AACC is a non-profit 501(c)3 - Would you like to help?
Don't forget to come to the 2010 fundraiser
Delegations
The school in the photo above was built with the help of members of the Spring 2006 and Spring 2007 delegations. The 2006 delegation started construction of the school, which was finished in the summer of 2006 by the community of Nueva Esperanza. The Spring 2007 delegation helped build a park in front of the school.
We currently average about 2 delegations per year. Our trips are very informal, yet contain enough structure to experience the culture and interact with many different people in Nicaragua. Most delegations are 2 weeks, although in the spring of 2007 Debbie Young took 15 high school students to Jalapa for 5 weeks. If you are interested in travel to Nicaragua in general, or particating in one of our service oriented delegations take a look at our current schedule and please contact us. This is our current delegate packet for people going on delegations with AACC. Check back as we work to update the information about our previous delegations.
Experience a cross-cultural adventure while serving others
The mission of The Americas Association for the Care of Children (AACC) is partnering to increase the quality of care, development, and education for children and their families through North, Central and South America through health, education and construction programs. One way in which we carry out our mission is through sending delegations to work with the community on various projects and providing opportunities for cultural exchange.
Volunteers work in partnership with local citizens and organizations to undertake projects that are initiated by and benefit the community. We value each human being we meet and serve all persons regardless of social or economic status, beliefs, gender, age, or ethnicity placing particular emphasis on serving the poorest and most needy. The relationships we develop provide an enriching spiritual experience as we work, play, and grow together.
Programs
AACC carries out its mission through various programs: home visitation program including data collection through surveys and interviews, educational workshops for teachers, community leaders, parents and youth, and the construction of educational centers, schools, and health centers. All of the teams will be working in Jalapa, Nicaragua located in north central Nicaragua and in La Chureca, a community living in the largest landfill in Managua, the capital city. AACC teams consist of 10 to 25 volunteers plus a trained team leader.
The Volunteer
People of all backgrounds and experiences travel with AACC including families, teenagers, students, and adults. The minimum age to participate is 12 years old. There is no language requirement or technical background required, just a compassionate spirit and open mind.
If you would like to learn about cultural sensitivity, can be in situations that stretch your comfort zone, are flexible, optimistic, willing to learn, and are open to new experiences, you should find this a great opportunity to learn about the world outside the US and a very rewarding experience.
Living Accommodations
Delegates stay in home-stays in pairs. Families are accommodated for and can stay together if desired. The home-stay provides a safe and cultural exchange while providing three meals a day, laundry, and a room and bed for sleeping.
Trip Preparations
Upon receipt of your inquiry, Volunteers receive a Delegation Manual. In addition, a formal orientation session is held about 6 – 8 weeks prior to the trip. During orientation we meet other volunteers and share information on work projects, health recommendations for travel, safety, travel arrangements, packing list, travel tips, group guidelines, reading list, and cross-cultural sensitivity training.
Cost
The cost per person for a 15 day trip is $1600 plus airfare. The trip fee includes in-country travel, lodging, most meals, orientation materials, project/program costs and leader travel expenses. Passport costs, immunization costs, and costs incurred during free time activities are additional and the responsibility of the volunteer.
Available Trip Fee Discounts: Early Registration: $100 discount per person (prior to 12 weeks).
The completed application and full deposit is expected in the AACC office 12 weeks before the departure date. Depending on space availability, applicants can join up to 6 weeks prior to departure.
AACC can make your flight arrangements. If AACC arranges your flight, the full amount of the airfare must be paid prior to the time of booking. Participants may arrange their own air travel, however, prior to making your reservations please check with the AACC office for the group flight schedule and when to arrive at the airport in Managua.
AACC is a 501(c)(3) and the cost of the trip is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law.
Registration: if you would like to join a team, please complete and sign the application/AACC Trip Agreement and send with two copies of your passport and your non refundable $200 deposit to the AACC office. Please contact AACC at (303) 527-2742 or dyoung@aaccchildren.org if you have any questions. Applicants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Passport
If you need a passport apply now. Visit your local post office or check with the US passport service on line for details and information on how to obtain a passport. We will need two copies of your passport with your application.
Please note the dates are subject to change (usually by a day on either side of the trip) based on availability of airlines seats and price of ticket. One day has saved as much as $200 on tickets on prior trips.
WAYS THAT YOU CAN HELP
In addition to participating on a team, you can support the work we do by making a tax deductible donation. Some examples of what your support can do:
· $20 purchases a filtron that provides potable water for a family for 6 – 10 years
· $25 provides 2 food bearing trees for a family with 4 follow up home visits to ensure the growth of the trees and to increase knowledge about nutrition and preventative health practices in the family
· $50 prepares a student for school with backpack, uniform, and shoes.
· $75 buys paint for one classroom in the school
· $150 food for the infant and toddler program for one month
· $300 provides educational materials that are locally made (including tables and chairs)
· $750 provides materials for a library for one of the educational centers or elementary schools
· $1000 supports PIEAT’s work visiting home to home and community workshops for one month
· $2500 can put a badly needed roof on a school
· $3000 can provide the materials necessary for a park and playground in a preschool or elementary school
· $5000 provides one classroom, health center, or library in the new educational center planned for construction this year
Please return your donation with the following information to:
AACC, P. O. Box 2154, Boulder, Colorado 80306 or donate now!
Name: ________________________________________________
Address: _______________________________________________
City: _____________________ State: _____ Zip Code: ____
Email address: ________________________________________________
Amount of gift: ________________________________________________
All gifts are tax deductible.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROUS DONATION!
