My Experience Volunteering in Nicaragua with Raleigh ICS What is Raleigh ICS? Where I went? Where I lived? Why I went? What we did? How we did it? What were some of the challenges I faced? What I learned Highlights Where you can go? How you can get involved?

What is Raleigh ICS? Raleigh ICS is a International Organisation that focuses on sustainable development in underdeveloped countries in rural communities.

Where I went? Nicaragua Language: Spanish Religion: Christian/Catholic

The community of Siares in the region of Matagalpa Where I Lived?

OUR House

OUR ROOM

Why I went? I went because I am passionate about international development and helping others. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to help the poor and needy. When I became a born again believer I realised that's also what God cares about and my desire grew. I also wanted to travel, become more grateful and humble. I had a slight interest in Latin American culture.

What we did? Water Sanitation and Hygiene Project Raising awareness in the community Promoting eco-letrines

How we did it? Through our community action days

What were some of the challenges I faced? Language Barrier Very limited Access to the internet Homesickness Poor living conditions Mosquito bites Rice and beans every day Working with people who were different from me Creepy crawly things

Adverse Weather Conditions

Poor Living conditions

Dead Snake!

Rice and Beans every day

What I learned To be more independent I became more confident Appreciate western comforts like hot/warm showers, mattresses, variety, womens rights Money can’t buy you happiness The little things that count Un poco espanol How to build living and dead barriers How our actions have affected the developing world (Knowledge) Caring about the environment Working in a multicultural team people who were different from me improved my interpersonal skills and Tolerance Perseverance Leadership Skills

What I won’t forget (Highlights) Sharing with a host family, family values The people, the children Learning spanish Spanish songs Learning salsa The landscapes, mountain views, waterfalls Wildlife; i.e. SLOTH and Fireflies

Landscapes

Waterfall

The Family

The Team

Where you can go Raleigh focuses on Nicaragua and Tanzania There are other organisations such as; Frontier, Tearfund, VSO, Restless Development you can try. Important to do it while you are young because the ages are usually from 18-24/5

How to get involved Apply! Be willing to raise £800, this will cover everything (although spending money of up to $100 is recommended)

Nelson Mandela “Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity, it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.”

Any Questions?