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https://asfltierra.wordpress.com/ * [email protected] * +50586699455
Group LeaderVolunteer Information Form
This form is intended to assist Association Tierra and La Mariposa to better coordinate the group’s volunteer placement. This form is not binding, it’s just a way for us to obtain information and keep it together in one place. Please have the group leader fill out the information below, and we can always update this form if any changes need to be made!
Date: _________________
Name of each person in the group
M/F Passport Number of each person in the group
Emergency contact person and number for each person in the group
Dates/Duration of the group’s stay:
Spanish Proficiency
Name of each person in the group
Level of Spanish: Beginner__ Intermediate__ Advanced__ Fluent__
Please tell us where, when and for how long each person has studied Spanish before:
Volunteer Placement
mariposaspanishschool.com * [email protected] * +50525282006
https://asfltierra.wordpress.com/ * [email protected] * +50586699455How many weeks/months is the group interested in volunteering for?
Do you have a strong preference for either morning or afternoon Spanish classes? We require that everyone in the group take classes together in the morning or afternoon so that the trip runs smoothly.
What area of volunteer work is the group interested in? (Please list in order of 1 = most interested to 3 = least interested): ____ Primary school education (4) ____ La Reserva____ Community center with children ____ Cultural center____ Organic garden ____ Health clinic*____ Teach English and One off project ____ Women’s cooperative bakery ____ Los Pipitos for children with disabilities ____ Animal/Wildlife Maintenance____ Reforestation and eco-tourism
*Please see our webpages (https://asfltierra.wordpress.com/ or www.mariposaspanishschool.com ) for requirements
Please note that we cannot guarantee the availability of placements. We will try to accommodate your interests based on what is available at a given time. We generally group 3 or more people in each placement. Most placements generally take place in the mornings with classes scheduled in the afternoons. Also please see our webpages (https://asfltierra.wordpress.com/ or www.mariposaspanishschool.com) for more details on volunteer placements.
Please tell us any skills the group has that might help us accommodate your placement:
Dormitory: El Piscacho or La ReservaAre there vegetarians in the group or does someone have any other food allergies? Does the group each chicken and fish?
Would you like to share with us any medical condition that we need to be aware of so that we can accommodate the individual’s needs?
mariposaspanishschool.com * [email protected] * +50525282006
https://asfltierra.wordpress.com/ * [email protected] * +50586699455Is there anything else we should know (preferences or concerns) that would affect the group’s stay in the dormitories?
General Comments We want the volunteer placements to work well both from the group leader’s point of view and ours. To avoid problems arising as much as possible, please ensure each group member has read the volunteer and dormitory expectations (listed below) and agree with them. We will go through them with the group upon arrival.
Thank you for taking the time to read the information and fill out our volunteer form! We are looking forward to your arrival at Asociación Tierra and La Mariposa!
Volunteer ExpectationsVolunteer work here is a great opportunity to practice your Spanish and learn more about Nicaragua while working with adults, children, gardens and animals. On weekdays the will work four hours as a volunteer, usually in the morning, and receive four hours of Spanish classes as a student in the afternoon.
What the group can expect from us: Support on your first day getting to the group’s volunteer placement. Spanish classes,
and transportation to/from dormitories. Representatives from Asociacion Tierra and/or La Mariposa will all be receptive to the
group’s questions and/or concerns about volunteer placements. We ask that if the group has a question or concern about the volunteer placement, please tell Asocación Tierra and/or La Mariposa representative rather than anyone else.
We will explain the different projects to the group and we try to be flexible if the group wishes to change placement. We subsidize the projects to the extent we are financially able. If a group member sees the project needs something (eg: food, repairs), please come and talk to us and we will do what we can.
If you have further questions unanswered by the information given we will be happy to discuss the projects further with the group.
What we expect from you: For individuals or groups less than 7 people : Transportation to the project is each
person’s responsibility. Sometimes we can provide a lift but usually group members will either have to take a short walk or bus ride to your project. For groups more than 8 people: Transportation to the volunteer placement and return to Piscacho or La Mariposa will be provided.
mariposaspanishschool.com * [email protected] * +50525282006
https://asfltierra.wordpress.com/ * [email protected] * +50586699455 Volunteer assignments begin at 8:00am or earlier. We ask volunteers to be at their
placements at 8:00am. That means leaving the dormitory at 7:45am. Volunteers usually leave their placements at 11:30am to be able to be back for lunch at Piscacho or La Mariposa. Working in the afternoon projects means working from 1:00 pm until 4.30pm.
We ask volunteers to work at the same project for a minimum of one week. Volunteers switching around every day is difficult for both us and the placements. Getting to know the placement, and the other people who work there, is impossible if you only work for one day.
Above all, we expect an ability to reflect on how things work - or don't work - here in Nicaragua (the second poorest country in the Western hemisphere) and why that might be the case. At times this demands a degree of self-reflection as well as the easier task of observing and not judging Nicaraguans!
Please understand that plans often have to be changed in Nicaragua due to weather, school schedules, or unforeseen contingencies.
Please dress practically and appropriately for your volunteer assignment. While it is culturally taboo here in Nicaragua to touch or approach a strange female in any way, revealing shorts or tops will be regarded as a legitimate target for serious male attention. Nicaragua is a largely conservative Catholic country, so we do ask that group members be respectful of cultural norms while you are here.
San Juan de la Concepcion is a small community and, as in most small communities, there is a lot of gossip. Please be aware that the group’s behavior and the gossip it may give rise to affects the reputation of Asociacion Tierra and La Mariposa
Inappropriate sexual behavior at the volunteer placements or with workers affiliated with Asociacion Tierra and La Mariposa will result in the group member’s early departure. You must be able to discern between a genuine relationship and the type of casual sex which is inappropriate in the workplace.
Please note we reserve the right to terminate a volunteer assignment, and the group’s stay at the dormitories if group members break any verbal and written agreements between the visiting institution and Asociación Tierra/La Mariposa affiliates, for whatever reason.
Dormitory expectationsWhat the group can expect in the dormitories:For individuals and groups (7 people or less) staying in La Reserva:
Two bedrooms with 2 single beds or 1 double, a seating area, a dining area and a small kitchenette with fridge and hotplate. The attached bathroom consists of a shower and a separate latrine.
All facilities are built using renewable materials. We use solar powdered panels for electricity and hot water showers.
mariposaspanishschool.com * [email protected] * +50525282006
https://asfltierra.wordpress.com/ * [email protected] * +50586699455 We provide three freshly prepared vegetarian meals consisting of rice, beans, side
vegetable and juice. Guests have access to filtered water stations. 24 hour security guard. La Reserva is a 7 minute walk to La Mariposa and Asociación Tierra. We can provide transportation if arranged in advance.
For groups (8 – 21 people) staying at El Piscacho: Dormitory accommodation for 20 people furnished with bunk beds, individual lock boxes,
and cubby for personal items. A separate house for 3 chaperones. Communal dining area with large indoor and outdoor classrooms. All facilities are built using renewable materials. We use solar powdered panels for
electricity and hot water showers. We provide three freshly prepared vegetarian meals consisting of rice, beans, side
vegetable and juice. Guests have access to filtered water stations. 24 hour security guard and access to a local doctor who makes house calls ($20USD). We will provide transportation to and from Piscacho for lunch and Spanish classes.
What is expected of guests living in the dormitories? Please be conscious and respectful of shared spaces! Smoking should be done outside and please dispose of butts in ash trash. Please keep volume at a minimum after 9pm. Use of illegal drugs will result in the group’s early departure. Be aware that in Nicaragua
possession of even small amounts of marijuana is punishable by steep fines and or 30 years in jail.
The group leader should inform Asociación Tierra or La Mariposa representative if anyone in the group plans on returning to the dormitories later than usual, cannot make it to class or the volunteer site or eating out.
Please respect differences in religion and personal beliefs. It is normal that students get sick at some point due to the change in food and climate
but let us know if the group needs help. Groups are responsible for their own laundry. Students can use the large concrete sink
at La Mariposa or dormitories to hand wash their cloths or make an arrangement for La Mariposa domestic staff to wash the laundry (suggested 3 Córdoba/piece).
Please seriously consider what is appropriate clothing and behavior. While it is culturally taboo here in Nicaragua to touch or approach a strange female in
any way, revealing shorts or tops will be regarded as a legitimate target for serious male attention. Nicaragua is a largely conservative Catholic country, and one must be respectful of cultural norms while here. San Juan de la Concepcion is a small community and, as in most small communities, there is a lot of gossip. Please be aware that the
mariposaspanishschool.com * [email protected] * +50525282006
https://asfltierra.wordpress.com/ * [email protected] * +50586699455group’s behavior and the gossip it may give rise to affects the reputation of Asociación Tierra and La Mariposa.
Inappropriate sexual behavior at the dormitories or with Asociación Tierra and La Mariposa staff will result in the group’s early departure. Please be able to discern between a genuine relationship and the type of casual sex which is inappropriate in the workplace.
Please note we reserve the right to terminate the group’s agreement if individuals break any verbal and written agreements between the visiting institution and Asociación Tierra affiliates, for whatever reason. If the event of serious problems please come and talk to Paulette Goudge, owner and president of Asociación Tierra and La Mariposa Spanish School.
General Schedule of the Day:Morning Placement7:00 am: BreakfastTypical desayuno: cereal, fruit, choice of tea or coffee, toast and one hot side
For individuals and groups (7 people or less) staying in La Reserva: walk to La Mariposa
For groups (8 – 21 people) staying at El Piscacho: eat at Piscacho
7:30 am: Leave for volunteer project For individuals and groups (7 people or less) staying in La Reserva: meet and leave from La Mariposa. On the first day a representative from Asociacion Tierra or La Mariposa will drop the group off using public transporation. After the first day group members are expected to get to the volunteer placement by 8am on their own account. Please remember how to get back because we only drop you off once.
For groups (8 – 21 people) staying at El Piscacho: meet and leave from El Piscacho. A representative from Asociacion Tierra or La Mariposa will drop you off in our van. Please remember how to get back because we only drop you off once.
8:00am – 11:30am: Begin Volunteer Work
11:30am: Return back for lunchFor individuals and groups (7 people or less) staying in La Reserva: The group is responsible for returning on their own account on public transporation to La Mariposa for a vegetarian lunch.
mariposaspanishschool.com * [email protected] * +50525282006
https://asfltierra.wordpress.com/ * [email protected] * +50586699455For groups (8 – 21 people) staying at El Piscacho: The group is responsible for returning on their own account to the designated meeting area where Asociacion Tierra or La Mariposa representative will pick you up and drop you off at Piscacho for a vegetarian lunch.
12:00pm (noon) – 1:00pm: Lunch time - Get your greens! …and rice and beans of course. Lunches usually consist of salad, rice, beans and a main dish.
1:00pm – 3:00pm: Spanish class at La Mariposa or Piscacho (grammar or conversation)
2:50pm – 3:10pm: Break-time - coffee or juice
3:10pm – 5:00pm: Spanish class at La Mariposa or Piscacho (either grammar or conversation)
After 5:00pm: Dinner and free timeFor individuals and groups (7 people or less) staying in La Reserva: meet and eat at La Mariposa. Tell an Asociación Tierra or La Mariposa representative if the group will be late or does not want dinner. For personal safety reasons, the group should return to La Reserva before 7:30pm because there is no public transportation and the streets become empty (most Nicaraguan go to bed early). Transportation to La Reserva can be arranged in advance.
For groups (8 – 21 people) staying at El Piscacho: meet and eat at El Piscacho. We will provide transportation to El Piscacho after the afternoon Spanish class from the designated pick up site. Tell an Asociacion Tierra or La Mariposa representative if the will be late or does not want dinner. For personal safety reasons, the group should return home before 7:30pm because there is no transportation and the streets become empty (most Nicaraguan go to bed early).
Note: *All scheduled times are “más o menos” or “more or less” times. They may vary depending on your specific volunteer placement and under unforeseeable circumstances or logistical difficulties we ask you to be flexible. What’s important is that we see you are working as hard as possible and being responsible.
**For volunteers with afternoon placements, the program is essentially the same, just reverse the morning (8am – 12pm) with the afternoon (1pm – 5pm) on the schedule above.
***Please discuss any problems within volunteer placement or dormitory with Asociacion Tierra or La Mariposa representative.
mariposaspanishschool.com * [email protected] * +50525282006
