En Via

Fundación En Vía is a non-profit organization located in Oaxaca, Mexico. They support social and community development through the combination of three main programs: microfinance, responsible tourism, and education. The organization runs a variety of support programs in the communities and use volunteers to run the bulk of these.

The organization’s interest-free microloan program is the core. This gives women the opportunity to create or expand small businesses, empowering them to better provide for themselves and their families. They also run educational programs that give women the knowledge they need to make better decisions about their businesses, personal finances, and the use of loans. Their tourism model allows them to leverage the resources from tourism and direct them sustainably into communities, while connecting people to the ideas, strength and power of women working hard to improve their future.

Volunteers form the bedrock of many of these programs and En Via has many areas where volunteers are needed:

  • Teachers
  • Photographers
  • Volunteer Tour Guides
  • Computer Teachers (in Spanish)
  • Administration Volunteers

There are often other opportunities as well, so check their website for their current needs.

Duration
Teachers: two afternoons per week for a minimum of one month Photographer: six weeks Volunteer Tour Guide: six weeks
Fees
Volunteering is free. Volunteers working within the communities pay their own local bus fare.
Other Ways You Can Help
If you’re unable to volunteer, consider taking an En Via Tour. It’s the funds from these tours that provide the money for the micro-loans.
Contact

For more information about volunteering with En Via, visit them online: