Community Service/Spanish Classes Program (example)
Day 1 – Arrival at the Mariposa Study Centre and settle in
Day 2 – Introduction to the Mariposa Study Centre (eco building and reforestation), visit the Mariposa organic farm, visit some of the Mariposa community projects (the primary school projects, the community gardens, the community centre).
Day 3 – AM lecture, film and discussion on history and current day situation in Nicaragua. PM trip to the Laguna de Apoyo (crater lake, good for swimming)
Day 4 to Day 9 – AM Volunteer work (on any of our community projects), PM Spanish classes
Day 10 – Visit to the Masaya Volcano (live volcano)
Day 11 – Visit to a coffee plantation and help with the harvest (Nov till Jan only)
Day 12 – Depart
Evening Program
Film and discussion on food production in Nicaragua, film and discussion on migration, cultural evening (music and dance)
Education on Sustainability and Community Program/Spanish Classes (example)
Day 1 – Arrival at the Mariposa Study Centre and settle in
Morning Program
Days 2 to 12 (except Sundays) – AM Spanish classes from 8.00am to 12.00pm with 20 minute break
Afternoon Program
Day 2 – Overview of the history of Nicaragua and current situation
Day 3 – Visit to Managua, meet with banana workers affected by Nemagon, discussion with them of their history
Day 4 (Sunday) – Day trip to the Laguna de Apoyo (swimming, relaxing, lunch there)
Day 5 – Walk through the local community of La Concha – discussion of religion, culture and local issues such as education and water supply
Day 6 – Introduction to the political situation in Nicaragua, discussion with the Mayor of La Concha
Day 7 – Traditional dance and music – presentation and class in folkloric dancing
Day 8 – Visit the Pueblos Blancos (including the birthplace of Sandino, wooden and bamboo furniture making workshops etc) history and culture
Day 9 – Visit the Mariposa projects to see local problems and solutions (the primary school projects, the community gardens, the community centre, reforestation projects and water projects)
Day 10 – Visit to Masaya, discussion of history and culture (museum, artisan workers, also shopping opportunities)
Day 11 – Visit to Dona Aura, a local natural healer to see her garden and discuss her healing methods
Day 12 – Hike through local countryside, reflect on rural issues
Day 13 – Departure
Evening Program
Can include films, discussions and reflection sessions to consolidate the day’s learning.
