The Humanity Exchange offer volunteer projects in Latin America, we work in Peru, Colombia, and Mexico. Their mission is to provide an impactful exchange experience for volunteers and interns, while contributing to development in partnership with local communities.

The Humanity Exchange work with vibrant people whose commitment to their communities is reflected in their tireless efforts. Some of the major issues affecting Latin America are poverty, HIV & AIDS, environmental sustainability, women's rights, youth empowerment, and indigenous rights. The Humanity Exchange connect interns and volunteers to where they are needed most, and our local partners are always gracious for the time, talent, and energy our participants contribute.


Mexico

Mexico is vibrant: the salsa dancing and fiestas, the rugged interior that gives way to gorgeous seascapes, and the people with affectionate hearts. Cradling the United States, Mexico bridges the gap between Anglophone neighbours to the north and a mixture of Latin American cultures to the south. This fusion combines to create an environment in which the curious traveler is most welcome, and there is no shortage of cultural meccas to explore, sports for the tame or the extreme, and festivals and nightlife to entertain.

Volunteer Projects in Mexico Include:

- Community Development
- Marketing & Media Assistant Coordinator
- Educational Workshop Coordinator
- Grant Writer

Peru

Bienvenidos! Welcome to the heart of the mighty Incan Empire! A land enveloped in 10,000 years of history, Peru is alive with enigmatic cultural wonders. In seemingly one breath, you can journey along trails in the solid desert, over dizzying mountain peaks, and down into lush jungles. Welcome once again to this exquisite land holding innumerable destinations, home to millions of people waiting to welcome you with their open arms.

The Need

In Peru, we work in Lima, a city of eight million people. Lima is a busy action-packed metropolis. Historical architecture from various eras in Peru's history lie in contrast to each other throughout the city. The neighbourhoods of Peru can be equally as contrasting, illustrating disparity despite substantial economic development in Peru. In Lima, our partners work to help the most impoverished people living in the city.

After years of political unrest leading to insecurity, especially in the most isolated zones, Peru is now on the mend. A slow process of social reconciliation was followed by economic progress. Today Peru is considered an emerging economy, yet just over half of the population still lives on less than two dollars per day. Peru is set to gain from programming which aims to benefit Peruvians both socially and economically.

Colombia

Colombia es pasion! Many of those who have never been to Colombia associate it with drugs, violence, guerrilla fighters, and paramilitaries. Fortunately, it only takes a few glances upon the warm, smiling faces of Colombia’s 44,000,000 citizens to understand the pride felt for how different life is in Colombia today. Following nearly forty years of insecurity, Colombia has emerged in the last decade into a leading Latin America country, equipped with a rapidly developing economy, modern cosmopolitan cities, gorgeous Caribbean beaches, the luscious Amazon rainforest, quaint and charming colonial villages, buzzing night-life, and much more. The only risk is wanting to stay!

The Need

In Colombia, we work in Medellin, a city of 2.5 million. Medellin, the City of Eternal Spring as it is affectionately known, rests in a narrow valley. With the railroad, the boom of the coffee industry, and profits made by mining investors, Medellin grew into a major metropolis over the twentieth century. Medellin has had a colourful history. Despite a past disrupted by violence, today it is one of the safest cities in all of South America. In Colombia our partners focus on public health, childcare, youth empowerment, environment, micro-enterprise development, community development and education. In Medellin, you can also learn Spanish or complete a placement with a Tailored focus.

Despite Colombia's newfound levels of peace and prosperity, Colombia still bears many scars from the past. Nearly 10% of Colombia’s population has been displaced due to the many years of armed conflict, making it the country with the second highest level of internal displacement in the world. In addition to displacement, one in every three Colombians has in some way been negatively affected by the armed conflict. Colombia also suffers from great wealth disparity, leaving much of the country in poverty. In fact, one fifth of the population lives on less than two dollars per day, and nearly half of the Colombian work force derives income from the small scale informal economy, working as street vendors and garbage recyclers.