Service Project Description
Prescolar Arcoiris / Rainbow Preschool
Site and Collaborative Partners – where's the need and context?
Prescolar Arcoiris (Rainbow Preschool) is a community operated preschool and feeding program serving 60 children aged 1 to 6 years of age in one of Managua's most congested and impoverished barrios, called Reparto Schick located near Huembes Market.
Children receive food, attention, a semblance of daily structure, and some basic educational input from 2 teachers and a number of parents and volunteers. The centre is open Monday-Friday 7-11 am and 1-5 pm. About 15 adolescents and adults attend basic education classes in the afternoon.
The solid building was constructed some years ago by Save the Children, but now requires updating. Casa Canadiense provides funds for the feeding program. The Ministry of Education stipends the two teachers approximately US$25/month.
Service Project – what work will volunteers do?
Our service project would involve (1) constructing a wall to partition classrooms from one another; (2) replacing a section of zinc roofing; (3) installing a tile floor and cabinets in the kitchen/feeding program; (4) painting the entire place and decorating the bathroom; (5) building bookshelves and purchasing and reading children's books; (6) repairing and refurbishing students chairs and desks; (7) providing moral support and an infusion of care, recreation, and solidarity with the volunteers and two teachers who keep the place going with a minimum of resources.
Benefits – who would benefit?
At the invitation of community leader Doña Aura, we toured the site on Nov 11/09 and met students, teachers, cooks, and volunteers. The service project would primarily benefit them by: (1) defining two distinct classroom spaces; (2) keeping the students and floor dry; (3) creating a cleaner kitchen floor surface and some storage space; (4) brightening up the general decor and bathroom facilities; (5) equipping the preschool with a place for students to read and keep books; (6) maintaining the student's chairs and desks; (7) demonstrating interest and support for the efforts of people who continue to work in adverse circumstances.
Secondary beneficiaries of this program include the 1 locally hired contractor and 1 skilled assistant who will direct the project; a number of local vendors from whom materials will be purchased; a group of 3 local women who will be contracted and trained to provide lunch for the volunteers; and, a local artist who will re-paint some faded children's murals on the walls.
Budget – how much?
US$2000-$5000 for locally hired labour (6 people in total), locally purchased materials, and on-site meals for the volunteer crew. Amount range depends on number of project elements undertaken, which is related to the number of volunteers and groups allocated to this project.
Other Information
Located in the centre-east side of Managua, approx 15 minutes drive away from the office of Compañeros Inc and participant’s host families.
This service project is located in manageable, but demanding circumstances. Attention to preventative hygiene and security precautions outlined by leaders will maximize participant health, safety, and effectiveness.
rev. Nov 21/09