Computer Guru / Network Administrator

  Nicaragua

• Other Cities in Nicaragua: 
Rural Areas

Term: Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter 
Durations of Program: 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 3-6 months
Dates: open

Description: Provide IT, hardware and software technical support for the Lights and Computer project in Solentiname. We are presently maintaining approximately 40 older Dell Latitude laptop CPI computers. We are in the process of issuing computers in the casa, setting up a community -based cyber cafe, arranging microloans to finance solar systems, and finally setting up a wide area wi-fi network to connect the schools of Solentiname. Hopefully IT will not be a full time position; the ideal candidate will assist in community ESL lessons. While our primary program focus is teaching ESL and computer skills, there may be an opportunity to teach/tutor Math, Social Science, Humanities with motivated students. In addition, you may be able to participate in other community development projects.

Highlights: The Archipelago of Solentiname has a rich past and reputation, not only for its primitivist art colony and its semi-revolutionary activities, but also for its unique natural world, the hospitality of the people and peaceful style of living. It is a small group of 36 islands, situated in the southern end of the great fresh water Lake Nicaragua. The famous poet Ernesto Cardenal, set up a contemplative community here in the early 60s and still has a house here. The natural history and community of painters and wood carvers are major attractions for visitors. For others, the secret of Solentiname may simply be its serenity.

The Alianzia has been involved in education and the community since 2001. We have offered ESL classes in Solentiname since 2004, but Lights and Computers is our most ambitious project. In 2006 the project started by setting up a community lab, and providing computer instruction. Due to the rural isolated nature of Solentiname, students are spread out and transportation is difficult. The focus now is providing laptop computers in the casa to colegio professors, primary school teachers, Sobresaliente students as well as adult community members. Lights and Computers is an ideal project for a small disadvantaged rural village. Since there is no conventional electricity in Solentiname, we are organizing microloans to finance solar systems for individuals and the schools. A computer was something almost unimaginable for these people. It not only offered a source of education and job skills, but also symbolized entry into a modern world that was closed to them. For the younger generation, the new school computers have been magnets. Our final objective will be setting up a wide area wi-fi network to connect Solentiname to the Internet.

Even though very poor, Nicaraguans understand the importance of education, and that is why there are 16-year-old students in the 3rd grade. Most Nicaraguan children start working soon after they can walk - carrying water, washing clothes, working in fields, caring for siblings, selling things. There are 6 primary schools, and the Colegio in Solentiname was organized 4 years ago and presently has 95 students who attend class every other weekend. Nicaragua has a system of colegio secundaria a distancia designed for students who must work during the week. Nicaraguan schools receive minimal funding by the government and teaching resources are very limited. In rural areas, schools have few books; therefore the teacher usually writes the lesson on the board and students copy it into their notebooks. There is a lot of lecture, dictation, and memorization because of the lack of books. Our long-term goal is to enhance education by providing books on computer, as well as Internet access in each school.

Our mission statement guides our programs by recognizing the delicate nature of the culture and community. We accept that by disrupting the existing system, even if it is flawed, with temporary solutions or hand-outs can often do more harm than good. We strive to empower local residents, as partners with a sustainable approach to their project work that recognizes the long-term impact and viability of their efforts. This is done through much collaboration with the local community, whereby we and volunteers listen and learn from the community before acting on their behalf.

Qualifications: This is a position where you will be responsible for network setup and repair, as well as keeping 45 older Dell Lattitude CPI computers working.

While you don't have to be a certified teacher to be a volunteer-teacher, but ideally, teachers should already have a bachelor's degree and be willing to make a minimum commitment of three months. Some teaching experience and/or attendance in a TEFL/TESL course is desirable although not essential. Solentiname Solidarity Alliance welcomes the support of many volunteers and interns each year and we look forward to receiving your information.

Salary / Pay: Long-term volunteers or interns with a minimum commitment of six months may receive a small stipend for special projects.

Experience Required: yes

any skills that you have in: teaching -- elementary or secondary level, ESL instruction, practical health-- doctors, PA's or nurses, tourism development business management, land and water resource management, or other appropriate technology will be more than welcome. You do not need special skills nor do you have to speak fluent Spanish, but will ensure that you get the most out of your placement and contribute fully to the community. If you are not skilled but have a desire to volunteer short or mid-term, we can use you, too.

Typical Volunteer: * Short-term volunteer * Internship * ProCorps Solentiname Solidarity Alliance coordinates four different volunteer and intern programs for students, professionals, and retirees of all skill levels. 1. Short term volunteer ships generally are from 2 weeks to six months to support existing projects. Volunteers begin their experience getting oriented to their new surrounding and are soon assigned to service projects that match their interests and skills. 2. Internships are a more formal arrangement and generally last between 9 and 52 weeks and interns generally have a specific job responsiblity and goals. 3. ProCorps are generally between 1 week up to 1 year. ProCorps is designed for professionals and retirees with professional experience and able to provide technical expertise. 4. We organize Study Tours of 2 to 4 weeks for professors and students that include in-country logistics and local resources to support development-related courses and study-tours abroad. Typically Solentiname Solidarity Volunteers and Interns are dynamic, motivated and enthusiastic about their work, flexible about the kind of work that they do and able to adapt quickly to a new environment and new people.

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Nicaragua Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• In-Person Interview when Feasible
• Letters of Reference
• Resume
• Written Application

Solentiname Solidarity Alliance's Mission Statement: The mission of Solentiname Solidarity Alliance is to be in a collaborative partnership with the people of Solentiname and other organizations to promote social and economic justice through alternative models of sustainable community development and activism. We affirm a shared membership in one human family and commit ourselves to work for justice and peace, honoring the dignity and strengths of each person guided by the principle of consensual decision making. The vision is different than the conventional charity model. Our goal is to work for independence, self- sufficiency and sustainability within our community, steering away from continued dependence on external donations and outside assistance.

Year Founded: 2004