Project Nicaragua (PN)

Field Officers

"Project Nicaragua is a tremendous opportunity to make a straightforward contribution to the effort to improve the quality of life of people who, despite their proximity to us geographically and socially, stand to benefit so much from the organized concerted effort this project puts forth. The many facets and aims of the project can best be summed up for me by the phrase "agua por la vida", water for life.” – Jeff Nitychoruk

Project Nicaragua Field Officers are trained individuals who voluntarily carry out PN’s goals and activities in Nicaragua in coordination with the objectives and plans for that year. These individuals are vital to ensure the smooth running and success of the project’s goals and activities. Field Officers conduct community meetings, perform community audits and work at the workshop. They ensure adequate maintenance of the project’s records and goals as well as developing plans for the year. They liaise between many members and the community including the Mayor and his office, the Ministry of Heath and the Ministry of Education. They are directly trained and supervised by the Co-Executive Directors before, during and after the volunteer mission. No prior knowledge of Spanish is required and Field Officers determine the length of their own mission in relation to their availability and goals.

Project Nicaragua prides itself on using its funds to directly finance aspects of the project because this allows the impact from the funds that are donated to be extended as far as possible. Consequently, the project’s Field Officers are required to finance their own trip to Nicaragua and while they are there. These individuals do not necessarily have to sit on the executive or have prior knowledge about the project to sign up for this exciting international opportunity.

Story from the Field by Mirey Faema
Heading off to Nicaragua for the first time, I had many meetings with Lyndsey prior to the trip. We discussed the project and some of the activities that I would be carrying out. After leaving freezing cold Canada, you can only imagine my relief when I finally landed in beautiful Nicaragua after a day and a half in airports and on planes. I suppose that is the personal price one pays for trying to save money on an air fair. Once I landed I couldn't wait to get to San Juan Del Sur the place I would call home for the next 6 weeks and beautiful, vibrant town with amazing beaches, great nightlife and entertaining locals. Initially, after spending a few days on the beach I would be lying if I said I was not somewhat reluctant to start work. The stories of fellow travellers definitely began to pull on my selfish strings. However armed with the enthusiasm and support of Lyndsey I knew I couldn't say no to the fantastic opportunity to volunteer. Equipped with a Lonely Planet guidebook as my only Spanish help (which to be honest unless you are trying to pick someone up at a bar is really no help at all) I rode a rickety old bike out to the work shop (3 kilometers outside of San Juan del Sur). I was completely nervous about my first day of volunteering. However after meeting Fidel and Franklin I quickly learnt to put my fear aside, got the job done and laughed a lot during the frequent language barrier. Franklin and Fidel were both extremely patient in accommodating my terrible Spanish skills. Over four weeks they took me to meet with four communities as I inspected the composting bathrooms that had previously been installed. I met and interacted with recipients of the technology and enjoyed being out in the villages. I had the pleasure of completing my paperwork on the beach and was offered assistance by local business owners when I needed to rent bikes. I also had the pleasure of meeting with two preschools and hosting fruit fiestas where we also brought a piñata filled with candy. It was remarkable to see how much the kids loved this and I have never seen such a mad scramble for candy! My entire experience volunteering with Project Nicaragua has been the most challenging and eye opening experience of my life. My initial fears of missing out on travel adventures were put to rest immediately. In my eyes there is nothing more adventurous than falling off a motorbike, trekking through mud and wandering through fields in remote communities, exploring a part of Nicaragua that is untouched by fellow travellers. In the end I feel words cannot express the emotions I felt and the joy I received from volunteering and I would recommend this experience to everyone. It was a once in a lifetime adventure that took me off the beaten path and allowed me to push through my fears and challenge myself. Mirey visited Nicaragua in October/November 2008 and is now a member of the executive

Story from the Field
by Mirey Faema

mirey Heading off to Nicaragua for the first time, I had many meetings with Lyndsey prior to the trip. We discussed the project and some of the activities that I would be carrying out. After leaving freezing cold Canada, you can only imagine my relief when I finally landed in beautiful Nicaragua after a day and a half in airports and on planes. I suppose that is the personal price one pays for trying to save money on an air fair.

Once I landed I couldn't wait to get to San Juan Del Sur the place I would call home for the next 6 weeks and beautiful, vibrant town with amazing beaches, great nightlife and entertaining locals. Initially, after spending a few days on the beach I would be lying if I said I was not somewhat reluctant to start work. The stories of fellow travellers definitely began to pull on my selfish strings. However armed with the enthusiasm and support of Lyndsey I knew I couldn't say no to the fantastic opportunity to volunteer.

Equipped with a Lonely Planet guidebook as my only Spanish help (which to be honest unless you are trying to pick someone up at a bar is really no help at all) I rode a rickety old bike out to the work shop (3 kilometers outside of San Juan del Sur). I was completely nervous about my first day of volunteering. However after meeting Fidel and Franklin I quickly learnt to put my fear aside, got the job done and laughed a lot during the frequent language barrier.

Franklin and Fidel were both extremely patient in accommodating my terrible Spanish skills. Over four weeks they took me to meet with four communities as I inspected the composting bathrooms that had previously been installed. I met and interacted with recipients of the technology and enjoyed being out in the villages. I had the pleasure of completing my paperwork on the beach and was offered assistance by local business owners when I needed to rent bikes.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with two preschools and hosting fruit fiestas where we also brought a piñata filled with candy. It was remarkable to see how much the kids loved this and I have never seen such a mad scramble for candy!

My entire experience volunteering with Project Nicaragua has been the most challenging and eye opening experience of my life. My initial fears of missing out on travel adventures were put to rest immediately. In my eyes there is nothing more adventurous than falling off a motorbike, trekking through mud and wandering through fields in remote communities, exploring a part of Nicaragua that is untouched by fellow travellers.

In the end I feel words cannot express the emotions I felt and the joy I received from volunteering and I would recommend this experience to everyone. It was a once in a lifetime adventure that took me off the beaten path and allowed me to push through my fears and challenge myself.

Mirey visited Nicaragua in October/November 2008 and is now a member of the executive