Want to volunteer in Nicaragua but not sure where to start? Are you looking for a small organization that works directly with the local population but that also fits your own personal interests? Let me guess… you can’t seem to find your perfect match on the internet. A lot of times these small organizations don’t have websites and the only way to find them is to walk through town looking. But many of us don’t want to take the chance of coming all the way down here without a concrete plan. If this sounds like you, here is one option:
Through my own work here at Hogar Luceros del Amanecer, I have come in contact with ATRAVES, a Nicaraguan nonprofit based in Managua, whose mission is to “support a community of small Nicaraguan organizations that are carrying out creative, locally autonomous approaches to development, education, health and justice.” The organization works to connect the individual needs and interests of potential volunteers with locally established organizations. They will take the time to learn about what you would like to get out of your volunteer experience and what skills you can offer based on your time frame, the type of project you may be interested in, the environment in which you’d like to work and your level of Spanish proficiency. They currently work with approximately 25 different projects in 14 communities across the country and they are continually reaching out to more. Here are just a few examples:
Distributing tomato seedlings to local families. Photo courtesy of ATRAVES.
- In partnership with Engineers Without Borders, ATRAVES is constructing Casa de Salud, a brand new health clinic on the outskirts of Managua.
- Working to promote the work of a local Artisan Cooperative, Cooperativa Artesanos Unidos San Juan de Oriente (UNIARTE), ATRAVES helps the organization to acquire the resources (including volunteers!) for long term success.
- ATRAVES designates May as Annual Health Month. Working with local schools and doctors, they organize a variety of activities to promote health, nutrition and hygiene to benefit some of the more marginalized neighborhoods of Managua.
If long-term volunteering is not what you’re looking for, they are also currently working to organize two 10-day service learning trips in January. To learn more about the Artesania culture and how it intersects with the economy, check out their Artesania and Fair Trade service trip. For more on the history and the natural landscapes of Nicaragua, have a look at the up and coming Lakes and Volcanoes tour. Both trips will include opportunities for both volunteering and relaxation.
If this sounds like something you are interested in, you can find more information about ATRAVES on their website, their Facebook page, or their Idealist page. If you would like to talk with an individual to set up an online meeting, contact Lauren, the Volunteer Coordinator at lauren@atraves.org. Good luck and happy hunting!
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