Nicaragua

This years Summer Youth Program in Nicaragua is a School Improvement Project working with Los Pipitos. Los Pipitos is a school dedicated to providing education and life skills training to children with physical and mental disabilities. Los Pipitos is actively involved in implementing policies and community programming to provide specialized care for children with disabilities. It is their goal to improve the rights and protect the dignity of their children, and work towards their full participation in society.

Los Popitos is dependent on fundraising and donations to operate, and as such have little to no budget for infrastructure improvements. The goal of this years project is to complete a makeover of the school, refinishing at least 4 of it's 8 classrooms, creating a brighter, more stimulating and effective learning environment. Beyond classroom improvements, we will also look to improve upon the yard environment, as well as assist with the repair and restoration of the schools furniture.

In addition to physical improvements at the school the group will also work one on one with the students, assisting them with arts and crafts projects that will later be sold at the market as a fundraiser.

No previous building experience is necessary, just a desire to help and a willingness to work.

Project Dates
July 9 - 23, 2010

Price: $1575

Accommodation
Volunteers will be staying at our BaseCamp Center, located in Jinotepe, Nicaragua. BaseCamp is located in the colorful colonial city of Jinotepe, located approximately 45 minutes from the capital Managua. The center is just three short blocks from central park, and close to anything you may need.

BaseCamp Nicaragua is a large, beautiful colonial house, with a capacity to host up to 28 guests in both dormitory and private accommodation. There are 2 large common areas on the main floor, with movies, books and games available to our guests. The hostel also boasts a large beautiful courtyard garden, providing colour and light to the inside of the house, and creating an ideal setting for some quiet relaxation. The second floor sitting area, complete with hammock, provides for a beautiful view of the courtyard below. Wireless internet access is available throughout the house, making it easy to stay in touch with friends and family back home.

Meals
Meals are prepared and served at BaseCamp. The menu consists of local dishes, and can be modified to make accommodations for any allergy or food restrictions(with advance notice). Breakfast generally consists of tea or coffee, gallo pinto, cereal, toast and eggs. Nicaraguans usually eat their big meal, Almuerzo, at around noon. As the group will be at their placement working during this time, volunteers will have a packed lunch during the day and will be served  dinner when they arrive back at BaseCamp at night.

Transportation
Los Pipitos is located approximately 2 miles from BaseCamp. Volunteers will be using local transport each day to and from the project site, accompanied by a BaseCamp Staff.

Transportation to/from San Juan del Sur for the final weekend trip will also be via public transport, with BaseCamp staff accompaniment.

Final Weekend
At the end of the week of project work the group will travel to San Juan del Sur for their final weekend. Snorkeling, surfing, sport fishing and other water sports are available for those looking for adventure. Sun, sand and a hammock more your speed? San Juan del Sur is considered by many to be one of Central America's most beautiful beaches, and the ideal setting for some rest and relaxation.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY