Volunteering and Giving a Helping Hand
It has become a popular place to volunteer but for the serious volunteers
Granada
As I mentioned, volunteering or helping others can come in different ways. We can assist a cause in different ways, such as being a thoughtful consumer, giving a donation, fundraising, doing work to help a business with its cause, giving time to a social media site with a cause, building homes for the needy, etc. (See more in the volunteer section of this site.)
In Granada, you can help the non-profit “Cafe de las Sonrisas” (Smiles Cafe) with its mission just by eating at their cafe or buying the products they sell. You can savor dishes made by the hearing-impaired staff and other people with disabilities.
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Discover an added perk of visiting this place – the chance to delve into the world of sign language! You’ll be delighted to find a captivating poster adorning the wall, guiding customers in learning this beautiful language and encouraging communication with the friendly staff.
My experience ordering food at their restaurant was fun and educational. was handed a menu, I pointed out a letter, and, bingo, I had my breakfast and it was delicious! It was even better knowing that my breakfast helped the organization. As someone who has experienced the employment issues of Latin America, it is of utmost importance to include folks with other abilities from all walks of life.
VolunCheers to its founder Antonio Prieto Buñuel!
Wonderful goods sold at the store from native hammocks, bags, scarfs, ponchos, jewelry, best, beautiful!!
The Centro is dedicated to fostering social independence and self-sufficiency by providing support to individuals facing social issues and disabilities. At their workshop located in the social center, the staff is trained in creating unique hammocks, hanging chairs, and various other crafts. These exquisite hammocks have gained global recognition for their exceptional quality and beauty. In addition to offering valuable skills, employment, and income to the staff, the center also plays a crucial role in supporting the social activities of Tio Antonio.
Amazing products created by talented folks to benefit all! KUDOS!!
Lending a Helping Hand in San Juan del Sur: Work
San Juan del Sur is a renowned tourist hotspot that attracts a significant number of expatriates. This community of expats has taken the initiative to establish various volunteer ventures and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). With an array of options available, you have the opportunity to volunteer or donate to causes that resonate with you the most. However, it is crucial to conduct thorough research before contributing financially to ensure that your generosity reaches those who truly need it and is not misappropriated. For a more direct and impactful approach, I highly recommend personally delivering your contributions to the individuals or groups you wish to support. By doing so, you can make a tangible difference in their lives and experience the fulfillment of assisting others firsthand.
Employment in Nicaragua has been worsening due to the increasing political unrest, especially since the events of April 2018. The political situation has had a devastating impact on the tourism industry, which in turn has affected various sectors such as food and staffing. Additionally, certain business decisions have posed significant challenges for the workforce and dealt a severe blow to both formal and informal employment.
Every morning, as the sun began to rise, I would stroll along the sandy shores of San Juan del Sur. It was my ritual, my way of connecting with the tranquil beauty of the ocean. During these peaceful walks, I would often come across a man with a large bucket, diligently scouring the sand for treasures. His focus was unwavering as he held a line with a hook, patiently waiting for a fish or perhaps a shellfish to take the bait. Intrigued by his determination, I finally mustered the courage to approach him one day and inquire about his catch. His name was Juan Antonio, and he revealed that he was in search of “cosuco” – the elusive sea armadillo – and the prized jaiba, also known as the blue crab. Little did I know that this encounter would lead me to discover Juan Antonio’s remarkable story – a tale of resilience, survival, and the pursuit of dreams.
PROJECT LET’S HELP HIM FIND A JOB- Work is dignity
Giving a Helping Hand at San Juan del Sur: Education
One organization I want to call attention to is the established Barrio Planta Project (Planta Project Neighborhood) started by a non-Nicaraguan. The organization works to level out society by providing education to children through supplementary schooling. You can check their site to see if it is something you are interested in Barrio Planta Project Nicaragua
Giving a Hand at Big Corn Island: Water
Another way of giving is to acknowledge local people, giving them a voice on issues important to them. Access to clean water is a basic issue that should concern us all. Listening and showing genuine concern helps me feel closer to the people on this island and be a part of their community. At times, the only thing we can do is give a hand. At times, talking about a pressing concern with someone can give them a sense of importance. It all starts with a single step.
WATER
Access to clean water is essential for healthy living, yet more than a million people die each year from contaminated water and poor sanitation. Water is a top priority for development and equality worldwide. Many deadly diseases are spread due to the lack of access to clean water. Water, which I will mention frequently in this blog, is a fundamental issue related to poverty and isolation. As I write this, over a billion people, yes, a BILLION, do not have access to clean water. It is not only important to have a constant supply of clean water, but also to have means of obtaining it. Some individuals have to walk miles to access water, while the elderly lack the ability to carry heavy buckets and thus become isolated. On the beautiful Corn Island, I encountered Jeiler, who was carrying buckets of water from a well to his home. Jeiler was carrying non-potable water, which is not suitable for drinking but can be used for cleaning, flushing toilets, watering plants, and so on. There was nearby access to clean water from where we were.
Here in this video is Jeiler in his own words, explaining the issue and how we can help these folks. I wanted to see how I could help, or maybe as a community, we could bring awareness and lend a hand. After all, we all want folks to live better lives.
I am calling all VolunCheers to lend a hand here.
There are plenty of NGO’s that work in Nicaragua but I did not identify one in Big Corn Island.
NGO’s are independent organizations that for the most part address a social need. Some organizations extend from large international non-governmental organizations and regional groups to national networks, as well as small grassroots and community-based organizations.
Regarding volunteer work, I was told a hotel in Big Corn Island that does a beach cleanup once in a while but nothing that I could say is a given. It would be great to set up an NGO to assist in the growth of this beautiful place with very easygoing folks!
ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER IN THE CORN ISLANDS
Access to clean water is essential for healthy living, yet more than a million people die each year from contaminated water and poor sanitation. Water is a top priority for development and equality worldwide. Many deadly diseases are spread due to the lack of access to clean water.
Water, which I will mention frequently in this blog, is a fundamental issue related to poverty and isolation. Currently, over a billion people, yes, a BILLION, do not have access to clean water. It is not only important to have access to a consistent supply of clean water, but also to have means of obtaining it. Some individuals have to walk miles to fetch water, while the elderly lack the ability to carry heavy buckets and consequently become isolated.
It is crucial to acknowledge the context that Nicaragua, after Haiti, stands as the second poorest country in Latin America. A staggering 80% of its population resides in conditions of extreme poverty. While exploring the picturesque Corn Island, I encountered Jeiler diligently transporting containers filled with non-potable water from a well to his residence. Jeiler was well aware that this water was unsuitable for consumption, yet it served various other purposes such as cleaning, flushing toilets, and watering plants. Interestingly, just a few blocks away, we could easily access clean water from another natural well.
Here in this video is Jeiler in his own words, explaining the issue and how we can help these folks. I wanted to see how I could help, or maybe as a community, we could bring awareness and lend a hand. After all, we all want folks to live better lives.
