FAQs What is the average age of a typical Peace and Hope Trust volunteer? Our volunteers represent all age groups from 15 years of age to 80. Our most concentrated age brackets are between 18 and 28 and between 50 and 70. What skills does a volunteer need to be accepted as a volunteer for Peace and Hope Trust? The only prerequisites for our volunteers are that they have a willingness to serve others and are good team players. If you work well with other people and have compassion for those in need you have what it takes. Are there bugs and snakes? After eight years of working in Nicaragua, I (P. Coleman) have only seen two snakes. The bugs are no worse then a summer evening in the Midwest United States. I am a vegetarian, is that going to be a problem? No. We frequently have vegetarians join our volunteer teams. Nicaragua is overflowing with fruit and vegetables in some places. You will have to be your own advocate at times as the teams are responsible for the menu. Can I come for just one week? We recommend that our volunteers come for at least two weeks. Many of our service locations are remote and require a couple of days just to get there. Two weeks is really the recommended minimum. However, if it comes down to coming for one week or not at all…we can accommodate almost any schedule. What are the accommodations like? Our volunteers experience a dynamic array of housing situations. In Managua, our team members stay in very comfortable accommodation with hot showers at least one day/night on either end of their trip. One the Atlantic Coast where we do most of our work, housing is much more basic. It is dormitory style with bunk beds and mattresses…luke warm showers on a good day. In the jungle our volunteers again stay in dormitory style housing, with a few volunteers placed in tents when there is a large team…the closest you will get to a hot shower is in your dreams. Can my husband/wife/parents call me? Sometimes. Depending on which housing facility, phones are available to receive calls at specified times. In the jungle, our satellite phone is reserved for emergency calls only. However, we check in daily with our contact person in the States, so family members are always welcome to call this person for an update on the trip. I am not really that great at “encouraging” people face to face but I love to build things…can you use me? Definitely! Many of our projects are based on the construction of a building or infrastructure…we need you too! I am traveling through Central America and I would like to volunteer for you as I pass through Nicaragua…will that work? Yes. We accommodate “travelers” many times a year. We welcome those with a willing spirit, a hard work ethic and compassion to help others. However, our resources are committed to the people of Nicaragua so “travelers” must be committed and contributing members of the volunteer team. My school, college, church, friends or work place would like to send a team of volunteers…is that possible? Yes. We host many such groups every year. Typically the ideal team size is between 10 and 15 people. However, there are many opportunities for individuals and small groups to join other teams serving with Peace and Hope Trust in Nicaragua at the same time. Please visit our Contact Us page so we can send you more information. What about individuals? I don’t have others to join me and I really want be involved in your projects. Great! We welcome individuals both to join existing teams and to work independently at times. The more diverse our volunteer base, the richer the gifts we have to offer our beneficiaries. I want to learn more about volunteering for Peace and Hope Trust in Nicaragua…How do I obtain more information? Please visit our “how to help” link on this site or email or call us for more information on filling out an application and beginning the exciting process of volunteering with Peace and Hope Trust.