To make the experience as enjoyable as possible for all, we ask all our volunteers to adhere to our code of conduct:

Respect: To be respectful of Nicaraguan culture, and those of other volunteers. Treat all individuals with a sense of dignity, respect, and worth. Make a personal commitment to be nonjudgmental about cultural differences, and try to maintain an open mind, and a positive attitude.

Responsibility: Be dependable, recognizing the commitment and responsibility to your volunteer assignment. Be punctual, well-organised and complete your tasks to the best of your ability.

Working Hours: Volunteers in our learning centers work four hours shifts during the afternoons, Monday-Thursday. Volunteers are expected to turn up on time. Working with the children is demanding so requires a high level of energy and alertness. Please reserve night-life for the weekend. For construction and office assistant volunteer roles, working hours are more flexible and will be confirmed during interviews. The same expectations of punctuality and dedication apply.

Dress: In the learning centers and office, volunteers and staff alike wear La Esperanza Granada t-shirts. Volunteers wear these with long shorts, skirt or trousers. Closed footwear is advised.

Costs: There is a $50 administration fee to be paid in cash during your volunteer orientation. Two T-shirts will be supplied free of charge. If you require more than two, they can be paid for in cash at orientation US$5.00 each.

The time commitment required from volunteers depends on their position, but in general the longer you can volunteer with us the better. This allows you to become really familiar with our organisation, get to know the children better if you’re volunteering in a Learning Center, and stay enough time that your impact is really meaningful. 

Learning Center Volunteers – minimum of 2 weeks

Communication, Publicity and Administration Assistants – minimum 8 weeks

Construction and Painting Volunteers – depends on the project (normally minimum 5 days)

We normally require all our Learning Center Volunteers and Communication, Publicity and Administration volunteers to have at least an intermediate level of Spanish. Volunteers working in the office also must be fluent in English.

We do not charge for volunteering, However, as we are a small NGO, we do ask for a $50 donation on arrival to cover our administration costs. This includes your La Esperanza t-shirts.

We welcome applications from all individuals who meet our language and time commitment requirements, and who demonstrate a willingness to adhere to our code of conduct. 

Prospective applicants should fill out the application form, to let us know more about their experiences and motivations for volunteering. Successful applicants will then be invited to participate in an informal virtual interview.

In the interview we tell you more about how the organisation works, discuss your planned arrival dates and accommodation, and give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

We aim to respond to applications within 48 hours. If you haven’t heard from us after this, please check your spam folder.

Head to our Life as a Volunteer page to find out more about visas, living costs, safety, accommodation, weather and food in Granada, as well as packing tips for prospective volunteers.