Starting again this year, Schools for Chiapas (under very strict pandemic protocols), has begun accepting a few dedicated volunteers to live and learn in communities in resistance in Chiapas. We are working closely with Fray Bartolomé de las Casas Center for Human Rights to place human rights observers in threatened communities.
If you are interested in fullfilling this vital role, we are eager to help you meet the necessary requirements. This is a serious role and requires a minimum commitment of 22 days. You must be fluent in Spanish speaking and comprehension. While the role of a Human Rights Observer is strictly defined, your unique talents and initiative are deeply valued.
Thank you so much for your concern for the security of autonomous communities in Chiapas!
If you are interested in serving as a volunteer Human Rights Observer please fill-out our travel application!
Once you fill out the application, we will be reaching out to you to help you meet the specific requirements for your stay.
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A partir de este año, Escuelas para Chiapas (bajo protocolos muy estrictos de pandemia), ha comenzado a aceptar algunos voluntarios dedicados a vivir y aprender en las comunidades en resistencia de Chiapas. Estamos trabajando estrechamente con el Centro de Derechos Humanos Fray Bartolomé de las Casas para colocar observadores de derechos humanos en las comunidades amenazadas.
Si estás interesada en desempeñar este papel vital, nos encantaría ayudarte a cumplir los requisitos necesarios. Este es un papel importante y requiere un compromiso mínimo de 22 días. Es necesario que hables y comprendas el español con fluidez. Aunque el papel de un observador de derechos humanos está estrictamente definido, tu talento e iniciativa únicos se valoran profundamente.
¡Muchas gracias por tu preocupación por la seguridad de las comunidades autónomas de Chiapas!
Si estás interesado en servir como Observador de Derechos Humanos voluntario, por favor rellena nuestra solicitud de viaje.
Una vez que llenes la solicitud, nos pondremos en contacto para ayudarte a cumplir con los requisitos específicos para su estancia.
General Travel Information
*Note: Due to the pandemic, and other project commitments, we are still not hosting special delegations and travel plans at this time. We encourage you to check back in the near future!
Most Schools for Chiapas trips involve rustic living in beautiful locations with other engaged internationals. By request, we do also sponsor caravans and delegations based in the comforts of lovely San Cristóbal, with visits to indigenous communities.
Types of travel programs
Schools for Chiapas hosts a variety of ecological delegations, study trips, and service work programs for families, friends, students, and political activists into the civilian centers of the Mayan Zapatista communities of Chiapas, Mexico. Each Schools for Chiapas trip provides an excellent opportunity to engage personally with Zapatista community members; these vibrant communities welcome this exchange with warm and open hearts. We invite you to learn from this unique first-hand experiencing of life in the autonomous, indigenous communities of the cloud forest highlands and tropical jungles of the Mexican southeast.
Your trip fees help support Zapatista educational programs in literacy, health, agroecology, women’s empowerment and solidarity economies. Note: We do not ask for fees for volunteers wanting to serve as human rights observers with Frayba. However, should you want to donate, we encourage you to visit www.giftsofchange.org.
Specialty Trips: Schools for Chiapas also organizes specifically -arranged study trips, work delegations and activists’ caravans for community, labor, high school, university, church, and specific interest groups. Since 1994, Schools for Chiapas has organized more than a 100 trips involving thousands of people from more than thirty countries to Mayan communities in locations throughout the state of Chiapas.
University and College Travel Programs: SFC offers unique travel programs for universities, professors, alumni and students wishing to travel in Chiapas, Mexico. These include school-building programs, mural painting experiences, colonial city seminars, cultural immersions in remote indigenous villages, and excursions to the astounding ancient cities of the Mayan peoples. After 20 years of work with colleges and universities, SFC offers personalized planning and logistics for individual travelers and institutional travel programs.
Frequently asked travel questions: Please read this section carefully and let us know if one of your questions (or those of your family and friends) has been left unanswered.
Application for travel: Sign up now for a trip which is already scheduled or help us organize a special program to help you meet the Zapatistas on your own schedule. Join us today!
What to bring to Chiapas: Everything you’ve forgotten since you first traveled to summer camp!