Help a farmer develop a new sustainable farm in Popoyo, Nicaragua

Details

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  Description

  **Last minute cancellation, looking for volunteers now - mid nov ***
  
  I’m a Canadian who has traded the Nova Scotia countryside for the Pacific coast of Nicaragua. I used to run a small tourism farm back in Canada, hosting travellers and Workawayers, and I absolutely loved the cultural exchange and getting to meet people from all over the world.
  
  I’m now starting over and building a new little farm here in Nicaragua. The goal is to create a simple, sustainable place where I can grow more of my own food, make the most of what we have, reduce waste, and live a little closer to nature.
  
  I’m pretty easygoing and believe in good vibes, but I’m also someone who likes to get things done. I love riding my horse, hanging out with friends, spending time with the animals, and — somewhat reluctantly — I’ve finally taken up surfing! 😅 I speak English, French and Spanish, so communication is pretty easy.
  
  We have quite a little crew here: chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, pigs and horses. The main jobs are helping with their daily feeding and care, keeping things clean and tidy, and cleaning the pool.
  We also have a small hostel, so from time to time I may ask for a hand greeting guests, showing them around, or helping with something simple around the hostel.
  
  If there’s extra time and you’re interested, there are always little projects happening around the farm — especially as we continue developing the property and our fruit garden.
  
  The help is pretty laid-back and flexible. I’m not looking for someone who needs a strict schedule or wants to be constantly supervised. I appreciate people who are responsible, notice what needs doing, and are happy to pitch in when something needs attention.
  
  This is a good place for someone who wants to get a little off the beaten path. We’re not a polished resort and this isn’t a party hostel. It’s a small, rustic farm and hostel where you’ll be surrounded by animals, nature, travellers and local life.
  
  I’m looking for people who are independent, respectful, positive and genuinely enjoy being around animals and living a little more simply.
  
  If you’re looking for a relaxed place with good people, animals, nature, a bit of adventure and an experience that's genuinely off the beaten path, you’ll probably feel at home here.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Language practice

  Help with Eco Projects

  Light gardening

  Creative DIY projects

  Animal Care

  Farmstay help

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  Light maintenance

  Help with Computers/ Internet
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  Interests

  

  Sustainability

  

  Pets

  

  Farming

  

  Events & social

  

  Culture

  

  Gardening

  

  Animals

  

  Yoga / Wellness

  

  Water sports

  

  Nature

  

  Hiking

  

  Fitness

  

  Dancing

  

  Camping

  

  Beach

  

  Adventure sports
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  UN sustainability goals this host is trying to achieve

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  What's this?
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  Nicaragua is an amazing country with so much more to experience than just surfing. The area is best known for its beaches and surf culture, but there are plenty of other things to discover, from exploring nearby towns and beaches to horseback riding, hiking, swimming, fishing and experiencing everyday Nicaraguan life.
  
  The farm is located in a quieter, more rural area about 5–8 minutes from the beach by vehicle. It’s a nice balance between being close to the action and having somewhere peaceful to come home to.
  
  For me, cultural exchange is a big part of the Workaway experience. I’ve hosted Workawayers before at my farm in Canada and really enjoyed meeting people from different countries, sharing meals and stories, and learning from each other.
  
  You’ll have the opportunity to experience a more local and off-the-beaten-path side of Nicaragua while learning about caring for farm animals, running a small rural property, sustainable living and developing a tourism project from the ground up.
  
  Because we also have a small hostel, there are often other travellers around, which makes it easy to meet people and share experiences from all over the world.

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  Help

  I’m starting up a little farm in Nicaragua, and an extra pair of hands is always welcome! There are always projects happening around the property, so the exact tasks are flexible depending on what needs doing and what you’re interested in.
  Our main daily tasks involve helping feed and care for the animals — horses, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dogs and cats — as well as keeping the natural pool clean and helping with general farm projects.
  We also have a small hostel on the property, so occasionally volunteers may help greet guests, show them around or lend a hand with something around the hostel.
  There are always extra projects happening as we continue developing the farm, so having enthusiastic volunteers around is a big help. The work is generally pretty relaxed and flexible, and I’m happy to work around your interests and schedule when possible.

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent
  French: Fluent
  Spanish: Beginner

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  Accommodation

  Accommodation is in our large rancho, which has been divided into separate areas for volunteers and hostel guests.
  
  The upstairs section is our small hostel, with space for up to 5 guests in a dorm-style area. There is also a separate little private space within the hostel, enclosed by bamboo walls, with a queen bed. This space is normally used for longer-term volunteers when the hostel is busy.
  
  Since we don’t usually have a large number of hostel guests, we often have room for additional volunteers. Depending on how busy we are, volunteers may stay in the dorm area and have the opportunity to meet other travellers.
  
  There is a small kitchen on the ground floor where you can prepare your own meals. We now have proper bathrooms and showers on the property, shared with the other guests and volunteers.
  
  The rancho also has access to our lovely natural pool, and the internet is generally good. The entire farm runs on solar power, so we rarely have issues with electricity, b ut we need to be mindful of usage.
  
  Food is not included, and volunteers are responsible for buying and preparing their own meals. You’ll also be expected to keep your accommodation and shared spaces clean.
  
  The farm is about 2 km from the beach, so I highly recommend having your own transportation, such as a bicycle or moto. I also have a moto available for rent if you’re interested, as I’m not currently using it much with my baby.

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  What else ...

  You'll have lots of time off to go explore the area. The area is growing and there’s a great community around. You'll be welcome to join on some of my adventures (horse riding, surfing, swimming, hanging out, etc.). It would be good if you had your own transport as its a decent walk to the beach, but if not, we can work around it (I can offer rides).

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Can host digital nomads

  The property is entirely on solar with a relatively good internet (especially for the area) so you will have access to work at all times. The schedule is super flexible so you can plan accordingly.

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  Space for parking camper vans

  Around 6.5 acres of land so plenty of space.

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  Can possibly accept pets

  If the pet is friendly with farm animals & other dogs/cats!

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  My animals / pets

  Lyka & chica

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