Apoyo Cultural Center Volunteer Program

[HSimon]

It has been some time since I was back to the Apoyo Cultural Center, but I was blown away by the lovely girls there working as volunteers helping the community. The African art exhibit they had there in August was fabulous. They have new art but what is most impressive is the work these volunteers are doing with the community. Take a look at the web site http://www.centroculturalapoyo.org/content/volunteer. What I find interesting right now is that all the volunteers are women. Why not guys?? Maybe some of you might want to even out the sex ratio a little more!! As a point of interest you can contribute to the program through Rotary International and get a United States tax right off.

Besides doing good work ACC is a fun place to be with lots of activities, good food and lively conversation. Place is almost full now and I understand they are going to have a big thanksgiving dinner with turkey and all the trimmings.

[amsutton]

I have to admit that I'm impressed. I know I have written a lot on this site extolling the virtues of Dr. McCrary's property, but in recent months, I have changed my mind. I am never too proud to admit when I am wrong and someone is doing something right. Teaching the Nicaraguan youth to respect the environment, pick up litter, and donate time to a big clean up is definitely the right tactic. I work in the field of education and solidly believe that change comes through education. I have personally learned a lot about the different groups at Lake Apoyo. I fully support the efforts of the Apoyo Cultural Center. The resources they have dedicated to conservation, education and community programs prove to me that they are trying to get on the right track with regards to service to the community. The next time I will definitely visit with an open mind. I will definitely be following their website and seeing the progress over time.

[Little Corn Tom]

It has been some time since I was back to the Apoyo Cultural Center, but I was blown away by the lovely girls there working as volunteers helping the community. The African art exhibit they had there in August was fabulous. They have new art but what is most impressive is the work these volunteers are doing with the community. Take a look at the web site http://www.centroculturalapoyo.org/content/volunteer. What I find interesting right now is that all the volunteers are women. Why not guys?? Maybe some of you might want to even out the sex ratio a little more!! As a point of interest you can contribute to the program through Rotary International and get a United States tax right off.

Besides doing good work ACC is a fun place to be with lots of activities, good food and lively conversation. Place is almost full now and I understand they are going to have a big thanksgiving dinner with turkey and all the trimmings.

"Gimmee your money...I hoed it fo ya"

How about telling us what you have accomplished rather than asking for a handout. Also how is the money spent and who spends it?

[Jonh]

On exhibitions of African art, on legal fees to defend against land thieves, on alleged illegal motorboats, on studying fish...

What ever happened to those people, anyway?

[HSimon]

"Gimmee your money...I hoed it fo ya"

How about telling us what you have accomplished rather than asking for a handout. Also how is the money spent and who spends it?

That is an excellent comment and question. I will relay it to the coordinators and ask them to respond to it directly to you ASAP on this forum. I know they are engaged in some kind of training program this weekend, but they have posted some stuff on face book and on the centroculturalapoyo.org web site. Check that out and see if it resonates with you at all.

[bill_bly_ca]

Stan to Ollie...

"Oh now look what you have gone and done"

[HSimon]

On exhibitions of African art, on legal fees to defend against land thieves, on alleged illegal motorboats, on studying fish...

What ever happened to those people, anyway?

From what I understand the other gentleman's girl friend finally saw the light and left him, and ACC is living happily ever after.

[MizBrown]

From what I understand the other gentleman's girl friend finally saw the light and left him, and ACC is living happily ever after.

I stayed there this week overnight, found the other gentleman to know his birds and to have given my birder friend a free short bird guide after she decided to leave Nicaragua early due to a stomach bug she'd caught somewhere else.

The other gentleman has his place and you have yours.

[Just Plain John Wayne]

Stan to Ollie...

"Oh now look what you have gone and done"

[Little Corn Tom]

I stayed there this week overnight, found the other gentleman to know his birds and to have given my birder friend a free short bird guide after she decided to leave Nicaragua early due to a stomach bug she'd caught somewhere else.

The other gentleman has his place and you have yours.

I do not know why, but this post just leaves me laughing.

[Just Plain John Wayne]

I do not know why, but this post just leaves me laughing.

You are sick that's why... But then again to quote the famious HG Wells or somebody like that.

"Anybody that hates Iguanas and Possums can't be all bad"

[HSimon]

"Gimmee your money...I hoed it fo ya"

How about telling us what you have accomplished rather than asking for a handout. Also how is the money spent and who spends it?

Here is what is on the web in case you are really interested. If so I suggest you visit the place and talk to the volunteer directors to get all the relevant information on your important financing questions.

Projects

Apoyo Peace Project seeks the support of all types of volunteers. Whether you are a jack-of-all-trades, have a specialty in one area, or are willing to lend a helping hand – we want you! We create an individualized schedule for each volunteer according to his/her talents and interests. Volunteers are expected to work 5 days a week, but may combine various projects. A list of established programs is provided below. However, if you have an awesome skill that doesn’t fit with these programs, but could contribute to the community – let’s work together to share it.
After School Day Camp

While Nicaraguan children attend school for half the day, most parents work full-time. The After School Day Camp provides a safe and structured place for the children of Laguna de Apoyo to continue to learn and play. The Camp focuses on combining educational and recreational activities. In addition to a daily English lesson, the camp offers sports, arts and crafts, peace education, conservation projects, music lessons, dance, health education, gardening, theater, and more. Camp counselors may lead and/or assist in running the camp activities.

Schedule	Monday/Wednesday/Friday 2PM – 4PM
Location	Centro Cultural Apoyo
Transportation	None
Position(s)	Camp Counselor

Primary School

In many public primary schools in Nicaragua, including the local school partnered with CCA, classrooms combine students ranging from 5 to 11 years old. Given the wide variation in development and academic level, students often have difficulty advancing in their studies. Teacher’s assistants provide individualized attention and opportunities to divide the class into smaller groups.

Schedule	Monday – Friday 7AM – 11:30AM
Location	Primary School
Transportation	10 minute walk from CCA
Position(s)	Teacher’s Assistant

In the past, the primary school offered English language instruction once a week to approximately 25% of the students. After partnering with Apoya Apoyo, the majority of students receive a weekly English lesson. However, additional English teachers ensure that 100% of the children at the school receive English instruction and one-on-one interaction.

Schedule	Wednesday 10AM – 11:30AM
Location	Primary School
Transportation	10 minute walk from CCA
Position(s)	English Teacher

Coming soon...Community Garden

Apoyo Peace Project has secured a piece of land in Laguna de Apoyo that will be dedicated to building a community garden. However, we are currently in search of funding to prepare the land, obtain tools and supplies, and purchase seeds. The Community Garden will be used as a teaching tool for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. It will also serve as a resource to enrich the diets of the children and families who choose to participate. Volunteers will work independently in the garden and/or educate children and other community participants as Garden Caretakers.
Please help us get started by giving a donation!


Volunteer opportunities are also available through our partners:

Comedy and Mime School/Escuela de Comedia y el Mimo

Schedule	Monday – Friday 1PM – 4PM
Location	Granada
Transportation	1 hour – 1 hour 45 minutes bus/walk
Position(s)	English Teacher
	Teacher’s Assistant
	Group Instructor (Intermediate Spanish required)
	Social worker (Spanish fluency required)
Desired skills	Art
	Dance
	Music
	Acrobatics/Gymnastics
	Circus Acts
	Theater

Please visit their website at http://www.escueladecomedia.org/mission to find out more!


Building New Hope

Currently, the greatest volunteer need is for Teacher's Assistants to tutor children in their public school homework, help with math and reading, and teach English at an elementary level. Building New Hope founded and operates two different schools for children in need.

Schedule	Monday – Friday hours vary
Location	Granada
Transportation	1 hour – 1 hour 45 minutes bus/walk
Position(s)	Teacher's Assistant (Intermediate Spanish required)

Rhythm in the Barrios
For a complete description, visit http://www.buildingnewhope.org/rhythms.html.

Schedule	Monday – Friday hours vary
Location	Granada
Transportation	1 hour – 1 hour 45 minutes bus/walk
Position(s)	Music Teacher (Experienced violinists especially needed)

Casa Lupita
For a complete description, visit http://www.buildingnewhope.org/casa-lupita.html.

Schedule	Monday – Saturday hours vary
Location	Granada
Transportation	1 hour – 1 hour 45 minutes bus/walk
Position(s)	Veterinarian (Moderate Spanish required)
	Veterinarian’s Assistant (Moderate Spanish required)

Please visit http://www.buildingnewhope.org/about.html to find out more about Building New Hope's projects!

[Jonh]

What exactly is "peace education"?

[MizBrown]

What exactly is "peace education"?

You got "peace" which is good and you put it together with "education" and that's also good, so combined, they're double plus good synergistically, and buzz nicely.

[Jonh]

If a double negative makes a positive (not impossible = possible), then two positives must equal a negative. Peace Education = dumbing people down for war.

Probably war against capitalism, but that's just a guess. Call me cynical.

[Little Corn Tom]

Apoyo Peace Project has secured a piece of land in Laguna de Apoyo that will be dedicated to building a community garden. However, we are currently in search of funding to prepare the land, obtain tools and supplies, and purchase seeds. The Community Garden will be used as a teaching tool for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. It will also serve as a resource to enrich the diets of the children and families who choose to participate. Volunteers will work independently in the garden and/or educate children and other community participants as Garden Caretakers.
Please help us get started by giving a donation!


Naive, insipid and foolish. As soon as there is anything edible it will be stolen..All of the donated money will be spent on wachees, fences, and ammunition.

Simply call it "Global Peace Project" and Soros may fund it.

[robertharvey]

Apoyo Peace Project has secured a piece of land in Laguna de Apoyo that will be dedicated to building a community garden. However, we are currently in search of funding to prepare the land, obtain tools and supplies, and purchase seeds. The Community Garden will be used as a teaching tool for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. It will also serve as a resource to enrich the diets of the children and families who choose to participate. Volunteers will work independently in the garden and/or educate children and other community participants as Garden Caretakers.
Please help us get started by giving a donation!


Naive, insipid and foolish. As soon as there is anything edible it will be stolen..All of the donated money will be spent on wachees, fences, and ammunition.

Simply call it "Global Peace Project" and Soros may fund it.

LMAO! Ya be my kinda man Tom!!!

[off2paradise]

Apoyo Peace Project has secured a piece of land in Laguna de Apoyo

(emphasis added)

"Secured" ? At the point of a machete? By utilizing what passes as "justice" in NicaLandia?

However, we are currently in search of funding to prepare the land, obtain tools and supplies, and purchase seeds.

Um, you already have machetes (tools), and there are seeds available EVERYWHERE. Exactly how much do you NEED for your so-called "Peace Garden"?

Please help us get started by giving a donation!

Ok, I have about 50 chayote and 50 cucumbers. Where do I send the seeds?

[Just Plain John Wayne]

Apoyo Peace Project has secured a piece of land in Laguna de Apoyo that will be dedicated to building a community garden. However, we are currently in search of funding to prepare the land, obtain tools and supplies, and purchase seeds. The Community Garden will be used as a teaching tool for sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation. It will also serve as a resource to enrich the diets of the children and families who choose to participate. Volunteers will work independently in the garden and/or educate children and other community participants as Garden Caretakers.
Please help us get started by giving a donation!


Naive, insipid and foolish. As soon as there is anything edible it will be stolen..All of the donated money will be spent on wachees, fences, and ammunition.

Simply call it "Global Peace Project" and Soros may fund it.

After 20 years, I am like you too LCT... it ain't gone work, better collect money and spread medicine about because when locals go to a hospitol and given a prescription it is (The Meds) are nowhere to be found on this side anyway....

[Jonh]

Peace at the edge of a machete! Peace through superior firepower. I wonder if it's that left handed tobacco they're growing there, man. Far out.

[Larita]

Hi everyone! My name is Lara and I am the Director of the Apoyo Cultural Center and I will try to get to everyone's questions and maybe drop your cynicism a bit (if at all possible).


I understand why people are cynical about community garden projects as I have seen the struggle in maintaining a community garden project in Malawi when working with an NGO called HEEED (www.heeedmalawi.net). However, I do believe that when done correctly community gardens can make a significant difference.


I agree with all of you that stealing is a major issue in developing areas and that fencing and a security system is needed. Therefore we intend to hire a local security guard that will be paid initially with project funds and then will be paid through a percentage of profits made by the produce. This in turn will provide employment for one more member of the community. We also would like to empower the parents to protect and have pride in the garden work that the children are doing.


You are also right that seeds and tools are easy to find. Machetes however do cost money and as I am sure you all know nothing in life is free ( except for maybe those 50 chayote and cucumbers, but even for that I have to pay for a PO box in Granada, and then pay for the bus or the gas to go pick them up, unless you would like to drop them off here personally.)


What is needed are positive thinking people who can inspire people to think in a different way, work together and make valuable suggestion in the following way: drip irrigation, composting, organic pesticides and sustainable crop suggestions.


The "secured land" was donated by the Casa de los Tres Mundos in Granada after they learnt about the project and wanted to show their support. We are also working with the Rotary club and if any of you are rich Americans looking for a tax deduction to further good works in Nicaragua we would be happy to oblige.


If you need to refresher course on the meaning of peace and something to lower you testosterone levels then you are more than welcome to join our after school day camp and get involved in the learning process. The peace education provided by the Apoyo Cultural Center Volunteer Program includes components such as teaching children how to nonviolently mediate their conflicts, nonviolently intervene in conflict (or bullying) as a third party, and conserve their environment by choosing not to litter and cleaning up trash around the Laguna (check out the video on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Apoyo...46601165399099 to see the latest clean up that we did). Along with daily reinforcement, the Volunteer Program holds specialized workshops to delve further into these issues. We invite you to come to Laguna de Apoyo, meet the kids and volunteers, and let us know what you think.

[MizBrown]

Hi everyone! My name is Lara and I am the Director of the Apoyo Cultural Center and I will try to get to everyone's questions and maybe drop your cynicism a bit (if at all possible).

If you need to refresher course on the meaning of peace and something to lower you testosterone levels then you are more than welcome to join our after school day camp and get involved in the learning process. The peace education provided by the Apoyo Cultural Center Volunteer Program includes components such as teaching children how to nonviolently mediate their conflicts, nonviolently intervene in conflict (or bullying) as a third party, and conserve their environment by choosing not to litter and cleaning up trash around the Laguna (check out the video on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Apoyo...46601165399099 to see the latest clean up that we did). Along with daily reinforcement, the Volunteer Program holds specialized workshops to delve further into these issues. We invite you to come to Laguna de Apoyo, meet the kids and volunteers, and let us know what you think.

One, urban people taking book-learned agricultural/gardening practices to agricultural/gardening areas tend to be amazingly off the wack. It takes years to learn to garden a particular soil in a particular location effectively. This is your job so you have to believe in it. My uncle used to ask the people who came to his part of rural Virginia why in the world they were getting into farming. People in that area had been given good farms and failed. Did they think they were smarter than those people? The answer, which they never gave my uncle, of course, was yes, they were college educated people who'd read some back to the land books, so were smart. (The smartest back to the lander prospect I knew took a degree in agriculture at the University of Idaho and decided not to bother).

If you don't actually have a degree in tropical agriculture, then you're probably one of those people who read a few stroke books on organic gardening and want to share with the delightfully unsophisticated locals. I wouldn't take your job for shares and I suspect you're going to find it quite hard to get anyone to do it, and I suspect it's also illegal to not pay a night watch guy money with benefits, not that you have to worry about being law-abiding because you're sincerely interested in (getting paid for your gig) (doing good). If you're not getting paid, my apologies, but at least you're getting paid in self-righteouness and feeling fantastic about yourself.

The people connected with Apoyo Cultural Center don't have a very long track record for non-violence. See Jeff McCrary's photo of what those wonderful non-violent people are capable of.

Anyone who uses the work "empower" non-ironically is a euphemism head.

[robertharvey]

Baloney!

This was not aimed at MizBrown.

[bill_bly_ca]

I agree with all of you that stealing is a major issue in developing areas and that fencing and a security system is needed. Therefore we intend to hire a local security guard that will be paid initially with project funds and then will be paid through a percentage of profits made by the produce. This in turn will provide employment for one more member of the community.

Hi Larita

You will be taking market share from local farmers because of your (better capitalized) efforts. The monies you collect will then go to a social strata that have no concept of ownership, saving nor investment. Have you thought about that and ways to equip them for that?

"Have not's" typically "have not" because they have not been mentored in the tools to "have" .

Why not provide more effort to help those already farming to actually increase productivity on existing land(s) who can then employ more Nicaraguans rather than your plan which in (my opinion) turn will just give enough pocket change for guaro for day labourers?

If you need to refresher course on the meaning of peace and something to lower you testosterone levels then you are more than welcome to join our after school day camp and get involved in the learning process.

Where is Bruno when we need him??

[HSimon]

One, urban people taking book-learned agricultural/gardening practices to agricultural/gardening areas tend to be amazingly off the wack. It takes years to learn to garden a particular soil in a particular location effectively. This is your job so you have to believe in it. My uncle used to ask the people who came to his part of rural Virginia why in the world they were getting into farming. People in that area had been given good farms and failed. Did they think they were smarter than those people? The answer, which they never gave my uncle, of course, was yes, they were college educated people who'd read some back to the land books, so were smart. (The smartest back to the lander prospect I knew took a degree in agriculture at the University of Idaho and decided not to bother).

If you don't actually have a degree in tropical agriculture, then you're probably one of those people who read a few stroke books on organic gardening and want to share with the delightfully unsophisticated locals. I wouldn't take your job for shares and I suspect you're going to find it quite hard to get anyone to do it, and I suspect it's also illegal to not pay a night watch guy money with benefits, not that you have to worry about being law-abiding because you're sincerely interested in (getting paid for your gig) (doing good). If you're not getting paid, my apologies, but at least you're getting paid in self-righteouness and feeling fantastic about yourself.

The people connected with Apoyo Cultural Center don't have a very long track record for non-violence. See Jeff McCrary's photo of what those wonderful non-violent people are capable of.

Anyone who uses the work "empower" non-ironically is a euphemism head.

Why don't you pay the place a visit before you make any judgment. The folks at the Apoyo Cultural have a 23 year track record of non-violence and working with the community at the Laguna de Apoyo. McCrary's photo of his self inflicted wound has nothing to do with the work these volunteers are doing.

Perhaps if you have an interest in art, you would like to attend this week's opening of 5 artists from Granada. Starting time is 11 am Saturday November 26th. I am sure everyone could engage in a lively and informative discussion.