Learn Spanish and assist community projects in Esteli, Nicaragua

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Program Overview
Life on the Program
Program Details
Volunteer Testimonials

Program Overview

Gain a unique perspective into rural Nicaraguan life by teaching basic Spanish to children in remote communities.

While participating on this program you will focus on teaching basic subjects to children from 4-years and up. Your personal and financial support to this program will enable children in this region to access education – something they would otherwise go without.

GVI collaborates with our in-country partner, Phoenix to run this program. Phoenix has been operating community development initiatives in Nicaragua since 2009, and has already been recognized from the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education as an official provider for community pre-schools. In addition to this, they have been given permission to run reinforcement classes from Grades 1-6.

Life on the Program

The time you spend on the program will be split between your base town of Estelí and the rural communities of either La Thompson or Chiriza from Monday-Friday. Your Spanish level will be assessed upon arrival to determine your placement on the program whether that be assisting more experienced volunteers or GVI Staff, or leading your own class.

This program is extremely rewarding although it is important to remember that you will be expected to plan effectively for your lessons to ensure entertaining and engaging classes for your children. You will also have the opportunity to run adult literacy classes several days a week to provide a bit more community involvement.

Provided accommodation is with a local family in Estelí, where you will have comfortable and basic amenities. This aspect of the program is the favorite of many volunteers, as this provides you with the experience for a truly cultural immersion and the prime environment to practice your Spanish!

Program Details

This program aims to address the significant lack of teachers and resources that exists in the local communities, which prevents the children from accessing sufficient education. In establishing a structured school curriculum and an adult literacy program our partners work with the community as a whole to ensure education is enjoyed by everyone.

The reliance on agriculture in the communities depends greatly on varying climates, which means irregular harvests leading to economic constraints. Because of this, the priority to invest in education for both children and adults is seen as a very low priority.

Phoenix bases its programs off of a 25-year cycle whereby the youngest child attending school will eventually grow to earn an education that will afford them a brighter future with advanced career opportunities. They can then pass this on to their children, establishing a system of sustainable growth and development.

Volunteer Testimonials

Ashley Kosier, USA

On my first day walking up to the school at Chiriza, we were greeted halfway up the hill by about 30 students, who’d run down to meet us. I was amazed that the children were so eager for us to arrive and start school. There was no difference when we actually reached the school—all 180 kids were ready and waiting for the day to begin, excited to sing and clamoured for pencils, notebooks and attention. I was slightly overwhelmed by their energy; it’s definitely not the same in the States: here kids treat going to school as if it’s a chore, while in Chiriza it was a privilege. I was forever changed at the end of that day. I knew I wouldn’t be able to leave after only two weeks and knew it would be difficult to leave the school, the people and Nicaragua when I did have to return New York.

It was great to be involved directly in the local culture and the buzz you get from working with children that want to learn is unbelievable. Also what I did not expect but found amazing was the...

Tyrone Bennett, United Kingdom

It was great to be involved directly in the local culture and the buzz you get from working with children that want to learn is unbelievable. Also what I did not expect but found amazing was the relationship I built with all the other volunteers and since being back we have already had a UK reunion and speak on a regular basis which is great.