Primeros Pasos

MISSION

Primeros Pasos aims to improve the quality of life of the rural communities of the Palajunoj Valley of Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, through integrated health education programs and access to medical services.

PROGRAMS

Primeros Pasos is an accessible primary care clinic focused on comprehensive and preventive health, offering medical and dental services including on-premise pharmacy and laboratory, pediatric mobile clinics, and a nutrition outreach program. Primeros Pasos’ clinic is the only reliable, affordable, and comprehensive source of primary healthcare provision in the Palajunoj Valley with a medical doctor, dentist, pharmacy, laboratory services, and nutrition-focused community outreach program. We provide affordable or free care, health education, and nutritional support to 4,000 to 6,000 families each year. 

Founded in 2002 through a collaboration of Quetzalteco and US medical students, Primeros Pasos has partnerships with universities, businesses, NGOs, and individuals, both international and local, that support our work and the field of community health. We are a nonprofit, independent organization with a comprehensive outlook on healthcare. We’re a small year-round team of nine and our staff is primarily Guatemalan and Spanish-speaking. We consistently serve as a primary care rotation for Guatemalan medical students and welcome support from over 30 international and local volunteers each year through our robust service learning program.

SERVICE LEARNING & VOLUNTEERING

Primeros Pasos also leads a service learning program that invites talented local and foreign individuals, both students and professionals, to volunteer their time and learn from our programs, methodologies, and communities.

Primeros Pasos volunteers are flexible, hard working, open-minded, and sensitive to the ideals, traditions, and beliefs of the people with whom they work. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and able to travel independently to Guatemala (we also have remote opportunities). For every application, we consider the applicant's relevant experience, Spanish level, and interest in learning about our work. As a small local nonprofit, we ask that all volunteers make a commitment to fundraise on our behalf.

Visit our website to learn more: https://www.primerospasos.org/volunteer