Deadline:
As soon as possible
Location(s)
Nicaragua
San Juan de la Concepción, Masaya
Overview
Volunteer and intern opportunities within the Mariposa projects, are well organized and supported and there are different options. We place each student individually alongside a worker, encouraging Spanish practice, and also guaranteeing that volunteering does not replace a local workers’ job! Working with children in one of our reading projects is always popular (though a time commitment of a month is preferable for this kind of work) as is helping on the organic farm or the community gardens. Projects, such as working on an eco build construction, are sometimes available. You can also help to care for our rescued animals or help us to improve wildlife. "Please note that La Mariposa does not set up or directly manage the projects. We support genuine initiatives from the community and so we cannot always guarantee the content of your volunteer work.
Details
What is so unique about the Mariposa/Asociación Tierra volunteer opportunity?
- You combine volunteer work with Spanish classes - we offer 20 hours formal classes (2 hours of grammar and 2 hours of conversation) within the delightful garden surroundings of the Mariposa/Asociación Tierra. For newcomers to Nicaragua we also recommend starting your time here with a week or two joining in with the Mariposa programme of afternoon and weekend activities in order to familiarise yourself with Nicaragua, its history and culture and with the immediate surroundings of La Concha.
- We offer opportunities for volunteers to become immersed in the community of La Concha by working within the community alongside workers from local organisations - such as working alongside a pre-school teacher in a school, observing in the health centre, or even with a bee project - so you can really get out there to see for yourself, experience and understand how the community functions. We also have a range of volunteer opportunities within the more protected setting of the Mariposa/Asociación Tierra - you similarly work alongside one of the Mariposa workers.
- Volunteers live in homestays with local families (all known to the Mariposa/Asociación Tierra). This of course enhances the opportunities to get to know a Nicaraguan family and practice that Spanish!
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
What we ask from you:
- Working hours vary a bit but we ask you to work approximately 4 hours a day at your volunteer placement
- An ability to reflect on how things work - or don't work - here in Nicaragua (the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere) and why that might be the case. At times this demands a degree of self reflection as well as the easier task of observing and judging Nicaraguans!
- Good health is essential and an attitude that goes with the flow is invaluable
- An understanding that although we work closely with Nicaraguans and other organizations to ensure that your placement runs as smoothly as possible - from both your point of view and the organizations - we cannot offer guarantees. Plans often have to be changed in Nicaragua due to unforseen weather, school schedules or other unforseen contingencies. Please note we reserve the right to terminate a placement.
- Depending on the placement, at least a basic understanding of Spanish is advisable. The Mariposa/Asociación Tierra is an excellent Spanish school and we can orient your classes to the needs of your placement.
- All placements require that you have your own internationally valid insurance covering illness, accident, theft, etc and have a liability disclaimer.
- Please send us one character reference if you want to work with small children.
- The majority of placements are walking distance or a short bus ride (fares are around 20 cents, you are responsible) away from the Mariposa/Asociación Tierra. We can also provide bicycles or even a horse for placements further out!
- We can offer placements doing practical work within the Mariposa/Asociación Tierra for as little as a week but we ask for a longer time commitment if you prefer to work with people, suggested minimum one month.
- We will send you a simple form to fill in telling us your preferences for volunteer work etc
Dates
Deadline: As soon as possible
Cost/funding for participants
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
