La Esperanza Granada

  Nicaragua

Granada

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months, 7-12 months and 1-2 years
Typical Duration of Program: 5-8 weeks
Dates: ongoing

Description: Free of charge volunteering with La Esperanza Granada an organization which assists local communities to improve the quality of life through education. We don't charge any fees to volunteers, and have some low cost housing available in the historic town center of Granada. Requirements are intermediate level of Spanish and eight weeks minimum (beginners are okay if they are staying longer). Our motto is to give a hand up, not a hand out. We need volunteers to assist teachers by tutoring kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade in basic reading, writing and mathematics in 6 rural government schools on the outskirts of Granada. Also to run classes of sports and arts and crafts.

We have a secondary school sponsorship program and need volunteers to mentor and motivate these students.   Other projects include teaching English to primary grades, promoting health in both the schools with our school/community nurse and the community through workshops and special activities. We also do maintainence and gereral repairs in the schools.

Highlights: We are looking for volunteers who are willing and want to help those less fortunate. We accept volunteers throughout the year, with orientation taking place on Mondays.

Qualifications: We require an 8 week minimum commitment as well as intermediate level Spanish.

Cost in US$: There are no charges to volunteer with us, and no registration fee.

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: People of all ages, though the majority tend to be in their twenties - some are studying in related fields, such as international studies, some have finished college and taking a gap year, some are traveling in the Americas want to help as well as want to take a break from packing their bags every few days and checking on bus schedules and would like to do something meaningful during their travels. Many wish to improve their Spanish through constant usage. (All our work in the schools and communities is conducted in Spanish) All are people wanting to help others less fortunate.

Age Range: 18 -75

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nicaragua Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of teams of 3/6 total group 35

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

La Esperanza Granada's Mission Statement: La Esperanza Granada is a free of charge volunteer organization which assists local communities to improve the quality of life through eduation. We are supported entirely by individual donations, none of which are used for administrative costs. Our motto is to give a hand up, not a hand out. The majority of our volunteers are working in poor rural schools, with a team in each school. A key part is working one on one with children to stimulate their interest in learning. Volunteers also assist in kindergarten classes, and go out into the community, reading with children, helping with homework, etc. In groups we also hold classes in sports, arts and crafts, etc. We have a secondary school sponsorship program which provides young people the opportunity to continue their education past the 6th grade. Other projects include teaching English to primary grades, taking children for dental visits, eye tests, and help with therapy for individual children in need. We are looking for volunteers who are keen to work with young children and play a part in their interest in education.

Year Founded: 2002