Nicaragua Teaching - Hogar Infantil Comunitario

  Nicaragua

Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks, 3-6 months and 7-12 months
Typical Duration of Program: 9-12 weeks
Dates: Year round, monthly departures

Description: This is a non-profit centre that provides children and teenagers, some with mental and physical disabilities, the opportunity and encouragement to develop their skills in a technical school. Students are taught in the areas of carpentry, bakery, sewing and manual labour, in order to provide them with fundamental skills necessary to earn a decent living.

To make up for the lack of resources available to schools in poor areas and the disadvantage that poor students face, we offer 4 to 5 hours of after school reinforcement and enrichment activities every day. Since most of these youths and kids are working children, we provide scheduling flexibility, so they can they can attend classes, while also working to help support their families. The organization also provides these kids with a nutritious meal a day.

Highlights: Since we survive on such a small budget, we can't afford to pay extra teachers to teach different skills or subjects. We would love to have teachers in to paricipate in new and exciting initiatives. We also need social workers to help with our kids, since the majority of our students are young teenagers that come from families with economically-challenged and/or abusive problems. We, as responsible adults, feel that we can do so much to put these kids on the right track of life and show them new ways of living and that it is possible to pursue and achieve a better life for them and their families. English teachers are in high demand, although volunteers with any background in teaching or working with kids, would be greatly appreciated. Volunteers also have the opportunity to participate in a number of sports and outdoor activities such as soccer, basebal, basketball, educational games, handicraft design etc.

Qualifications: Volunteers should have the vocation and patience of a teacher, while being open to new and challenging experiences. While in the classroom, volunteers will have the opportunity to have fun with the kids, while also maintaining a degree of seriousness and professionalism.

Cost in US$: $2530 USD for 8 weeks; $135 each additional week

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: We believe everyone can contribute by volunteering. Recent graduates from high school, college or university, professionals taking a career break, recent retirees, individuals or groups who are interested in a change and the chance to enrich their own life and the lives of others. If you are 18 years or older you can apply for any of the placements available. If you are from 16-18 years old you may apply for placements near our Volunteer Abroad Office and Residence, so that we are able to give you more support. Both students and professionals are needed for placements in all our countries.

Age Range: 18+

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

Participants Travel to Nicaragua Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently Or in Groups of Custom

Application Process Involves:

• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Volunteer Abroad's Mission Statement: We believe international volunteering promotes cross-cultural learning that helps create global awareness, understanding between cultures and provides the platform for positive change. Our volunteers have taught in schools, provided disaster relief support for the International Red Cross, conducted essential research to improve the management strategies of threatened environments, built homes for impoverished people, provided vocational training and programs for street kids and have worked in co-operation with hundreds of local organizations to distribute aid and improve the quality of life for people throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Year Founded: 1998