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Daycare centre and kindergarten „Los Ositos“
1. Basic activities and goals
Los Ositos is a kindergarten and daycare centre for small children in the neighbourhood El Calvarito in León. About 40 children attend the "pre‐escolar" (Kindergarten) and about 18 small children are taken care of. Los Ositos is run by and for the neighbourhood.
Target group are children aged 0‐5 from parents who have financial trouble taking care of their children or that are working to cover the household costs. It is a simple but very open and friendly place to volunteer.
2. History
The Centro de Desarollo Infantil (CDI) Los Ositos was founded in 1990. First, the centre was run by catholic nuns, but they retrieved from the project and handed it over to the local community, who now manages to run it despite of scarce resources. Several NGO’s are currently involved to improve conditions and expand the number of class rooms, as the conditions are now rather limited.
3. Organisation
The young director, Mrs. Leydi Lacayo, is an active, positive and supportive lady who will try her best to explain everything and to make you feel at home. She doesn’t have a lot of experience with volunteers, but very much welcomes all the help. Apart from her, there are two teachers, a cook and a lady to take care of the youngest children. Also, several parents and community members help out now and then on a completely voluntary basis.
4. Tasks of volunteer
The daily routine is:
7.00 a.m.: children’s arrival, 8.00‐12.00: class, 12.00‐14.00: lunch and siesta, 14.00‐15.00: activities.
On Wednesdays, there is also some basic English class. Volunteers can work from 7 a.m. until noon, and also can organize some activities after 2 PM, although the morning seems better for voluntary work. It is a good spot for social workers and people interested in education of small children.
Possible activities could be: class assistant, possibly with some specific exercises or activities, taking care of the smallest, organising activities.
Beware of the fact that you will have an educatory role, and thus serve as a role model for the kids. Think aboutvalues as respect for others, responsibility, honesty, promoting a healthy and hygienic environment, etc. Smoking is not allowed in the presence of the children.
Info box:
Location: León, Nicaragua
Duration: Minimum 2 weeks
Special qualifications needed: no
Costs: none, the trouble-free package is optional
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Not included
Included: Placement in the project; if
you opt for the trouble-free package the whole range of services which
is part of the trouble-free package is included
Not included: Travel to Nicaragua, health insurance, visa
Book this placement now!
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