Roatan may seem like paradise, but it's also part of one of the poorest countries in Central America. There are many areas lacking in Roatan and the rest of Honduras, including medical care, schooling, and water. Several non-profits are working to improve these areas, and you can help! There's no better way to enrich your stay than to give of your time. If you'll be volunteering for weeks/months, check out the bedrooms of our 3 bedroom house and feel really at home while you're away. A donation will be given to the non-profit that you're volunteering at for any stays in one or more of hte bedrooms in the 3 bedroom house, just mention where you're volunteering when you book. You can also earn yourself a free hostel stay by helping out around the hostel.
Hostel Volunteer
Help out in the hostel in exchange for a free stay in the dorm room. The work is just a couple hours a day: about 1/2 hour of cleaning, and then 1 1/2 hours in the afternoon helping with my boys' schoolwork and reading and writing practice, and occasionally greeting new guests and showing them around if I'm not here. You have the rest of the day to enjoy the island: head out snorkeling, do a dive, lounge by the pool, go ziplining, or any of the other great activities around Roatan. Minimum commitment is 1 month, email roatanhostel@gmail.com to see the next availability for a volunteer position (I take one volunteer at a time).
Healthcare Clinic
Whether you have a medical background or not, Clinica Esperanza can use your help! The clinic provides extremely low-cost medical and dental care to anyone in need. Doctors, nurses, and medical students can assist with medical services, while non-medically trained individuals can help with cleaning, painting and other much needed jobs. If you have room in your bag, donated medications such as ibuprofen, baby asprin and vitamins are always welcome. The clinic is a 3 minute walk from Roatan Backpackers' Hostel. Visit www.clinicaesperanza.com for more information.
Schools and Educational Programs
Interested in spending time in a local school, assisting with English classes, volunteering at the new library or at a e-learning center? Whether you'd like to bring down school supplies, sponsor a child for their schooling, or offer your time as a volunteer, your help would be greatly appreciated! Roatan Backpackers' Hostel is located about 20 minute walk from the SandCastle Library and the Sandy Bay e-learning center, both headed up by Partners In Education Roatan. Visit www.pierroatan.org for more information.
Another great place to volunteer is with Kerry and Mike Tichi at www.care4communities.com Help with an English class, coach soccer, assist in organizing a beach cleanup: there are tons of ways to get involved!
Another great place to volunteer is with Kerry and Mike Tichi at www.care4communities.com Help with an English class, coach soccer, assist in organizing a beach cleanup: there are tons of ways to get involved!
Water Installation Project
Imagine carting all of your water up a hill, a bucket at a time. For many of Roatan's population, running water is not accessible, leading to unsanitary conditions and increase of illnesses and disease. Living Water for Roatan is a Christian based mission that brings water to areas that previously did not have water access. The leaders of this project live just a couple houses away from Roatan Backpackers' Hostel. To see more about current projects and volunteer opportunities, visit www.livingwater4roatan.com
