How do I prepare for the AYES program?

Start Raising Awareness and Funds
You will be aided in developing your fundraising skills, contributing to the infrastructure cost of the project you will be working on. We will send you a fundraising manual to help you begin raising awareness and funds for your program. Upon arrival to the construction site, you will see where every dollar has been spent.

Research your Ancestry and Culture
You are required to research your cultural heritage and prepare a short presentation to share with your group and community in Nicaragua. We encourage you to connect with elders in your community, teachers, parents and friends at home to summarize the history, language and culture of your ancestry.

Set up a Support Council
As a volunteer, you are encouraged to seek role models in your community and set up a support council for when you return from your cultural exchange abroad. Involving people, who believe in you and your project, will encourage you to continue raising awareness and share your experiences upon return to Canada. We will send you a Support Council Manual to help you establish this before you leave.

Share What You Have Learned
After your trip to Central America you will be required to make 2 presentations to your reserve community. They may be information sessions or fundraising events of your own effort to share your SchoolBox experiences. On project you will have opportunities to practice presenting your ideas, and during the de-briefing seminar obtain the support of fellow participants and SchoolBox staff to focus what you have learned.

 

 

For additional information on this program, click on the following links:

My Trip | Why Me? | Testimony