What is Compañeros?
Compañeros organizes and facilitates short-term volunteer service and cross-cultural learning experiences in Central America.
Working with partners in Canada, United States, Nicaragua and Guatemala, Compañeros experiences are noted for their attention to personal growth, community development, global education and spiritual inspiration.
Compañeros' dates and programs are custom designed for individuals and groups.
All programs include:
- providing preparation materials and resources
- advising on travel safety and health
- booking flights and ground transportation
- reserving accommodation and most meals
- coordinating work project placements
- arranging Spanish language instruction
- planning cultural, recreational and ecological excursions
- connecting participants to local people and their communities
- on-going consultation and in-country support or accompaniment
Founder & Director
Gonzalo DuarteGonzalo Duarte has 25 years of service learning experience on four continents and is the author of Five Alive: A Family Journey in North and Central America.
As the founder and director of Compañeros Inc., Gonzalo works closely with high school and university students; church staff and members; and, with community leaders and non-governmental organizations to facilitate safe and meaningful short-term service, learning and faith experiences for people of all ages.
Gonzalo graduated from Queen's, Waterloo and McMaster universities and was a high school teacher and chaplain in Ontario from 1989-2000. He founded Compañeros in 2001-2002 and coordinated the Future Quest Program at Queen's Theological College from 2003-2006 while completing his Certificate in Youth Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is currently youth ministry director at First Metropolitan United Church and enjoys living in Victoria, BC.
Reflections on the Compañeros Experience
Gonzalo and Compañeros provided us with assistance and guidance without which our service learning trip to Nicaragua would not have been the great success it was. As the leader of our group, I can say that Gonzalo himself, his experience and conscienciousness, was our most important resource. The organization, preparation and execution of the trip were all of the highest quality. —B.T., Montréal, Québec
From start to finish this trip (to Guatemala) gave me a great feeling. I felt immersed in the group, the culture, and the slower pace of life right away. I realized, as a North American, that I cannot always set the standard on what makes a ‘good’ quality of life. This was a very worthwhile experience and, as a result, I am enlightened on many more issues language, group dynamics, standards of living, and more. I'll always remember the kids I played with. —N.M., Waterloo, Ontario
Thanks for facilitating the service learning experience in Costa Rica. I had an amazing time. I found the Spanish lessons very comfortable and fun. I found the work very rewarding and enjoyed the physical and outdoor aspects. I learned that life in Canada is very privileged and a lot of people in the world have much less in terms of material possessions, but not always less in terms of happiness or other values. I would recommend Compañeros to others looking for a well organized travel opportunity. —R.T., Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
