Caitlyn's Service Trip to Nicaragua
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Hi, I'm Caitlyn Schneeman and I'm a Social Work and Pre-Law Student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I have always had a passion for volunteer work and helping people, so I am so excited to say I got chosen to go on a service trip to Nicaragua this summer! The trip is provided through an organization called GIVE (Growth International Volunteer Excursions) and I'll be volunteering May 15th-May 29th alongside other college students. I suggest anyone interested in volunteering abroad look into this organization, it's amazing for students who truly want to make an impact.
Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Only 60-70% of the adult population is literate and the national underemployment rate hovers around 50%. I will be spending 2 weeks in Jiquilillo, a small fishing village on the Pacific coast. I will spend most of my time working with local children teaching them English, health, and literacy (in a school build by volunteers using 15,000 plastic bottles!) I will also help build new infrastructure in the area using recycled materials. I'll also have the opportunity to do some exploring, including searching for turtle eggs on the beach to bring to a sanctuary, climbing Cerro Negro (an active volcano), and snorkeling in the barrier reef alongside other college students. I will even be sleeping in a bungalow right on the beach!
For anyone who might have the misconception Nicaragua is unsafe, Nicaragua has less violent crimes, less suicides, and less overall crime rates relative to its Central American neighbors and many U.S. and European states. Nicaragua has been rated the safest country in Central America and the government and municipalities are working hard to ensure these statistics only get better and create a safer future for Nicaraguans and all its visitors. I will be traveling with fellow volunteers all the way from Chicago Ohare to Nicaragua. Also the organization I am traveling with has multiple American adult GIVE guides who will be with us throughout the entire trip.
The money I need to raise will be for airfare, my accommodations. food, and transportation in Nicaragua, 24/7 access to safe drinking water, and various volunteer materials. Literally any amount (even $1) will help, so I appreciate any financial support. I am so excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Thank you in advance for the help, I will be sure to share pictures from the trip afterwards on Facebook so you can all have a glimpse at what you helped me accomplish :)
Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Only 60-70% of the adult population is literate and the national underemployment rate hovers around 50%. I will be spending 2 weeks in Jiquilillo, a small fishing village on the Pacific coast. I will spend most of my time working with local children teaching them English, health, and literacy (in a school build by volunteers using 15,000 plastic bottles!) I will also help build new infrastructure in the area using recycled materials. I'll also have the opportunity to do some exploring, including searching for turtle eggs on the beach to bring to a sanctuary, climbing Cerro Negro (an active volcano), and snorkeling in the barrier reef alongside other college students. I will even be sleeping in a bungalow right on the beach!
For anyone who might have the misconception Nicaragua is unsafe, Nicaragua has less violent crimes, less suicides, and less overall crime rates relative to its Central American neighbors and many U.S. and European states. Nicaragua has been rated the safest country in Central America and the government and municipalities are working hard to ensure these statistics only get better and create a safer future for Nicaraguans and all its visitors. I will be traveling with fellow volunteers all the way from Chicago Ohare to Nicaragua. Also the organization I am traveling with has multiple American adult GIVE guides who will be with us throughout the entire trip.
The money I need to raise will be for airfare, my accommodations. food, and transportation in Nicaragua, 24/7 access to safe drinking water, and various volunteer materials. Literally any amount (even $1) will help, so I appreciate any financial support. I am so excited for this once in a lifetime opportunity. Thank you in advance for the help, I will be sure to share pictures from the trip afterwards on Facebook so you can all have a glimpse at what you helped me accomplish :)
Organizer
Caitlyn Schneeman
Organizer
Machesney Park, IL