Nicaraguan Sign Language Projects, Inc. is seeking

VOLUNTEER FACILITATORS

for our school in

Bluefields, Nicaragua

Mission Statement:
NSLP, Inc. administers programs designed to empower Nicaragua's emergent Deaf communities by fostering nationalization of the indigenous signed language, by training natively fluent Deaf Nicaraguans to be school teachers and role models, and by providing academic and vocational training to Deaf youth. NSLP, Inc. is a non-profit, charitable corporation. We are not affiliated with any religious denomination. Our school in Bluefields is operated in collaboration with the Bluefields Chapter of Los Pipitos, a non-governmental advocacy organization for families with children with disabilities.

Facilitators team teach with Deaf Nicaraguan teachers and teacher trainees. Facilitators explain movies and books to Deaf teachers who in turn present the content to Deaf students using Nicaraguan Sign Language. Facilitators assist teachers in preparing and implementing daily lesson plans.

Requirements:

1) Fluency in any sign language coupled with a commitment to

respect the integrity of Nicaragua's indigenous sign language.

2) Good command of world history.

3) Ability to read and write in English and Spanish.

4) Familiarity with SignWriting preferred, but we will

train.

5) Background in Education or Linguistics preferred.

6) Motivation, creativity and the ability to work in

difficult conditions with limited supervision.

7) Dedication: the willingness to work in a hot, humid

climate in an impoverished country with minimal support

services for a period of no less than six months.

8) Excellent references and a criminal background check.

Bluefields: a small city located on the southeastern edge of Nicaragua's Atlantic rain forest region. Climate is tropical year round, and characterized by high humidity and substantial rainfall. The population is split between English and Spanish speaking neighborhoods. Unemployment is estimated to be at 85%. Most homes have electricity; few homes have running water. Telephone, Internet and cable television services are reliable.

Accommodations: NSLP, Inc. furnishes room and board. Facilitators live in the Dorm House with other faculty. (No smokers.) We are not able to provide a salary nor stipend. Travel costs are reimbursed in installments for facilitators who fulfill their terms.

We offer a wonderful opportunity to be extraordinarily productive while helping a delightful group of children and young adults under demanding working conditions.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

please contact: James Shepard-Kegl

kegl@maine.rr.com

Amor = Yo amo a mi hermano

Andrew Donahue

2003-10-12

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