Volunteer with Eco-Friendly Community Hostel in Remote Coastal Nicaragua

  Nicaragua

Chinandega

Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Open

Description: Volunteering! Rancho Esperanza is a small scale, hands-on community oriented project; we rely on the contribution of resources and time from volunteers to carry out not only the community work but also the ongoing development of the property in accordance with environmentally sound principles.

Volunteering here is like being part of a family we expect you to help with light chores, such as picking up hostel, as well as working on our larger project, such as kids club or organic gardening. Rancho Esperanza understands that as volunteers one is often using hard earned holiday time to help us and the community of Jiquilillo grow, therefore we also make sure you have the opportunity to relax, have fun, and enjoy some free time during your holiday.

We are happy to take individual volunteers and delighted when people come as a ready formed work group.

Minimum placement times are a mandatory 2 weeks but positions for longer placements are available and welcome! We currently have 2 extended placements at a more managerial level, details of which below.

Short to Long Term Volunteers:

Working with children between 3 and 16 years old -
Commitment, energy and innovation are all required to keep the Kid's Club activities fresh and fun. If you have basic to intermediate Spanish, demonstrable experience of working with children, and can commit to a stay of at least 2 weeks we would love to hear from you.

Implementing a Grey Water Irrigation System -
Currently our shower and kitchen facilities are under construction and new ideas and efforts to assist with upgrading our current grey water system would be greatly appreciated.

Further development of Organic Garden -
We have the compost, we have the space, we even have willing hands... but some more green thumbs. During dry season and into the beginning of rainy season gardening is a wonderful way to assist with sustainability at our hostel. Although ideas, advice and assistance with plants and pest control in tropical climates is always welcome.

Creative Arts -
The Rancho and the wider property is a true multi-purpose space serving children, travelers and of course the volunteers. Creating an inspiring environment that fits with the natural beauty of Jiquilillo is important to us. No one said the simple life was ugly or plain! If you're a carpenter who can incorporate natural materials like drift wood with functional design, or an artist who can create murals, mosaics or sculptures, let our space be your workshop. Spanish skills are not required but we do ask that you leave enough time to take a project from start to completion.

Please be aware if you have an idea that isn't listed above that you think would benefit Jiquilillo or life at Rancho Esperanza and you're prepared to make it happen, we'd love to hear from you!

Extended Placements:
There's always a bit of a balancing act in keeping the community development work and the Rancho running smoothly. At the moment only two people have the language and skills to manage all sides of the business and community coordination. If you are looking for a real lifestyle change and challenge, have intermediate to advanced Spanish and can commit 6 months or more we may have the opportunity of a life time for you. We'd love someone to come and help long term in one of the following ways:

Community Work Coordinator -
In this role you would be managing volunteers, planning schedules, liaising with the community and developing new projects. You'll need to be a real people person who can build productive working relationships with people from all sorts of backgrounds and ages. As the interface between the Rancho and the community this role will provide an opportunity to become part of village life while making firm friendships in Jiquilillo. Experience in community development with knowledge of either children's work or health promotion is required.

Facilities and Logistics Coordinator -
This position involves looking after the business and property, buying food in the city, dealing with beverage supplies, sourcing materials and skilled labor and supervising the cook and night watchman. Inevitably trips to town and building up a network of contacts would be required, so this role presents a great opportunity to really integrate to Nicaraguan life while getting out and about and making firm contacts through the community and department. Being able to adjust your expectations of working practices to a new culture, patience, and a great sense of humor will be needed as well as intermediate to advanced Spanish.

Please note that these are unpaid volunteer roles, however large discounts on food, housing, and purified water will be available depending upon your commitment levels and time frame with us. Packages will be discussed with serious applicants individually.

Costs:
We operate by a system of self funded placements, many volunteers fundraise this money before they come. Money used will cover your living costs which include accommodation, food and purified drinking water. Depending upon your housing arrangement stays can range from USd 116 to 151 per week per person. We ask that 30% of this amount is to be sent as a deposit before you arrive to confirm your placement.

The cost of living here is cheap and will require very little money during your stay at the Rancho. All the following cost US$1 or less: a beer, a bus ride into Chinandega, and a 15 minute internet call to the US from Chinandega.

How to Apply:

The first stages of application include e-mailing us, outlining the following information:

- How you meet the requirements for the placement in terms of skills, knowledge and language abilities.
- When you would like to come and for how long.
- Whether you will come as an individual or a group.
- Which projects you are most interested in working with.

Highlights: The village of Jiquilillo is a small remote fishing village. Community members are incredibly friendly and welcoming. By working with Rancho Esperanza one has the opportunity to see the lifestyles and learn about the culture of rural fishing communities in Nicaragua. Rancho Epseranza hopes that through your volunteer experience working alongside community members, you will form lasting bonds and friendships with people of all ages throughout the community.

Qualifications: Volunteer must be motivated to work. Spanish is not required but a basic understanding of the language will be beneficial as no English is spoken throughout the village. Experience working with children, organic gardening, or health care would be beneficial.

Cost in US$: Communal Dormitory Space USD 116/week/person, Private Cabana USD 137 to 151/week/person

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers must be self motivated and willing to make a difference. He or she will give a hand when needed, be positive, and willing to learn new skills. Interests in sustainable development, child education, and Latin American culture. Spanish is not needed, but will be of a great assistance.

Age Range: 18-80

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

Participants Travel to Nicaragua Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2 to 4 people

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Other
• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Year Founded: 2005