Community Building Project in Nicaragua

Experience the beauty of Estelí, Nicaragua, which is also known as 'El Diamante de las Segovias' (the Diamond of the Segovias), and is situated 150km north of Managua. This city offers a genuine Central American ambience, surrounded by mountains and valleys and dotted with small agricultural communities in which project work will be undertaken all within 10-15 kms from Estelí. Choose from a 7, 14, 21 or 28 night project, and have the unique opportunity to be immersed in one of several rural communities situated near Estelí, and helping to improve the lives of the indigenous families. You'll be working on community construction projects, by assisting with the building of energy efficient stoves that are designed for cleaner air and less wood consumption, and you'll also be helping on other community construction based projects to improve the standard of living for underprivileged families. Within as little as a week, you can change the lives of several indigenous communities here. The stoves bring economical, environmental and medical benefits to the communities of Nicaragua. The families that have stoves only have to collect up to a third of the firewood they used to and spend less on medicines for chronic lung illnesses, benefiting them economically. Environmentally, the deforestation of trees is essentially reduced by two-thirds per family, and medically, with no smoke inhalation due to the chimney, the health of the families is greatly improved. Included in your fee is the funding needed to successfully complete whichever project you choose to do within the week and you'll be working in two communities where poverty levels are extremely low and local earnings are about $1 day. Participating in this project not only allows you to work on programs assisting disadvantaged communities or endangered ecosystems but it also offers wonderful opportunities to travel in the local area in your down time. You'll get the chance to explore Nicaragua, which offers year round trips and adventures! Included in the program is a half-day hike out to the Salto Estanzuela Waterfall and also a day hike out to the beautiful Miraflor. In your free time, there's always something to do, and the scenery is stunning. You can go trekking and climbing around the Maribios Volcanic Chain, or perhaps try your hands at diving or snorkelling through the coral reefs of Corn Islands. Visit the Cloud Forests of the Reservas Natural Miraflor and Cerro Tisey-Estanzuela or discover one of the finest collections of museums and churches in León. There is also the option of touring the organic coffee farms of Ruta De Café and many more.