Overview
Short-Term Volunteer Community Building Projects in Nicaragua

Volunteers who join this programme have the unique opportunity to be immersed in one of several rural communities situated near Estelí, Nicaragua, Central America. Whilst experiencing a new culture, volunteers will assist the building of energy efficient stoves that are designed for cleaner air and less wood consumption, and help on other community based projects.

Included in your fee is the funding needed to successfully complete whichever project you choose to do within the week. The programme is designed to enable you to have funded, worked on and completed each individual project all aimed to improve the standard of living for underprivileged families.

View Film Footage, images, blogs, stories from the field, video diaries and more at the programs media centre

From carrying each brick across the hillside to fitting the last piece of chimney, this past week has to be one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

Rufus Langsley, GVI Volunteer

What Difference Does This Project Make?

The stoves bring economical, environmental and medical benefits to the communities of Nicaragua. The families that have stoves only have to collect or buy up to a third of the firewood they used to and spend less on medicines for chronic lung illnesses, benefiting them economically. Environmentally, the deforestation of trees is essentially reduced by two-thirds per family. And medically, with no smoke inhalation due to the chimney, the health of the families is greatly improved. Alongside other community construction projects aimed to improve hygiene levels and standards of living, this project can really work hand-in-hand with the communities for a better life for the adults and children.

Highlights

Working side-by-side with local rural families; starting and finishing each chosen project, funded by you, within one week; having one-on-one Spanish classes; going on an exciting adventure trip for half a day in the surrounding areas; and being based in beautiful, thriving city of Estelí.

Location

Estelí, also known as ‘El Diamante de las Segovias’ (the Diamond of the Segovias), is situated 150km north of Managua and offers its visitors a genuine Central American ambience. The city is surrounded by mountains and valleys dotted with small agricultural communities in which the project work will be undertaken, all within 10-15 kms from Estelí.

Field Conditions

Living with local families in Estelí in comfortable but basic accommodation gives you an enriched cultural experience and provides the valuable opportunity to practice your Spanish! All accommodation provided is private, has washing facilities and includes three meals a day; packed lunches will be provided when working in the communities.