The Guatemalan government announces a call for applications for the 2026 Civic Service program.

The Government of Guatemala announces the call for the 2026 Civic Service program, opening opportunities for young people to contribute to national development. (Illustrative Image Infobae) The Government of Guatemala officially opened the call for the 2026 Civic Service program this Monday, aimed at young people aged 18 to 24 who wish to voluntarily participate in social or military programs, with the aim of strengthening citizen participation and national solidarity. This initiative is regulated by a stipend of Q15 per hour of service and a total of 728 hours per year, according to the call published in the Central American Daily. The Ministry of the Interior, headed by Marco Villeda, established a quota of 11,001 places for Guatemalan citizens, according to Executive Agreement 69-2026 approved on May 8, 2026. This figure represents the incorporation target for the current cycle and may modify the duration of registrations, which will be open from May 11 to October 11, 2026, if the quota is filled before the deadline. The call, issued by the National Civic Service Board under Decree 20-2003, the Civic Service Law, enables young people to contribute to national development or defense. To apply, interested parties can submit their application through the Ministry of the Interior's digital platform (https://alistamiento.mingob.gob.gt), the PNC Traffic Department, or the National Youth Council (CONJUVE), as specified in the call published in the Central American Daily. Each participant will have the option to choose between two modalities: social, focused on participation in education, environmental, health, or civil protection projects; and military, focused on training for armed defense while respecting human rights. A total of 728 hours of paid work are included, at a rate of Q15 per hour, accumulating a total income of Q10,920 over a period of up to 18 months, according to the terms established by the National Civic Service Commission. The Government of Guatemala is calling for 11,001 young people aged 18 to 24 to participate in the 2026 Civic Service program, offering voluntary and paid participation in social or military projects. (Illustrative Image Infobae) Registration offers prior training and payment of a monthly stipend, a mechanism that, according to Decree 20-2003 cited by the same source, "does not create an employment relationship." To register, it is necessary to be a Guatemalan citizen, be between 18 and 24 years old, have a valid identification document (DPI), not have previously completed the service, and be in full enjoyment of civil rights. The process involves validating the DPI in the system, registering an email address, selecting the department and municipality, and choosing the project of interest. After completing these steps, the applicant must confirm the registration and will be waiting to be contacted by the responsible entity. The 2026 Civic Service is defined as a right and duty for Guatemalan youth, providing the opportunity to strengthen civic values, participate in social, community, or environmental activities, and gain experience in areas essential for the country's development. The initiative, supervised by the National Civic Service Commission, aims to deepen solidarity, national commitment, and direct participation in solving problems at the national level. The scheme for this edition remains consistent with previous years, supported by Executive Agreement 69-2026 and Decree 20-2003, and emphasizes cultural diversity, equality before the law, and full respect for human rights. The National Civic Service Board reported that, if the quota of 11,001 registered young people is filled before the expected date, registrations may be closed early, as indicated by current regulations. Participation is voluntary and remunerated at Q15 per hour of service. For 2026, registered young people will be able to access projects related to the environment, culture, education, and civil protection, reinforcing the link between youth and the axes of national development and defense.