunity.
Gender-based discrimination and racism are never ok and so our classroom community actively and age-appropriately engages to explore these challenges so that everyone feels welcome, supported, and respected. Kindness is at the heart of our values—including kindness to animals.
Programs operate year-round and there is always a need for volunteers. Some folks come for 6-weeks and others stay for a year!
Here's what it's like to be a volunteer!
EL PORVENIR: Volunteering with Honduras Child Alliance offers the chance to live in a vibrant Central American community while providing educational support to local youth. HCA's programs are based in the beachside town of El Porvenir on Honduras’ north coast. The area is welcoming and safe, with the Caribbean Sea at your doorstep, pineapple fields on two sides, and mountain waterfalls and cloud forests just minutes to the south.
The small city of La Ceiba is 20 minutes to the east. La Ceiba has a modern airport (LCE), a bus station, ferry dock, and more taxis than anyone can count! La Ceiba is a lively place with inexpensive restaurants, an open-air market, supermarkets, ATMs and banks, and good medical care.
TIMEFRAME: We can typically be flexible in accommodating your preferred starting date. The minimum volunteer period is generally 6 weeks, but many volunteers stay 3–6 months or even a full year. With nominal housing costs, it’s easy and affordable to stay longer. There is always a need for long-term volunteers.
If you have at least 6 months, consider roles such as English Coordinator, Nutrition Planner, Social Media Coordinator, Education Assistant, or Computer Admin, which come with a 50% reduction in housing costs, making it an even lower-cost way to volunteer.
Interested in building leadership skills? The Outreach & Volunteer Manager position offers free housing and a stipend with a 12-month commitment, giving you the chance to gain valuable experience and immerse yourself in the rhythm of the community.
TRAVEL AND VISAS: Travelers from the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Australia, and many other countries can enter Honduras on a tourist visa that is easily renewed every 90 days.
HOUSING: Volunteers live in our comfortable, clean, and secure volunteer houses. The cost is $42 – $49 USD per week, depending on the length of your stay. Both houses are very close to the beach. In fact, one is actually beachfront!
Volunteers typically share a room with 1-2 other volunteers. The volunteer houses have comfortable twin beds, bathrooms with showers, and complete kitchens with filtered water. Volunteers purchase and prepare their own food. Wifi is available. A manager lives on-site. More details will be provided when you are interviewed for a placement.
VOLUNTEERS MUST BE AT LEAST 18: We prefer volunteers of 20+ years but will consider younger volunteers with the ability to speak some Spanish and/or previous international travel experience. Volunteers under 18 must come with an adult family member. - - Are you long past 19 and taking a career break or retired? Many of our volunteers are too, so let's talk!
At the Porvenir Enrichment Program (PEP+), we team-teach free classes for children, teens, and adults
'PEP', originally known as the 'Porvenir English Program' started in 2009. Now, as the ‘Porvenir Enrichment Program+’, it has grown to include instruction in Spanish and English literacy, computer science, art, math, science, leadership skills, team-building, and more. A summer-camp style version of PEP+ operates when the children are on school break. There is a year-round 'PEP-Adultos' English class that meets 2 evenings per week, and a 'PEP-Scholars' teen program as well.
PEP+ for elementary age children (grades 1-6)
The PEP+ classes for elementary age students are the largest HCA program and all volunteers work at PEP+. Classes are offered mornings and afternoons Monday thru Thursday and mornings only on Fridays. This year-round program has 3 classroom locations within the community. All are easy walking distance to the volunteer houses.
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Volunteers and ‘ayudantes’ (Honduran interns) run classes in teams and work with children in small groups. We have a comprehensive curriculum but there is plenty of room for creativity in how you choose to present the material. You are encouraged to teach with songs, movement, games, and other fun activities.
The activities are planned together in advance and so it is not necessary to be fluent in Spanish to work within this program. However, you will find that your Spanish quickly improves as you prepare for classes and as you work with the children.
PEP+ operates year-round including an extended Vacation Activities Program in November, December, and January when the children are on school break.
Vacation Activities Program - VAP (grades 1-6)
The Honduran school year starts in February and ends in early November. Each year volunteers who can make a commitment for November, December & January (or longer) are needed to run something along the lines of a 'summer camp' enrichment program for elementary age children at our 3 locations in El Porvenir.
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Our combined education team of Honduran interns and international volunteers collaborate to plan thematic activity weeks that address math, geography, reading, English, computers, and a variety of other subjects based on the interests of the students and expertise of our volunteers. Care is given to maintain an emotionally safe and respectful environment in which children can be curious and creative. There’s always time for art, music, and sports, and also plenty of time to play!
Ideally, volunteers should plan to stay for the full 12-weeks of VAP (or longer if desired) but we do accept some volunteers who can only stay for a partial period so do not hesitate to apply.
Volunteers are actively involved with community projects and partners!
Volunteers visit 'colonias' (neighborhoods) of El Porvenir to share details about programs and sign up new students. www.volunteerlatinamerica.com
Volunteers and interns staff our 'Mascotas Saludables' (Healthy Pets) vaccination events for community cats and dogs.
Volunteers help shop for and prepare the Healthy Snacks that are served to the children each day.
Volunteers work side by side with our Bomberos Porvenir (firefighters / EMTs) for special projects.
Volunteers take photos for use in HCA's social media posts.
Volunteers work in the garden at PEP-3
Application Process
Informational Interview
We want to learn more about you but this is a time for you to ask questions and to get to know us too!
We Check Your References
After the interview, you can start investigating travel arrangements while your references are being reviewed. You will officially be accepted into the program when the references are complete. This usually takes less than a week.
Planning Your Trip
We will stay in contact as you plan your trip! You will receive detailed travel instructions and orientation info prior to your arrival.
Arrive in El Porvenir
After a quick stop at the supermarket, our driver will bring you directly to the volunteer house!