“I met a number of inspirational people and kids who showed me how much of a difference education can make. From the epic soccer games to an incredible celebration, this trip was an unforgettable experience that I would
recommend to anyone.” Jeff Campbell, Ryerson University Student
SchoolBOX Volunteer Experience
Since SchoolBOX began in 2006, our non-profit organization has grown immensely through the passion and generosity of our international volunteers. We have hosted305individuals from Canada, the US, Europe and Australia from ages 8 to 72!
Our trips consist of a 10-day group volunteer experience in Nicaragua. Volunteers work alongside SchoolBOX staff, teachers, students, parents and community volunteers to help with part of a school build. Our team plans a unique itinerary for each community we work in. We organize all transportation, accommodation, food and clean water, in-country guides, translation, safety and orientation. A typical trip includes your SchoolBOX build project, an introduction to Nicaraguan history and culture, visits to other partner school(s), and additional activities such as a salsa dance class, visit to the market, beach or volcano. Physical labour is part of the daily routine, but more importantly you will be sharing, playing and learning from the children and communities you visit.
An essential part of the trip is pre-departure preparations and fundraising. We ask each participant to raise a minimum of $250, which goes directly towards your community project. By the end of your trip, you will have helped to fund and work on a school construction project, but most importantly, encouraged children to strive for their dreams through education. Together we are ‘Making Education Possible’.
For information about upcoming SchoolBOX Volunteer trips please contact us at: volunteer@schoolbox.ca
Check out what past volunteers thought of the SchoolBOX International Volunteer experience.
Do you have a full group (12 + people) that would like to come, but these dates don’t work? Please contact us at volunteer@schoolbox.ca to set up a trip that fits your group!
Costs and Details
The SchoolBOX Volunteer Trip costs $1300 USD which includes the following:
• School building project and cross-cultural experience
• Private in-country transportation
• 9 nights shared accommodation at hotels
• Meals + purified water on the worksite
• Recreational excursions + cultural activities
• 24/7 bilingual guides, translation + first aid
Volunteers must also fundraise a minimum of $250 that will go towards the community where you build. For fundraising ideas, please contact volunteer@schoolbox.ca.
"The children of the village taught us just as much or more than we taught them: joy in being alive and the ability to play despite poverty and lack of opportunity." Ryan Howie, age 17, West Carleton H.S.
United Nations Millennium Development Goal
In Nicaragua, a mere 51% of children are able to reach Grade 5 (UNESCO, 2008). SchoolBOX works to ‘Make Education Possible’ by breaking down the barriers faced by children to attend school. We work in collaboration with Nicaragua’s Ministry of Education to achieve the second UN Millennium Development Goal: achieve universal primary education. Our country Director, Engineer and many staff are testaments to how education defeats poverty. By coming to Nicaragua and meeting people empowered by education, you become an advocate and ambassador for eliminating global poverty. Join with us!
Why Volunteer?
You will make a direct difference within the lives of children in a
specific community within Central America. The time you spend in the
community will be well spent, as you will work to construct a classroom
in an impoverished community. You will also affect change within the
community, as you will interact directly with students, teachers,
parents, and community members. Volunteers regularly encourage children
to go to school, and tell them that education opens the doors for a
successful future. They also encourage parents to tell their children
that school is important.
SchoolBOX also encourages you to get involved in your
project prior to departure through awareness building and fundraising.
This will prepare you for your journey and introduce you to the
community that you will be working with. By uniting your preparatory
work and your experiences on the ground, your time as a Volunteer with
SchoolBOX will provide you with an awareness of all aspects of not for
profit work.
Check out our photo slideshow of the SchoolBOX Volunteer Program:
