Overview
Long Term Volunteer Teaching Positions in Nicaragua

Volunteers joining this project will live in Esteli, an old Sandinista stronghold 150km north of Managua in the Segovia Mountains, which is surrounded by beautiful valleys and waterfalls. From here volunteers travel to rural communities to teach the local children and adults a range of subjects – but with the majority of the focus on literacy and numeracy. Long-term placements provide the schools with much needed continuity and this greatly helps the students' development. GVI, along with leaders of the communities, have built and started a school in La Thompson and are funding and developing education programs and ‘aulas abiertas’ (open classes) to assist children and adults who otherwise may not have the opportunity for any formal education or who need reinforcement.

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GVI's project in Nicaragua is still so young, and being here for a long stretch makes me feel part of the whole process!

Caroline Thundering, GVI Volunteer, 2009

What Difference Does This Project Make?

In rural Nicaragua, education and literacy levels are still depressingly low, despite having a ‘Year of Literacy’ in 1980 when the FSLN (Frente Sandinista de Liberación Nacional) government concentrated on tackling the country’s high levels of illiteracy. In the rural communities we aim to help around Estelí, the present day problems with education are due to economic constraints and a lack of teaching materials and teachers themselves. The large majority of families rely on agriculture, and with the country’s changeable climate and erratic harvests, poverty levels are extremely high. There is a huge need for help within these communities where the local understaffed schools are sometimes an hour’s walk from the children homes.

Highlights

Working in the heart of a Nicaraguan community; teaching children and adults; living with a host family; learning Spanish (optional); and exploring the local region by enjoying hikes, horse treks and visits to nature reserves.

Location

Estelí, also known as ‘El Diamante de las Segovias’ (the Diamond of the Segovias) is situated 150km North of Managua, surrounded by mountains and valleys dotted with small agricultural communities. It is within these communities that the project work will be undertaken, all within 10-15km from Estelí.

Field Conditions

Living with local families in Estelí in comfortable but basic accommodation gives volunteers an enriched cultural experience and provides them with the valuable opportunity to practice their 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.