POSITION TITLES
Therapy Assistant
Special Needs Classroom Assistant
Vocational Trainer
LOCATION
Managua, Nicaragua
NUMBER OF POSITIONS
1 - 3 positions for a total of 8 months
START DATE AND LENGTH OF SERVICE
Flexible; one month or more.
PURPOSE
To help strengthen the work and program of Tesoros De Dios, especially in the area of serving the children's physical needs.
Background on ministry partner:
Tesoros de Dios (FES) is a ministry for children with developmental disabilities in Managua, Nicaragua. Their vision is that children with developmental disabilities and their families will use the skills they have learned at Tesoros de Dios to reach their fullest physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potential.
Tesoros de Dios exists to provide children with developmental disabilities (from infancy to young adulthood) and their families the basic tools for life-long holistic growth through programs of personal health, special needs education, economic empowerment, social networking and Christ-centered spiritual growth which are sustainable in a Nicaraguan familial and social context.
The ministry in its totality is more than a center of therapy or classes; it is a place where a team of teachers, therapists, trained staff, parents, physicians, and volunteers work together to pass on to children with developmental disabilities and their families the love of Christ, prioritizing above anything else a spiritual development in the kids and their families. The ministry intends to make itself accessible to families with children ages 1-21 who have developmental disabilities.
FIELD RESPONSIBILITIES
Assist in the areas assigned by the director and physical therapist. The position is flexible. Possible ministry opportunities include:
Therapy Assistant
Provide assistance to one of the Tesoros de Dios (FES) staff members with the physical strengthening and development of children with developmental disabilities. Areas may include:
• Physical Therapy. Assist in evaluating and treating children who receive physical therapy. (A volunteer with experience in in making braces would also be welcome.)
• Equine Therapy. Assist in all activities involved with horses, from keeping the horses clean to walking with the kids who ride and helping with their therapeutic activities.
Special Needs Classroom Assistant
Provide assistance to one of the Tesoros de Dios (FES) teachers as they provide basic life training, educational reinforcement, and early intervention for the children. Areas can include:
• Early Intervention - assist in intervention strategies for young children with disabilities.
• Special Education - assist in teaching and training children.
• Speech Therapy - assist in language development of all children with language delays.
• Occupational Therapy - assist in positioning and life skills training.
• Music - provide music classes/therapy for all children in the program.
Vocational Training
Provide vocational training classes for older children in the program and/or for family members of all children in the program. Areas may include:
• Computer Training - train students the basics of computers.
• Beautician Training - train women how to cut hair, do nails, etc.
• Sewing Class - train women how to sew.
• Art Skills - train students in areas of candle-making, paper-making, piñata-making, etc.
NORTH AMERICAN RESPONSIBILITIES
• Educate the CRCNA and others about the nature of the global church and its mission.
• Encourage CRC churches to develop a deeper passion and involvement in international missions.
• Communicate the nature and value of CRWM's ministries to the CRCNA and beyond and participate in support-raising for those ministries by developing and maintaining a network of supporting churches and individuals which will provide prayer, care and financial support for the ministry.
QUALIFICATIONS
• Mature Christian committed to Christ
• Flexible and adaptable
• Compassionate and respectful of other cultures
• Knowledge of/heart for working with kids with developmental disabilities
• The specific qualifications and interests for this volunteer opportunity will vary greatly. It is recommended that the interested individual have some studies and/or experience in the area of interest. It is also recommended that the volunteer takes a Spanish course before entering this position.
FIELD STRUCTURE
Reports to Tesoros de Dios Physical Therapist and to the Director of Tesoros de Dios.
BUDGET - Please note that costs are approximate and are listed in US funds.
Transportation to and from the field: $500.00 to $1,000.00, depending on city of departure
Transportation on the field: $80.00/month
Housing and utilities: $250.00-$500.00/month
Ministry expenses: donations to the program are welcome; details will be provided
Other expenses: $270-$420/month
Total cost: $600 to $1000/month plus cost of airfare
Benefits:
1) Growth in your faith and relationship with God;
2) An opportunity to foster new attitudes, perceptions and relationships;
3) A chance to learn from, serve and be served by a different culture;
4) The opportunity to share your Christian faith with others who may not know the Gospel;
5) Serve as an encouragement to Christians in Nicaragua;
6) Apply your current gifts and talents and discover some new ones;
7) Develop a personal perspective on poverty, missions and/or development work;
8) Grow in your understanding of the basic principles for international missions
9) Gain personal satisfaction by seeing first-hand how your prayers and contributions to CRWM have impacted communities in Nicaragua;
10) Assist in educating and raising awareness within North America about the social/political situation in Nicaragua.
11) Expenses directly related to this volunteer opportunity are tax-deductible.
Support Services Provided:
ServiceLink and CRWM agree to provide:
- orientation materials as well as ongoing logistics and support to meet the needs of the volunteers and local community;
- pre-trip orientation (required)
- consultation and/or visits by missionary staff when available;
- opportunity to help volunteers link their individual/church’s mission and vision to work being done;
If you are interested in applying for this opportunity, please contact us today at volunteer@crcna.org.
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