On the slopes of Mombacho volcano there are nine farming cooperatives, made up by local farmers (campesinos). The cooperatives are ground based organizations with well experienced traditional working techniques. Campesinos are struggling to keep both, subsistence agriculture and sustainable development, in this vast natural reservation area. The organization structure at cooperatives is horizontal, with democracy and transparency pointed as their core values.
The cooperatives are interested in having volunteers for several reasons including:
- Sharing experience and working techniques
- Sharing ways of living and cultural aspects
- Sharing time for fun and exploration of the area
- Increasing visibility, nationally and internationally, on problems with the preservation of the natural resources and on community survival
- Getting actual inputs on activities to strengthen the path to development
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Where will I be volunteering?
You will be volunteering on the southern edge of Granada. There is a massive volcano located here, Mombacho, with a height of 1345 meters, it is very noticeable in this lowland area. This extinct volcano is covered with unique vegetation, which traps the moisture that fertilizes the lake. The area presents a huge crater open to the south in addition to two other small craters and deep in its western summit, clouds and inaccessible forests.
Project Testimonial: Jessie Etheridge, USA
I volunteered with two totally different jobs. Both were incredible and life changing experiences that I will never forget. uVolunteer make my time volunteering extremely enjoyable and easy going. Read My Full Testimonial »
What will I be doing?
As a volunteer you will help with the cooperatives needs. This involves helping the campesino kids with their homework and helping out at the farm. It is common that both parents work on the land and their children get little or no help with homework. Sometimes the parents are illiterate, and can't help with school homework.
When helping kids, you can share skills like:
- singing
- drawing
- playing sports
- musical instruments
You will also be helping at the farm with survival tasks such as:
- farming
- milking cows
- feeding and caring for animals
- planting trees
What is required to volunteer on this project?
- Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish
However, you can still join this project if your Spanish does not meet the requirements, by taking our Spanish language course. - Must be 18 years or older.
What will my schedule be like?
uVolunteer believes that you should have a well balanced work and play schedule. This means you will only be required to work 4 days per week (Monday to Thursday) for a maximum of 6 hours per day. For the remainder of your time, you will be free to enjoy the vacationing aspects of your trip.
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Will I be able to communicate with family and friends?
Internet cafes give volunteers the opportunity to communicate with friends and family members. You will also be provided a local phone card for emergencies. You can also purchase international phone cards once you arrive in Nicaragua.
Project Testimonial: Jeff Judkins, USA
The main thing that made this experience great though was the people. My host family and the rest of the people in the community are incredible inclusive, sharing, caring and willing to share their local culture and learn about yours. Read My Full Testimonial »
What can I do in my free time?
uVolunteer anticipates and encourages your desire for travel and adventure. Your time away from volunteering is open for you to decide your activities. You may decide to take advantage of the local culture and spend time within the community over the weekend. Otherwise, there is ample opportunity to explore Nicaragua and all it has to offer.
Great weekend trips include:
- Visit historical monuments in the colonial city of Granada
- Set up an excursion to visit one of the many factories that produce cigars, sweets and traditional golosinas
- Visit museums, local exhibitions or music venues
- Hike up volcano Mombacho
- Schedule a bike tour
- Program Name: Volunteer Nicaragua
- Project Name: Volunteer in Rural Sustainable Development in Nicaragua
- Project Category: Conservation
- Project Location: Granada
- Program Fee: A 2 week experience starts from $850; add $120 for each additional week
- Program fees include:
- Airport Pickup Service
- Welcome Orientation and debriefing
- A volunteer project
- Accommodation
- Meals
- Program Activities
- In-country coordination support
- 24/7 emergency hot line
- Letter of Recommendation
- Certificate
- Items not included: Flights, travel insurance, vaccinations, visa costs, personal expenses, and any other expense not listed above.
- Project Transport Arrangements: Transportation will vary based on the respective locations of the home stay family
- Suggested transportation budget: Approximately $40 per week (does not include weekend travel expenses)
- Working Schedule: 4-5 days per week; 4-7 hours per day (Minimum of 20 hours per week) EMPTY
- Language Requirement: Intermediate Spanish
- Accommodation Type: Home Stay - Dorm
- Meals: 3 Meals Daily
- Start dates: Fortnightly, on Fridays
- Volunteer Gender: Male & Female
- Minimum age: 18
- Minimum project length: 2 Weeks
- Maximum project length: 26 Weeks
- Maximum number of volunteers: 4
- Resume or CV required: No
Send me this project's full information packet
