City Description
Guyana is located on the northern coast of South America, between Venezuela and Suriname, and is known as the land of many waters. Known for its cultural and biodiversity, Guyana is a Caribbean nation and the only English-speaking country in South America. Following decades of economic decline and high emigration rates, Guyana is now one of the fastest-growing economies in the world due to oil exportation. This has caused a growing wealth gap and rapid infrastructure changes impacting the people and environment of Guyana. Mercy Volunteers build relationships with locals and enjoy being immersed in the culture through celebrations, advocacy opportunities, and everyday life. The volunteers live together in a house in Georgetown, the capital city. The home is furnished with essentials and is simple yet comfortable. It is located near local minibus routes, open-air markets, and the national park.
Housing: house
Transportation: public
Number of Volunteers: 4
Service Site Descriptions
Mercy Resident Care
Site Details
Website: www.mercyhospital.gy/services/resident-care
Skills: Healthcare, Social Services, Nursing, Activity Planning
Mercy Wings Vocational Center
Mercy Wings is an innovative 6 month vocational-technical training program for adolescents, ages 14-19 who have not benefited from a traditional school setting. Vocational tracks are offered in oil and gas, care for the elderly, electrical installation, catering, and cosmetology. The Adolescent Development Program, which aims to build self-esteem and relationship skills, is a critical part of the center’s programming. A volunteer is needed as a teacher in the Adolescent Development Program and in remedial subjects (math and reading). Educational and/or social work background, along with experience working with adolescents is helpful but not required.
Website: Mercy Wings Vocational and Day Care Centre (Facebook)
Skills: Education, Social Work, Counseling, Computer Skills
St. John Bosco Boys’ Orphanage and Bosco Academy
Fifty boys between the ages of 4 and 16 reside at this orphanage sponsored and operated by the Sisters of Mercy. The term “orphanage” is used loosely as any boy in need of a safe place to live is welcome. Boys in kindergarten-grade 6 are educated on site at Bosco Academy and older boys attend a local secondary school. Volunteers are needed to serve as teachers and tutors at Bosco Academy, as well as to lead sports, artistic, and wellness activities at the orphanage.
Website: www.boscoboysgy.com
Skills: Education, Special Education, After School Sports and Activities
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital
Established in 1943, Mercy Hospital is a non-profit healthcare facility offering 24-hour care. They offer traditional primary care and in-patient services as well as a nursing school and programming for those living with HIV/AIDS and diabetes. Positions are available for volunteers as nurses, social workers, medical assistants, and lab technicians. Prior experience is desired.
Website: www.mercyhospital.gy
Skills: Healthcare, Nursing, Social Work
REFLECTIONS FROM VOLUNTEERS WHO SERVED IN GUYANA
Lessons Beyond the Classroom: My Journey at Mercy Wings
I have been serving in Guyana as a volunteer at Mercy Wings…
Beyond Volunteering: Exploring Guyanese Culture Through Cricket
I volunteer at St. John Bosco Boys’ Orphanage, one of the service…
Loving the Person in Front of You: A Message from Guyana
Dear Prospective Volunteers, Over the past few months, I have felt incapable…
As a service of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Mercy Resident Care is a long-term care facility that caters to the needs of the elderly. It provides 24-hour nursing care, personal care, and rehabilitation services while striving to be a home away from home for its residents. Two volunteers are needed at this site. One volunteer is needed to serve as an activities coordinator, working with staff to design and implement social activities based on the interests of the residents. The other volunteer is needed as a registered nurse.