Volunteers | Piña Palmera’s necessities

“If you come to help, stay at home. If you come to work with us, you’re welcome.„
a Philippine community

To work as volunteer in Piña Palmera, you have to be older than eighteen years, you should be able to speak Spanish, High School should be terminated or you should have any career or profession which serves for Piña Palmera.

And you should be able to stay minimally for six months.

Working in Piña Palmera

To organize the volunteers group, we count on Pablo who is the coordinator of this area. He is responsible for the introduction of volunteers, the flow chart in which you participate during your stay, contract conclusions and anything else which could happen among our volunteers. To pay his salary, we ask for everybody’s contribution of 150 pesos a month.

To be able to stay as a volunteer in Piña Palmera, our requirements are:

• Being able to stay minimally six months.

• Being open to a new and different communal experience.

• Being sensitive to the issue of disability in rural zones.

• Willing to live together with the local personnel.

• Being a creative and companionable person.

Necessary legal procedures

The visa for volunteers is called FM3. In order to get it, you can communicate yourself with the Mexican Consulate in your country. Various volunteers have commented that Mexican embassies in their countries don’t want to issue the FM3. In this case, you can enter the country with the tourist visa. You have the right to stay for 90 days, although custom officers visa sometimes less.

You have to tell them that you have the right to stay for 90 days. Later, when you’ll come to Piña, we’ll help you to fill an official formulary to get the FM3. You need a statement of your bank account with sufficient money on it (for six months more than 15.000 Pesos).

If you’re a student, you need a guilty letter from your school which reads that you’re going to do an investigation, a practice or any kind of service in Piña Palmera, translated to Spanish by an official bureau like the Mexican embassy in your country, a notary, a tribunal, or the Foreign Office of your country. Of course, you have to bring your passport.

The FM3, the legal residence title for volunteers in Mexico, will cost you around 1.500 Pesos. One person of Piña Palmeras’ office is responsible for bringing all papers to the next immigration office in Huatulco.
Volunteers in Zipolite

We have worked with volunteers since the foundation of the Center. That means that we have an experience of 20 years. And during this time, we’ve established various criterions. One is that there shouldn’t be more foreigners than Mexicans in the Center (the maximum we had were 30% of foreigners).

Lately, we are receiving more Mexican volunteers. But as the majority of them comes from big cities and from the middle/upper class, they result a little bit as “strangers„, too. Sometimes, it’s even more difficult for them to accept the cultural differences. And although they speak Spanish, they have different vocabularies and customs than the people from the region.

When you come to Piña Palmera, you make a contract with our institution first, in which you commit to stay at least for six months. Volunteers receive board and lodging (they share rooms with other volunteers), but volunteers aren’t paid. They work at least 35 hours a week, maximally 40 hours. The problem of lacking of work nearly never existed, on the contrary. To have more equality between workers and volunteers, we’ve put the limit to 40 hours. Every six months, you have the right to go on vacations for two weeks.

When you arrive, you have two weeks of introduction. During this time, you work one day in each area, including the kitchen, maintenance, etc. This gives you the possibility, to get to know to each person working in the Center (here are 23 employees), and to understand the way of working better.

It gives you as well the possibility to think about, what you want to do, and how you could improve your contribution. If you are therapist, you will integrate yourself mainly in the activities of the therapy in Piña Palmera. This includes trips to the communities, when possible, the attention to users who come to Piña Palmera, and the participation in therapeutic projects in Piña Palmera (see therapy). If you’re not a therapist, you design, together with the others, your flow chart every week during the volunteer meeting.

In some areas, we need a volunteer each day, in others not. Then, in the meeting, you can say what you prefer to do on each week day and deal with the other volunteers. That means that volunteers participate during the week in various activities. For example are visits to the communities not possible for all volunteers all the time. The rotation of volunteers is organized, so that each one can discover each community. If some people like some activities more, they can decide to work more days in these roles.

But you should be flexible, because you have to do roles sometimes which you maybe don’t like that much. Finally, your work depends on the Center’s needs and in the interests and capacities of yourself.

One concern of Piña Palmera is how to improve taking advantage of the knowledge and experiences of the volunteers. It’s also important that the volunteers are flexible and that they help, when we ask for. For example, by washing a plate left by another, or by helping to maintain the environment tidy. Volunteers also have to clean the area where they are living and their toilets/showers.

For that, a weekly cleaning role is organized. They also have to take care of the plants in their area and of the volunteers’ animals (a dog and a cat). If you come from a very tidy-minded country, it could be a little bit difficult to adapt yourself to the hygienic standards here.

If you think that it could be difficult to participate in this, or that you could have problems to share your living space with somebody else, it could be an option to find an accommodation outside of Piña. You should also take care of some things when you live here. For example, you should always keep your mouth closed, when you take a shower (you can train that before your arrival). Additionally, use just disinfected water for cleaning your teeth. Fresh fruits and vegetables have to be disinfected before eating them, in order to avoid ameba infections which are very common here.

Various animals live freely in Piña Palmera and Zipolite, dogs, cats, chickens, turkeys…Animals in Mexico have a very different state. Many people from Europe may have problems to understand the way of treating animals in Mexico (bashes, for e.g.). Dogs are considered as an infection risk and are treated in consequence. In many foreign countries, dogs are considered as family members. They may eat from your plates and sleep in your beds. This is something Mexicans never would accept, due to hygienic reasons.

The coast of Oaxaca is the home of many beasties, rodents and insects. Mosquitoes are always part of life and are very annoying, especially when sunset starts. It’s recommended to use repellent, to avoid mosquito bites, because they could transmit malaria or dengue fever. But it isn’t common either, there’s no need to be paranoid.

These diseases are not mortal, although they are very uncomfortable. The most classic problem is to liven up the mosquito bites until the skin opens, which causes infections easily, because of the hot and humid climate. The rainy season (June - October) is very annoying as well. “After two weeks of constant rain, it seemed that everything turned to a gigantic mountain of compost. Water, clay, mold and mosquitoes were everywhere. I felt like I were biodegrading„ said Linnea Wesslund, former volunteer.

Privacy is a word which doesn’t exist in Piña Palmera. If you have big expectations about your private life, you could have hard times around here. There are always people around one, which can be very appreciating sometimes. But it can be very important to pass some time outside and to find a quiet place, if needed. Another important thing is to arrive unhurriedly.

Don’t start to work like a maniac from the first day, because this is a time, in which it’s important to adapt oneself to the climate, the time difference, and to rhythm of life.

Human relations in Piña Palmera are essential. We value that much more than efficiency. It’s important that all volunteers try for real to understand their volunteer-companions and Piña’s workers. This creates a comfortable atmosphere for everybody.

We suggest reading the book “Disabled Village Children„ from David Werner (published by the Hesperian Foundation) before you arrive at Piña Palmera. We use many aspects of this book in our way of working.

Cultural Differences

Between all cultural differences, one especially stands out: the majority of volunteers comes from very “verbal„ countries, and they could be a little bit disappointed, due to the lack of communication. The people here learn by observation how to do something, and they expect that volunteers are going to learn things in this way, too. But there’s no need to be ashamed to ask for explications when one doesn’t understand.

Many volunteers have as well a different idea about “time„, and it’s hard to adapt oneself to the rhythm of a culture where “efficiency„ isn’t valued in the same way. The cultural shock comes more or less after six months. The first six months are “National Geographic Time„, everything’s different, exotic and marvelous. Having passed this time is when you really have to confront yourself to a system of beliefs different to yours.

It is really important that volunteers are interested in the culture and in the people of Mexico and that they really try to integrate themselves into the group of people who work in Piña Palmera. For example, the volunteers have to speak Spanish among them, when other workers are close. Piña Palmera is big; here work 23 persons, so time is necessary to get to know to all the people and to start to work. This is the reason why we prefer that volunteers commit to stay for six months or more.

One thing we notice, too, is that it’s sometimes hard for volunteers to understand our way of working, and why we do things like that. It is very important to express what you feel. The general coordination and the coordination of volunteers are always there to listen to you and to answer your questions. Always express your sorrow; don’t keep your doubts, your anger or bad understanding for yourself. Conflicts always hide a positive proposal.

Piña doesn’t expect that you are coming to change everything which you consider to be not good. Around here, it’s not about reproducing models which exist somewhere else, but about to create new forms of working with disabled persons. Piña isn’t a hospital, neither it’s a company. We respect the rhythm of each person. And the volunteer wins a lot, when he tries to understand all he can and to adapt himself to this way of living which is new for him.

Like this, he can discover new ways of life. If you have any ideas, they’re of course always welcome. But don’t forget that not all good ideas can be applied here, too.

“Try to make yourself better. That’s the only thing you can do to make the world a better place.„
Paulo Coelho.

In general, we had very positive experiences with volunteers. Many of them maintain contact with us, even when they went back to their country. They visit us and send us postcards. Various keep on supporting Piña Palmera, helping to raise funds or to diffuse information about our work.

The majority are youths, and having been stayed in Piña Palmera influences later, in their future, the election of their career or work. We consider this also as a little interchange between “North„ and “South„, which, in the future, hopefully will help to bring both worlds together.

The interchange between “North„ and “South„ enriches both sides. The volunteers show many things to the people here, too and learn a lot as well. In nearly all cases, it’s an experience which transforms them.

Some book-tips:
"100 años de soledad„, Gabriel García Marques
"Mexico at the edge of chaos", Andres Openheimer
Discourses of Chief Tuiavii of Tiavea
"Las venas abiertas de América latina" Eduardo Galeano
"Where there is no doctor", "Promoting Health", David Werner
Books by Carlos Castaneda

Before your arrival

It is very important to contact us before your arrival. We plan the stays of the volunteers, in order to have the time to make all accommodations necessary. The best would be if you contact us more than six months before your arrival. It is also noted that people, who come to Piña without any former contact, have the tendency to go than rapidly and without any information, than they arrived.

Ask us everything you want, there is no uninteresting question. Don’t keep your doubts to yourself when you decide to come over. This allows you to have a better time during your stay. You can find various questions in the FAQ section below.

Arriving to Piña Palmera

Please, check the page “Contact Us„.

Frequently asked questions about the voluntary service in Piña Palmera

Do I need vaccinations?
National instances recommend vaccinations against hepatitis A, typhus and diphtheria and against tetanus-polio. Vaccination against rabies and yellow fever is not necessary. The here present type of malaria, vivax, is common in the region, although there are not very much cases occurring in the zone. It’s possible to get the medicine here for free, if you need it.

But it’s not recommended to take preventive medicine for malaria, because they bother the liver. Tuberculosis and salmonellae exist as well, so you have to be careful while washing your hands, while eating, etc.…We suggest visiting a clinic specialized in tropical medicine before coming. They can make specific recommendations and give you the vaccinations you need.

How much money do I need?
This is a difficult question. A breakfast, a lunch or a dinner costs between 45 and 60 Pesos, which is about 3 or 4 Euros (4 or 5 Dollars). If you drink and smoke, you’ll have much more costs, although everything costs less around here (a packet of cigarettes costs about 20 Pesos, a bottle of beer about 15 Pesos). If you plan to travel in Mexico, you’ll have to pay the bus, which is the most expensive thing (from 20 to 50 Pesos to the closest cities like Puerto Escondido or Huatulco, up to 1.500 Pesos to the north of the country).

For six months, we have estimated about 1000 Dollars. But that can vary between each one. We recommend bringing cash and traveler checks. There are also cash machines in Pochutla, but they charge you a strong commission if you get money with your credit card. In Zipolite, it’s not possible to pay with credit card.

Do I need Health Insurance?
Yes, it’s important to have insurance for your trip. Please, bring the papers of your insurance. Here is just one hospital, and there aren’t very much specialists.

Which will be my direction?
- Your name -
C/o C.A.I. Piña Palmera A.C.
Apartado Postal 109
C.P. 70900 Pochutla Oaxaca
México

How can my family contact me?
Directly in Piña at: 00 52 958 58 43 147 or by fax: 00 52 958 58 43 145. In case of emergencies, you can talk to Balbino at 00 52 958 58 43 173 (particularly). The maximum time of each call is five minutes.

Is it possible to check my Email in Piña Palmera?
No, but there are various internet cafes in Zipolite (15 Pesos an hour, more or less)

Which type of camera should I bring along?
The best would be a digital camera. You can make photos for Piña and download them to the computers in Piña. You can also bring an analogue camera, but film rolls are expensive here. Beware, we recommend insuring your camera, if it’s valuable. Cameras of the volunteers disappear frequently.

Are there places where I can rent dictionaries and books in English, Spanish or other languages?
There are books in Spanish, English, and Swedish in Piña Palmera, which you can use if you want. In San Agustinillo, about 10 minutes from Piña, you can rent books for free if you want. In Mexico City and in the City of Oaxaca, you can find bookstores which sell books in various languages. Please, bring your own dictionary.

What else should I bring along?
Bring bedcover, towel, rain clothes, repellent, sandals, flashlight, bathing clothes, sun blocker, if you like (it’s hard to find here). You can buy the majority of these things in Pochutla, half an hour from here. Everything is cheaper than in your country, except of Nutella!

Can I bring along toys for children?
Yes, very good idea. But be careful with plushy puppets or with puppets with long hairs. They get here dirty very fast.

If I come in February, is the Hurricane season over then?
No, the Hurricane season is between May and November.

Can disabled volunteers live in the Center?
Yes, in January 2001, we inaugurated our new buildings for volunteers with access for wheelchairs.

Does the Center pay working compensation or travel insurance?
No, we don’t pay insurance for volunteers, only for employees. We don’t pay the trip either. We just offer board and lodging, if there is. It’s important that the volunteer has his own health insurance when he comes.

What do I have to pay as volunteer?
You have to pay 150 Pesos a month for the salary of the coordinator of volunteers. Besides, you have to participate in buying the food for the volunteers’ animals, in buying gas for the volunteers’ kitchen, and, of course, you pay extra things you’d like to eat. The majority of the volunteers buy extra food (milk, fruits, fish…), which they keep in the volunteers’ fridge.

Can I always go to the community?
As a therapist, you’re able top go various times. If you’re not a therapist, you have to deal with the other volunteers, so that everybody can go sometimes. More or less, you’ll go one or two times a month.

Is it possible to have a private room?
No. If it’s because of a special case, you can comment us that per Email. But normally, the rooms are shared.

What, if I want to come, but for less than six months?
Normally, it’s not possible. But you can send us an Email, to check if there is a place for you. For example, if you have a special project.

Do I have to bring preventive medicine?
You can bring medicine against stomach problems and against problems of digestion (diarrhea…), against various pains and simple infections. But you can get any medicine easily here, too.

Do you have disinfected water, or do I have to bring pills?
We use disinfected water for drinking and in the kitchen. Pills are not necessary, but you can bring drops for the disinfection of vegetables, for example.

Do I have to bring mosquito net?
No. Piña will borrow you one. But if you want, you can bring one of rectangular shape, which is more adequate with the beds in Piña.

Do I have to bring repellent or sun blocker?
Yes, it’s preferred that you bring your own repellent and sun blocker. Here, they’re more expensive.

I don’t, or nearly don’t, speak Spanish. Can I come anyway?
It’s preferred that you learn Spanish before you arrive, for your own integration, but also in order to respect the community.

Which are the working hours?
Normally, you work from 8:30am to 2:30pm, except of the special days. Volunteers are off for the afternoons.

Price-examples:

(1 Dollar is about 11 Pesos, 1 Euro is about 14 Pesos)

Visit to a doctor: 80 – 200 Pesos. But Piña’s doctor attends to volunteers for free.
Medicine: 80 – 200 Pesos
Ticket for the bus to Mexico City: 315 - 504 Pesos
Ice Cream: 8 – 16 Pesos
Liter of milk: 11 Pesos
Public Transport from Pochutla to Zipolite:
Individual: 60 – 100 Pesos
Shared Taxi: 12 Pesos
“Camioneta„: 7 Pesos
Swimsuit: 200 – 300 Pesos
Sun blocker: 95 Pesos
Shampoo: 20 – 40 Pesos
Toothpaste: 10 – 15 Pesos
Kilo of bananas: 5 Pesos
Kilo of apples: 16 Pesos
Cup of fresh orange juice: 15 Pesos
Hat: 35 Pesos
Repellent: 50 Pesos
Pair of Flip-Flops: 30 Pesos