Intern or Volunteer with a Grassroots Environmental Organization in Nicaragua

  Nicaragua

Ciudad Sandino,  Jinotepe,  Masaya

Term: Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Throughout the year, Trimester, Winter 
Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: See FSD Website

Description: Examples of how you can support Environmental initiatives in Nicaragua:

* Support the development of sustainable agriculture programs, such as the conservation and recovery of soil and water, use of natural insecticides, crop diversification, and reforestation efforts.

* Assist farmers who are making the transition from using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers to organic, sustainable agriculture.

* Provide farmers with micro-credit opportunities and training on how to efficiently apply funds to the growth of their operations.

* Train youth on organic, sustainable farming practices, making use of school farms for project work.

* Teach children and adolescents environmental education courses that discuss a variety of topics, from pollution to water use to deforestation.

* Support an organization with activities that include: building micro-credit opportunities in agricultural communities, developing community workshops on topics such as natural medicine, preventive health, agricultural management, organic agriculture, and citizenship and community participation, and running a pharmacy with herbal medicines and organic and
medicinal plants.

For more environmental opportunities in Nicaragua, visit our website or contact us directly.

About FSD

The Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1995 to support underserved, international communities in a collaborative and sustainable manner. Our model incorporates three overlapping programs:

1. Sustainable Development Training Programs for Interns and Volunteers
FSD provides comprehensive training and immersion programs for interns and volunteers seeking hands-on experience in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Program participants come from countless professions and more than 300 universities worldwide to collaborate with our partner organizations on community-driven projects that reflect sustainable practices.

2. Grantmaking to Projects and Initiatives Led By Our Partner Organizations
Donations and grants given to FSD are used to support projects and initiatives implemented by our partner organizations, site teams, interns, and volunteers.

3. Sustainable Development of Community-Based Organizations
Our professional field staff, consultants, and program participants provide on-site technical training and capacity building to more than 200 community-based organizations.

Highlights: Development Issues Addressed by FSD Nicaragua
As both the largest country in Central America and the least populated, Nicaragua has the opportunity to enforce environmental protection and conserve its natural resources. However, a variety of forces are driving deforestation and quickly increasing pollution. The conversion of forests to agricultural land and commercial logging with little or no government regulation is having a severe environmental impact. Currently, around seventy-five percent of Nicaraguan forests have already been transformed into crop and pasture land while pesticide use is steadily rising. Another major land issue in Nicaragua stems from the lack of comprehensive waste management systems. Not only are there no forms of municipal support for waste collection, but the lack of regulations for businesses creates a situation where many of Nicaragua's most important water sources are becoming increasingly polluted.

FSD partner organizations in Nicaragua often seek to maximize their influence by combining areas of environmental focus with other areas, such as youth education, health, or community development. FSD interns support environmental initiatives within local nongovernmental organizations that span a vast array of subjects that address resource usage. Whether you offer trainings in sustainable agriculture, educate youth on pollution and deforestation, or support organic farmers make use of micro-credit, FSD will provide you the training and guidance for your efforts to make a lasting impact on a community.

Minimum Education: High School

Cost in US$: Depends on Program Selected; See FSD Website

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: FSD supports participants who boldly wish to initiate the change they believe is necessary in the developing world. Interns are passionate about sharing their practical knowledge, heart-felt enthusiasm, and economic resources with communities abroad that suffer unnecessary hardship. They wish to gain hands-on, grassroots development experience because they believe change is most powerfully cultivated on a community level. The aim is to experientially learn how their work can empower the community toward applying sustainable development solutions, rather than increasing reliance on foreign aid. Participants choose FSD because the program structure enables them to design and implement their own sustainable projects in collaboration with their host organization and the FSD Site Team. They are able to test their ideas and theories in the most direct way possible, giving them the experience and knowledge they seek. The flexibility of the host organizations allows for participants at all stages and levels of experience in international development to participate, thus opening the programs to a diverse group of capable applicants.

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 3-10

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Phone Interview
• Resume
• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Foundation for Sustainable Development's Mission Statement: FSD supports the efforts of grassroots organizations in the developing world that are working to better their communities, environments, and the economic opportunities around them. We believe community development is only sustainable if it empowers the people to effectively use and cultivate their own resources in a conscious manner. Through our programs, we aim to raise international awareness of the economic challenges in developing countries and to support cross-cultural communities in finding more effective solutions to development issues.

Year Founded: 1995