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Rancho Esperanza is a small scale, hands on project; we
rely on the contribution of resources and time from volunteers to carry out
not only the community work but also the ongoing development of the property
in accordance with environmentally sound principles.
Volunteering here is like being part of a family and we will
expect you to help out with some light chores as well as working on your own
project. But we appreciate that our
volunteers are often using their hard earned holiday time to help us so we
will make sure you have the opportunity to relax and have fun. We promise it won’t be all work and no
play.
We are happy to take individual volunteers and delighted
when people want to come down as a ready formed work group. Minimum times are specified but if you want a longer
placement that’s great. We also have 2 extended placements at a
more managerial level, details of these appear at the end.
UPDATE: Jan. 2008, looking for carpenters/builders for the next two months
We are looking for carpenters/builders to help us for the next two months. Tables, book shelves, benches, and more are needed ASAP. If anyone can assist us they will receive a housing discount.
Short to Long Term Volunteers
Working with children between 3 and 12 years old
Commitment, energy and innovation are all required to keep
the Kid’s Club and Pre-School activities fresh and fun. If you have intermediate to advanced
Spanish, demonstrable experience of working with children and can commit to a
stay of at least 4 weeks we would love to hear from you. If you are a trained educator so much the
better, but it’s not essential.
Installing a water pump and tank feed water
system / Grey Water Recycling for Irrigation
We love our well and it keeps us fit, but we’d much rather spend that time on
working in the community than hauling buckets. We have a water tank, what we have been lacking is someone with
the know-how to get the right set up for pumping water to the tank. Think you may be able to help? Also, at the moment our grey water
(kitchen and shower) goes to trees on the property. But as their root system gets deeper and our organic garden
gets going there’s an obvious shift in priorities for irrigation!
Getting the right parts and materials can take a little
while out here, so we’re looking for someone who can come for two weeks to be
sure the job is done and all is running smoothly. If you can speak Spanish that’s great, but not essential for
this one.
Expansion and development of the organic vegetable gardening
We have the compost, we have the space, we even have
willing hands… but some more green fingers would be great. If you’re an expert on what grows well
where, and have some good container ideas to get us above the wet season
puddles you could really make a valuable contribution here. To make sure there is time to do the job
well, we’d ideally like someone to come for a minimum of 2 weeks. Spanish language skills are always
appreciated here and would allow you to work more independently, but are not
essential.
Creative arts
The Rancho and the wider property is a true multi-purpose
space serving children, travelers and of course the volunteer family. Creating an inspiring environment that
fits with the natural beauty of Jiquilillo is important to us. No one said the simple life was ugly or
plain! If you’re a carpenter who can
incorporate natural materials like drift wood with functional design, or an
artist who can mural, mosaic or sculpt, let our space be your workshop. Spanish
skills not required but it would be great if you could stay for 2 weeks.
If you have an idea that isn’t listed but that you think
would benefit Jiquilillo or Rancho life, and that you are equipped to make
happen, do e-mail us with your idea.
Costs
We operate by a system of self funded placements, many volunteers
fundraise this money before they come.
A part of the money will cover your living costs (accommodation, food
and drinking water), the rest will go to buying the materials and resources
for your project. The contribution we
ask for on a funded placement is, as of July 2006, US$95 per week. We ask that 30% of this amount is to be sent
as a deposit before you arrive to confirm your placement.
The cost of living here is cheap and you will require very
little more money during your stay at the Rancho. All the following cost US$1 or less: a beer, a bus ride into
town, an hour’s access in town, a 15 minute internet call to the US.
Extended Placements
There’s always a bit of a balancing act in keeping the
community development work and the Rancho running smoothly. At the moment only Nate, the instigator
and owner of the Rancho, has the language and skills to manage all sides of
the work. If you are looking for a
real life style change and challenge, have good Spanish and can commit 6 months or more we may have the
opportunity of a life time for you.
We’d love someone to come and help long term in one of the following
ways:
Community Work Co-ordinator
In this role you would be managing volunteers, planning
schedules, liaising with the community and developing new projects. You’ll need to be a real people person who
can build productive working relationships with people from all sorts of
backgrounds and age groups. As the interface between the Rancho and the
community this role will give you a real opportunity to become part of
village life – expect to make some firm friends in Jiquilillo. Experience in community development with
knowledge of either children’s work or health promotion is required, as well
as intermediate to advanced Spanish.
Facilities and Logistics Co-ordinator
Looking after the buildings and property, buying food in
the city, dealing with beverage supplies, sourcing materials and skilled
labor and supervising the cook and night watchman would all fall into this
role. You’ll need to do all this
within our environmentally friendly ideology. Inevitably trips to town and building up a network of contacts
would be required, so this role presents a great opportunity to really
integrate to Nicaraguan life and get out and about. Being able to adjust your expectations of working practices to
a new culture, patience and a great sense of humor will be needed as well as good
Spanish.
These are unsalaried volunteer roles, but we will do all
we can to minimize any cost to you in undertaking a long term placement,
including providing free accommodation.
Packages will be discussed with serious applicants individually.
How to Apply
In the first instance, please e-mail is outlining the
following information:
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How you meet the requirements for the placement in
terms of skills, knowledge and language abilities
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When you would like to come and for how long
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Whether you will come as an individual or a group
Turtle Protection Workers
The local environmental group SELVA uses volunteers to
assist at their turtle egg hatchery between the months of September and
November. We have links with this
group and may be able to help you set up a placement. E-mail us if you are interested.
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