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Sí a la Vida has thrived over the years because of support from the international community. Volunteering in Nicaragua with the project (see below), volunteering with a support group in one's own country, and donating money or materials are the principal avenues for getting involved.
Volunteering in Nicaragua with the Project International volunteers are welcome at the Sí a la Vida residential centers in Managua and on the Island of Ometepe. Volunteers typically work directly with the kids in sports, arts, handicrafts and tutoring, as well as in activities that take advantage of specialized skills such as health care, computers, construction and agriculture. Volunteers also accompany Nicaraguan staff working in the streets and markets of Managua. It's important to remember that working with street kids and ex-street kids can often be frustrating and difficult. We discourage romantic notions about this work. Listed below are desired qualifications for applicants:
1. A commitment of at least six months, and preferably a year, with the project. It takes time to become accustomed to the climate, local culture and language, and to get to know the kids and staff. Volunteers with special skills can often be accommodated for short-term projects, for example carpentry classes during the break between school years. 2. Fluency in Spanish. To work effectively with street kids and to participate fully in the meetings and adult discussions, you must have thorough knowledge of the language. 3. Some experience and training in work with "special needs" young people. A genuine love for kids and capacity for great patience and flexibility are essential. Emotional maturity, personal initiative and the ability to work without supervision are important in working with this population. 4. Minimum age of 21. In addition to more maturity, some age gap is important as the oldest boys are 18. 5. Good health and a high level of energy, even in a very warm climate. (90-100° F.) 6. A willingness to live very simply, as Nicaraguans do by necessity. Housing rented by volunteers will be much like that of project staff members, with the simplest of cooking, laundry, and bathing facilities. 7. Financial self-support for the duration of your time with the project. We encourage prospective volunteers to seek commitments of support from family, friends, church and community. Monthly living costs are approximately $300 per person. The program provides meals to volunteers but no stipends. If you are interested and/or have questions about volunteering at the project in Nicaragua, please send Tom Mueller a brief resume and a letter describing how you meet the six requirements, the dates of your availability, and any questions you have. Initial communication may be in English but subsequent communication will most likely be in Spanish with Nicaraguan staff. Thank you for your interest. Tom Mueller
Volunteering with a Support Group Si a la Vida support groups in the U.S., Canada, Germany and Spain, are listed under International Support, along with contact information. Like all the groups, the U.S.-based group, Amigos de Sí a la Vida, is operated exclusively by volunteers. It offers a variety of opportunities for volunteers, including marketing of handicrafts, desk-top publishing, grant writing, soliciting materials (clothing, sports equipment and school supplies), translating materials into Spanish, and managing finances. If you are interested in volunteering with Amigos de Sí a la Vida, please contact: John Riess This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Donating Money
Donating Materials
We are deeply grateful to our loyal supporters and hope that a growing base of support will allow the program to successfully expand and help more boys leave the street. Thank you. Amigos de Sí a la Vida |
