Nicaragua Trek FAQ
Below are some common questions about BwB's Trek for Knowledge to Nicaragua. Please feel free to contact the BwB Trek Coordinator at your school for more information.
Why does BwB offer the Trek for Knowledge for students and teachers?
Throughout the school year, BwB members work hard at fundraising to sponsor the construction of a BwB Schoo in a developing country.
The Trek for Knowledge allows BwB members to take their commitment to the next level! The Trek offers members the opportunity to see and participate first-hand in the result of their fundraising work. The Trek also demonstrates the important thread of community service that runs through all that BwB does. On the school construction site, BwB Members work alongside community members who volunteer their time for the good of the project.
What kind of work will students be doing during the Trek?
The greatest portion of the Trek Team's travel will be spent in the rural Trek village. The Team's daily schedule will revolve around work on the construction site, as well as exploration of the lifestyle and culture of the host village. Four hours/day will be spent working on the construction site. Trekkies will be expected to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty - digging the foundation, carrying sand, gravel, or water to the site, mixing concrete, and moving bricks, among other tasks!
Where is Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is one of the largest countries in Central America. It is bordered to the north by Honduras, and by Costa Rica to the south. Nicaragua's eastern coastline meets the Caribbean Sea. To the west, Nicaragua is bordered by the Pacific Ocean.
How long has BwB been working in Nicaragua? Is it a safe country?
BwB has been working in Nicaragua since 2001. Since then, BwB has worked with villagers to build more than 30 schools for their communties. In the history of our work in Nicaragua, BwB has enjoyed tremendous and positive support from among the community members and local governmental authorities.
BwB also works in partnership with other long-established organization in the cities and communities of Nicaragua. BwB employs permanent staff in Nicaragua who have received nothing but positive support for their work to bring educational resources to the communities. The US State Department does not currently advise against travel to Nicaragua.
Who will be chaperoning the students on the team?
The Trek Team will be lead by two U.S. BwB Staff members, and joined by BwB Staff who live and work in the Trek country. In addition, each Trek Team is comprised of both high school students and teachers. The teachers help to support the Trek Staff, in chaperoning the student Team members.
What does the Trek cost for its participants?
BwB is very fortunate to receive sponsorship for this trip. BwB covers the costs of travel and lodging, meals in the Trek village, as well as pre-departure training and post-travel follow-up for the Trek Team. The Trek Team members are responsible for the cost of personal items, including: passport, visa, immunizations, transportation to and from the airport of departure, personal souvenirs, and a recommended gift for the host family.
While away, will students be able to communicate with home? How will I be able to get in touch with my son/daughter, in case of an emergency at home?
BwB will arrange for the Trek Team to call home upon arrival in the Trek country, to let family know that they have arrived safely. Before departure, family members will be provided with emergency contact information at the BwB office in the United States. BwB Trek Staff will remain in constant communication with BwB Staff in the USA, and therefore be able to respond to emergency situations.
What will you do in an emergency situation?
BwB takes all precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of the Trek Team at all times. Prior to travel, BwB establishes a relationship with the United States Embassy in the Trek Country. BwB also collaborates with local authorities, and established organizations working in the vicinity to prepare for emergency situations. The BwB Staff will establish various contingency plans incorporating the use of a satellite phone, which enables the staff to communicate from all remote locations. In the history of all previous Treks for Knowledge, to four different countries around the world, BwB has not experienced a situation that has threatened the security of the Trek Team.
What kind of medical support is available to the Trek Team?
All BwB Trek Staff have completed an 80 hour Wilderness First Responder Course, which allows them to safely assess and make educated decisions regarding Trekkie health and safety. BwB will also provide specific information and training to the Trek Team about preventative, personal care. The Trek Team will learn about foods and beverages that are safe to eat, as well as basic hygienic. During the Trek, BwB Staff will travel with comprehensive medical kits to address first-aid needs. In addition BwB Staff collaborates with local medical professionals to be prepared for complex medical needs. Finally, BwB purchases emergency medical evacuation insurance to cover every Trek Team member while traveling.
My son/daughter has particular personal or medical needs. How can I see that these are taken care of?
The BwB Staff will take care to be informed of any personal or medical needs of the individuals on the Trek Team. Should a Team member require specific care, the BwB Staff is available to provide this support. In preparation for travel, Team members will have ample opportunity to discuss their personal concerns and needs with the Trek Staff.
What medical supplies do I need to send with my student?
It is not necessary for students to bring an extensive supply of medical supplies, as the BwB Staff will travel with a comprehensive medical kit.
How important is it that students have a current, valid passport?
It is critical that all Trek Team members possess a current, valid passport (or are guaranteed of having it in hand by the time of departure) before BwB can secure airfare for Team members. Team members will receive detailed information on how to obtain or update their passports.
Do students need to receive vaccinations before traveling to Mali?
BwB believes in preventative medical care as the best way to avoid illness while traveling. Yellow Fever vaccination is legally required to entry Mali. BwB will provide a highly recommended list of vaccinations (from the Center For Disease Control) to Trek Team members.
What are the host family accommodations like?
Trek Team members will spend their time in the Trek village living a lifestyle similar to those in the community. The accommodations are basic, but comfortable for the Trekkies. Local families volunteer to host a pair of Trekkies. Before the families are selected as hosts, BwB Staff visit their homes to assure that the accommodations are safe, clean, and appropriate for the Trekkies' personal needs.
Do students need to know the language spoken in the Trek village?
It is not a requirement that Trek Team members know the national or indigenous language of the Trek village. Local BwB Staff will assist the Team members with translation when necessary. However, Team members should expect to be immersed in the language, and participate with a positive attitude about getting past the language barrier!
Will students need to purchase new clothes and camping equipment in order to participate?
No! BwB strongly recommends that Team members bring clothes and supplies that they are comfortable getting very dirty during travel and intense work on the construction site. A second recommendation is that Team members consider borrowing equipment for the trip.
What does it mean that each student has to "share the Trek experience with their community" when they return?
Trek Team members will receive training and support to share this experience through video presentations. Each Team member will be expected to complete a minimum of eight video presentations to community members of their choice (peers, family members, senior citizens, elementary or middle school students, etc.). The Trek for Knowledge is a lifetime opportunity! Its goal is to empower Trek Team members to bring this experience home, so that others can benefit from the culture explored, the relationships made, and the lessons learned while living in the Trek village. These lessons are the ones that will enable each and every one of us to understand how we are truly a part of a global community.
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