Join our “A North-South Educator Dialogue” Delegation to Nicaragua
The objective of the “North-South Educator Dialogue” is to create a reciprocal learning exchange between teachers from different cultural contexts– Canada and the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. Through this exchange Pueblito hopes that participants will better understand their role as educators in the global struggle to provide quality education for all.
Over 8 days, delegates will meet with educators in Pearl Lagoon, Nicaragua where they will deliver and receive workshops that address the challenges and opportunities presented when working in a multi-lingual, multi-ethnic classroom.
This experience will draw on the MyBEST (Model for Bilingual Education and Successful Teaching) project that Pueblito and its partner organization, FADCANIC, is currently implementing. MyBEST works in the afro-descendent and indigenous communities in the Pearl Lagoon region. The project supports teachers and parents to educate their children in their mother tongue as well as in Spanish, the dominant language in Nicaragua. We are providing training and resources to teachers and parents to support bilingual education and cultural revitalization in preschools and primary schools.
The trip will be facilitated and coordinated by Pueblito’s Program Director with the support of our Nicaraguan partners. Since 1990, FADCANIC (Foundation for the Autonomy and Development of the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua) has been widely respected as a leader in developing culturally appropriate education in multi-ethnic communities. FADCANIC contributes to the development of Nicaragua’s Atlantic Coast by promoting autonomy for the region especially in the areas of education and natural resource management.
Who is this trip ideal for: Educators of all kinds (in-service, pre-service and retired teachers, community-based educators, etc.) If you believe this will benefit your work with children and youth we strongly encourage you to apply. Minimum age required is 18 years.
EXPECTATION FOR PARTICIPANTS:
- To participate in 3-4 pre-departure workshops
- To prepare a workshop as part of a team related to multi-lingual, multi-ethnic education
- To be open to new and interesting yet potentially at times uncomfortable experiences while in Nicaragua
- To participate in a series of follow-up activities upon arrival in Canada (including but not limited to presentations, online communication, and creating written accounts of your experiences)
DATES: Arrive in Nicaragua Saturday March 10th; depart Nicaragua on Saturday March 17th.
COST: $800* that covers: 7 nights of basic accommodation; 3 meals per day for 7 days; transportation in-country (including flight to the Atlantic Coast), and trip organization. Participants will be responsible for booking their own flights and securing health insurance.
There is a subsidy available to participants who could not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. All fees are payable to Pueblito.
*The fee could change slightly higher or lower depending on costs.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Niquiche Kelly – niquiche@pueblito.org Tel: 416.642.5781
To apply, a letter of intent and resume are requested.
Send both the letter and resume in a single pdf document, using the following file name format “Last name, First name – delegation 2012.pdf” to pueblito@pueblito.org. The deadline for applications in December 1st 2011 at 5pm.
The letter of intent should address the following questions:
- Why do you want to participate in this experience?
- What are you hoping to get out of this experience both personally and professionally?
- List educational experiences that you have had which would be especially helpful to you in working with teachers from a different culture.
- What are your expectations in terms of accommodation, food, and transportation? Do you have previous experience living in humble conditions?
- How many hours per month are you able to dedicate to preparation before and knowledge sharing after the trip?
- There is a subsidy available to participants who could not otherwise participate due to financial constraints. Will you require a subsidy in order to participate?
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: To learn more Pueblito Canada, visit www.pueblito.org. To learn more about FADCANIC, visit www.fadcanic.org.ni/