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Volunteer on the beautiful Ometepe Island in Nicaragua!
Ometepe Foundation
Ometepe Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to community development on the Island, is looking for volunteers to teach English to local grade school ad high school children. In the summer of 2007, we started a small, free English language school in the rural community of Merida (located on then southwestern side of the Island, right below the majestic Volcan Maderas) at the Hacienda Merida. The school is run entirely by volunteerism through the Ometepe Foundation and "working" tourists. The Ometepe Foundation also supports preschool and after school programs where kids attend on their own initiative in addition to their five-hour days at the public school. This additional time in a structured and intellectually stimulating environment makes for a curious and motivated crowd! The methods of teaching include bilingual card games, movies, text and grammar book activities, singing, dancing, sailing, kayaking and fieldtrips pinnata! The school also provides healthy oatmeal and granola porridge for all of the kids after each of the day classes. There are 40 to 50 students between the ages of 5 and 18. At this point, the older students are at a basic conversation level of English. The school is highly influenced by the many nationalities of the guests and the many foreign student groups that frequently stay at Hacienda Merida.
The school is funded from profits of the Hacienda Merida and by fundraising that is done throughout the area including fundraising dinners. These dinners consist of a homecooked, healthy and delicious buffet provided for tour operators and organized groups ($10/person) and monetary donations via PayPal.
Volunteer Opportunity:
- Volunteers must commit to a minimum of 2 weeks.
- Volunteers will have three two-hour classes of 10-15 students (9am-11am, 2:00pm-4:00pm and 5:00pm-7:00pm) Monday though Friday and one class Saturday morning (9am-11am).
- Room and board expense for volunteers is $150. This includes dorm accommodation and three delicious meals a day including one drink per meal and free filtered water. Hacienda Merida is located right on the water, known for its friendly staff and fabulous food. If you choose to stay at the hacienda over the weekend for budget purposes you will have to pay for your stay and the meals and drinks that you consume. Tips for workers will be tabulated and charged at the end of your stay (10% of your total bill)
- Within the working hours, volunteers are encouraged market, fundraise, or strengthen the program.
- Lap-tops and high speed free internet are provided to the teachers and students.
- Tourists and organized groups are welcome to participate in teaching one on one pronunciation and tutoring.
Ability to speak Spanish is not a requirement.
For more info please contact:
Alvaro Molina email: alvaronica@gmail.com
www.hmerida.com
Monetary donations are highly appreciated and can be sent via PayPal: alvaronica@gmail.com
Basic school materials donations can be sent to:
Hacienda Merida
Apartado Postal #21
Departamento de Rivas, Moyogalpa, Isla de Ometepe
Nicaragua, Central America
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Si a La Vida Foundation
Si A La Vida is a non-profit foundation that works with street kids from Managua. The project began in 1996 and opperates from two locations. The first is in Managua and works as an initial rehabilitation center. After the kids graduate from the Managua facility, they can go to a longer-term center located on Isla de Ometepe, near Altagracia. Both centers work towards rehabilitating and returning the kids to their families. Spanish-speaking volunteers are needed year-round with a requested six month minimum. Both centers are in need of help, including construction, gardening, counseling, teaching, and organizing outings and events. Though volunteers are unpaid there has been much success in self-fundraising to cover volunteer expenses. Please visit www.asalv.org for more information.
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Centro Infantil Comunitario (CICO)
Cento Infantil Comunitario (CICO) – Even if you only have a few days on Isla de Ometepe there are still ways to help out in this community. By donating $1 and a few hours you can provide a substantial breakfast to the local school children of Mérida. Inquire at Hacienda Mérida to make arrangements.
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