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 Academic Foundation
Mercy Wings Academic Foundation is a high school founded by the Sisters of Mercy, that aims to serve those who have fallen through the cracks in the education system. A volunteer is needed to serve as a teacher/tutor in math, english, or social studies or as a social work assistant in health and family life. Educational and/or social work background, along with experience working with adolescents is preferred.
Website: N/A
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 clinics for those living with HIV/AIDS and diabetes. Volunteers are needed to serve as nurses, medical assistants in the ER or as case managers in the HIV/AIDS clinic. Prior experience is desired.
Website: www.mercyhospital.gy
Skills: Healthcare, Nursing, Social Work
REFLECTIONS FROM VOLUNTEERS WHO SERVED IN GUYANA
The Worth in Every Hard Day
I am a teacher at Bosco Academy in Georgetown, Guyana, a school…
Brave Enough to Show Up: Stepping Into the Unknown in Georgetown, Guyana
I came here at a turning point. I had just graduated college…
A Day in Our Life in Georgetown, Guyana
A new sun shines over Georgetown, Guyana. The day begins. Our MVC…
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.