Description

La Barrio Planta Project is now recruiting volunteers for the 2012 English and Creative Arts Program.

Volunteer Opportunities:

BPP volunteers play a key role in our project's English, Culture and Arts Program and can engage in a variety of activities with the children. Volunteers support BPP with access to innovative educational philosophies, varied cultural perspectives, useful technologies, financial and material resources, and more. Our staff is inspired and motivated by each volunteer.

Volunteer placements will be determined prior to arrival based on project need and individual qualifications. The BPP Volunteer Coordinator and volunteer will work together to come up with a clear work plan and schedule, which will provide volunteers with clear goals and expectations for their contribution. Long term internships are also available for interested volunteers.

Highlights

BPP English Program:
- Preschool:
Volunteer sample activities: singing songs, and playing games to introduce the children to the sounds of the English language
- School-Age ESL (ages 8-18)
Volunteer sample activities: Lesson planning with the TEFL teacher, then leading a variety of classroom activities.
**Minimum 4 week time commitment
- Adult
Volunteer sample activities: Conversation exchange, classroom assistant
- Escuelita:
Volunteer sample activities: Providing one on one homework help as a means of academic reinforcement for those students having difficulty in their regular classes at school.

BPP Arts & Culture Program:

- Latin American & Nicaraguan folklore Dance:
Volunteer sample Activities: Volunteers experienced in Latin American dance can help co-lead classes, while those experienced in other types of dance can lead warm ups and help coach techniques.

- Visual Arts:
Volunteer sample Activities: Drawing, painting, handicrafts, mixed media. Basic theories and histories will also be introduced.

Qualifications

Requirements:
- Minimum time commitment: 2-5 weeks
**Long-term volunteer stays and internships are also possible.
- Entry level Spanish
**Escuelita requires Intermediate level of Spanish

Intern Types

• Art/Fine Arts
• English as a Second Language
• Music
• Theater, Drama, Dance

Type of Programs

• Community Service / Volunteerism
• Cultural Exploration
• Student Tours

Languages

• English
• Spanish

Cost in US$:

We offer a variety of Group/Individual Packages.

Cost Includes:

• Pre-departure orientation/Training
• Registration fees
• Travel while in host country
• Written materials pre-departure

Program Fees Include:

All prices include:
- Airport pick-up
- On-site support and advising from BPP Volunteer Coordinator and teaching staff
- Orientation and city tour
- A donation to the Barrio la Planta Project to help us procure supplies, materials, purified water and to provide education and equipment to our students.
- Weekend and after-program travel assistance
- Assistance in designing programs, developing projects, making necessary contacts, and acquiring needed supplies/materials.

**A 50 USD one-time application fee will be credited towards total volunteer costs.

Experience Required

yes

None, but for the Escuelita Program, an intermediate level of Spanish proficiency is preferred.

Volunteer Types

Age Range

Preschool-Adult

This Program is open to

American, Asian, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals.

Typical Living Arrangements

• Group living
• Guest House
• Home-stays
• Independent living

Participants Travel

Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work

Independently or in Groups

Application Process Involves

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Typically The Application Process Time is

2-3 Weeks

The Barrio Planta Project's Mission Statement

The Barrio Planta Project is a community development, education and arts initiative that provides the children and adults from the low-income neighborhood, "La Planta" in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua with free English classes. Through these classes, along with extra-curricular activities and community development projects, they are able to discover their skills, passions, confidence and pride for an overall more fulfilling, successful and rewarding life.

Year Founded

2009