Chinandega Province Volunteer

  Nicaragua

• Other Cities in Nicaragua: 
Rural Areas

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks and 2-4 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: Open and Rolling Admissions

Description: There are static and shifting programs. Some static programs include:

- leading adventure tours (kayaking, horseback riding, hiking the volcano, etc.)
- Love Lulu Project (administering contraceptive shots and anti-parasite medicine to female dogs in the area, August and February only)
- Mechapa school improvement (varies monthly based on the needs of the school)
- developing the Good Mommy Care Package Project (packages of diapers, baby shampoo, baby medicine, health supplies etc. for new mothers)

Shifting Programs develop from our Looking Out Philosophy and have included:

- re-building the roof on the medical office
- delivering plants and landscaping to the church
- road improvements
- cleaning the beach of plastic
- soliciting local foundations for aid and assistance for the community
- letter writing and translation services

Highlights: While you are working in a small fishing village, you'll be staying at a clean, safe and beautiful hotel. This gives you the opportunity to re-charge your batteries and enjoy yourself while you work in and around the area. Since we are directly on the beach, you'll enjoy fresh seafood, and probably improve your diet significantly enjoying healthy and delicious meals (many people lose weight, too, so that's nice.)

Qualifications: You already have the desire to help in a foregin country, so certain things are a given: an openness to a new culture, a desire to help those less fortunate, and the moxy to enact change. Make sure that you have the ability to understand both limitations and opportunities, a relaxed attitude, and a quick smile. All of these will help you profit from your time here and make your efforts much more fruitful for others. Don't forget compassion -- for people and animals -- and the ability to let your hair down when you want to, and tie it back up when you need to. Good physical and mental health is imperative.

Cost in US$: 200

Experience Required: yes

You don't need volunteer experience, but you must be mature and able to take direction as well as be self-reliant.

Typical Volunteer: We've had high school students, retirees, and adults looking for a change.

Age Range: 16-70

This Program is open to American, Canadian and European Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Nicaragua Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 2

Application Process Involves:

• Essay
• Letters of Reference

Post-Program Services Include:

• Exit Debriefing Abroad

Redwood Beach Resort's Mission Statement: We aim to help our neighbors in need, with what they need, when they need it. We accomplish this through an Open Door Policy and Looking Out Philosophy. Our Open Door Policy allows anyone to request assistance: Individuals, Families, Groups, and Organizations. Our Looking Out philosophy lets us identify areas in the community who may benefit from financial aid or physical help.

Year Founded: 1006