Save the Children Global Service Trip, Nicaragua, August 4-10, 2013

Save the Children invites you to participate in one of our signature global service trips to La Dalia, Nicaragua. Volunteer to help children in need while learning about the challenges they face. Let’s make a difference together.

Why Volunteer In Nicaragua?
The “land of lakes and volcanoes” is an exotic mix of rainforests, lagoons, hidden beaches and quaint colonial towns. Despite its status as an emerging tropical paradise, almost half the population still lives in extreme poverty, including 72% of children. With an average of two years of education, most of these children never learn reading and math. This results in a third of Nicaragua’s population being illiterate and 80% living on less than $2 a day.

Limited income and education also contribute to Nicaragua’s high rates of malnutrition and infant mortality. In turn, this lack of healthy foods negatively affects a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school, creating an ongoing cycle. Other risks to Nicaragua’s children and youth are substandard health care, teenage pregnancy and early marriages, child trafficking and sexual exploitation, gang involvement and HIV/AIDS.
Join us to improve the lives of children in Nicaragua. Help us deliver educational programs to inspire boys and girls. Interact with kids who rarely meet foreigners. Spark their curiosity with cultural exchange and encourage them to learn and grow. You’ll soon see how little it takes to make a difference in the life of a child.

What Does A Volunteer Do?
During a seven day visit, you’ll work directly with boys and girls in need to make a difference in their lives.
Accommodation for this trip is at an eco-lodge brimming with jungle life and adventure. Lead local students in a discovery of the rain forest introducing them to science, conservation and the resources it provides. Together, you’ll learn about environmental and sanitation issues that affect health.

At school, you’ll buddy up with kids to help them stay healthy and strong. Using songs, skits and drama, you’ll work with students to produce a school health fair showing the importance of hand washing, teeth brushing and healthy eating. After, you’ll work together to improve the school and clean up the grounds.
Through meetings with parents, community members and staff, you’ll understand the impact of these programs and how to help long-term. You’ll also enjoy cultural and recreational activities.

What’s On The Itinerary?
Aug 4, Sunday Arrival. Travel to La Dalia. Welcome dinner and orientation.
Aug 5, Monday Community tour and school visit. Lead classroom activities and
games. Lunch with mayor, school staff and ministry of education.
Aug 6, Tuesday Teach personal hygiene and interact with youth in vocational training program. Lunch with Save the Children staff. Evening cultural activity.
Aug 7, Wednesday Plan health fair and teach science class. Participate in school clean-up.
Lunch at coffee plantation. Market visit.
Aug 8, Thursday Field trip to eco-lodge with selected students. Learn about the rainforest. Lunch with students at lodge.
Aug 9, Friday Present school health fair. Farewell event, travel back to Managua.
Aug 10, Saturday Depart for home

How Much Does It Cost?
Trip Fee per person: $1,450
Fundraising Goal: $1,500

Save the Children asks you to raise funds to help support the kids and programs you visit. Your
efforts will help deliver bright and healthy futures to children in La Dalia and across the country.
Fundraising goals should be met prior to departure and are tax-deductible.
The trip fee includes six nights, shared accommodation, meals, ground transportation, project supplies and materials, staff support and background checks*.

The fee does not include airfare, travel insurance, visa or passport services.

Ready To Volunteer?
To register, contact Lynn Spreadbury at 203-221-4014 or lspreadbury@savechildren.org.

*Save the Children’s Child Protection Policy requires all participants to pass a criminal records check upon registration.
Save the Children reserves the right to change the date, location and itinerary of any trip, without notice, due to civil,
administrative or weather related conditions.