Fifteen kilometers south of San Juan del Sur exists the small community of El Carizal. “Tucked away under canopies rich with Howler Monkeys and Scarlett Macaws, the residents of this tranquil paradise enjoy a lifestyle occupied with leisure and relaxation. This laid-back tempo is appreciated by the children who spend most of their time playing in the river, and the older generations who spend most of their time watching the children”.  The community itself consists of approximately 150 families, most of whom have lived their entire life within the fifteen kilometer radius.

Carlos Guzman School

In El Carizal there exists one primary school which is known by the locals as La Escuela de Carlos Guzman.  The school consists of three (3) classrooms, one of which was built by local community members after the supplies were purchased from donations.    On any given day attendance ranges from twenty to sixty students between the ages of five and twenty-six.  School books are recycled by every generation in the community.  Blue and white uniforms are required by the government, although many student families cannot afford them and modified versions of are widely accepted.  Supplies are extremely limited and most of the classroom materials have been sourced from past donations over the years.

Proceeds from the from The Earthship Pitaya Festival, go toward the Casa Llanta Fund. Casa Llanta is currently working in combination with Comunidad Connect to host English classes at the local school in El Carizal. English classes take place twice a week from 2-3:30pm.

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING IN NICARAGUA?

• Make a donation here.  It costs our foundation $150 per month to continue hosting English classes at the school in the community of El Carizal.  Every month counts so please consider sponsoring a month of classes.  A donation of any amount helpss
• Donate school supplies.  Unfortunately we cannot rely on the local postal system, therefore we need you to physically bring the supplies down to Nicaragua with you when you visit.  If you have supplies to donate then you can contact me about sending them down with somebody because we always have volunteers coming down.
• Volunteer in Nicaragua as a teacher. We are always looking for more volunteers to come along side our school director to assist with teaching classes and tutoring the students.    Teaching at our English classes is a great way to learn Spanish and connect with the local community.
• Become a fundraising partner.  Assist our foundation in raising monthly donations to continue their education.   Contact me for assistance and information on fundraising partnership ideas.