El Porvenir® invites you to share the life and work of a Nicaraguan community. We offer volunteer experiences for small groups (10-12 people) to work alongside Nicaraguan families in a variety of water and sanitation projects that help improve the standard of living in rural areas. You do not need to have experience with construction or building. You will be accompanied by a bilingual guide at all times, so Spanish proficiency is not required. Each trip is customized for the participating group and can be between one and two weeks in length. The group's particular interests and abilities will be considered, as will the needs of the villages.

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There will also be an opportunity to see a bit more of Nicaragua before or after the project work is complete. Groups might have a weekend at the beach, or visit a live volcano, a cloud forest, a crafts market, or attend a Nicaraguan concert or dance performance, allowing time for some fun and reflection. 

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WHO TRAVELS WITH US

The majority of our service trip volunteers are part of a larger organized group, such as a faith community, a university program or a service club like the Rotary Club. A group leader rallies the volunteers to attend the trip and works with the El Porvenir Trips Coordinator to plan the details. 

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We do occasionally have individuals or couples who would like to join a trip, but are not part of a larger community group. In order to accommodate these volunteers, we are happy to create an "open enrollment" trip, which will be available for others to join. If you are such a person, please chat with the Trips Coordinator about options for your inclusion. We appreciate everyone's interest in working with and learning from Nicaraguans, and will do everything possible to make your trip happen. 

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WHAT YOU'LL DO 

Our service trips are working trips where volunteers work hand in hand with Nicaraguan community members and El Porvenir staff. Tasks include digging holes, carrying materials, building structures, pouring concrete, and more, depending on your assignment to one of four types of projects. 

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HANDWASHING STATIONS 

El Porvenir partners with rural schools to build permanent, dedicated handwashing stations for students and teachers. These brightly painted sink stations are located between the latrines or toilets and the classrooms, have 3-4 faucets for several children to use at a time, and are stocked with soap provided by the community. They are put to good use all school year long, but especially during the ever-popular Hand-Wash-a-Thons! Did you know that studies by the UN Development Program show that access to clean water and sanitation at schools can reduce the risk of diarrhea in children by up to 30%? Also, CARE estimates that school attendance improves 20-30% when schools have sanitation facilities. Help rural schools build handwashing stations so that children can improve their health and education. 

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DOUBLE-PIT LATRINES 

Our sanitation initiatives increase dignity and hygiene. Studies have shown that improved sanitation can add up to 20 years to the average life span. By working to end open defecation, streams and the environment are cleaner, communities are healthier, and children are able to attend school more regularly. Our double pit latrines offer a sustainable, dignified way for families and communities to improve health on all these levels.  

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FUEL EFFICIENT, VENTED STOVES 

Indoor air pollution by traditional smoky, wood burning stoves is as detrimental to health as smoking two packs of cigarettes a day. Our cook stoves vent the harmful smoke out of the house and require 60% less firewood. Stoves that require less firewood help prevent further deforestation, and contribute to reforestation and watershed management efforts. 

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TREE NURSERIES AND REFORESTATION 

Nicaragua has lost 49% of its forest in the last 50 years. El Porvenir is concerned with the full cycle of water, from where it originates to how to keep it flowing. We improve water quality and quantity through a variety of methods in order to restore stream flow, decrease erosion, and recharge groundwater. A big part of that effort includes planting seeds for seedlings and transplanting larger seedlings once they are big enough. 

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EXPENSES AND PROJECT COSTS

Trip costs range between $1,700 and $2,000 depending on the type of project, length of stay, and off-time activities. Trip costs include meals, lodging, in-country transportation, translation, and recreation. It also includes costs for the materials for the project you work on. Participants are responsible for travel health insurance, round trip airline tickets, airport taxes, and the Nicaraguan visa fee of $10. Some participants might want to budget for additional expenses, like beverages, snacks and souvenirs.

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LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICE TRIPS ON THE FAQ PAGE