La Mariposa
La Mariposa, Nicaragua
La Mariposa is not just a place, not just a Spanish school or hotel. La Mariposa is a local employment project, creating jobs for over 50 people. It provides education and access to the community about environmental issues and sustainable practices. The Chispa de Vida equine, physical, and occupational therapies are an irreplaceable resource for disabled children and their families. The wild animals of La Mariposa are now enjoying happy and healthy lives since their rescue from the illegal pet trade. All of this, just to name a few of the projects and accomplishments of the organization, have made such an impact on not only its own but many surrounding communities as well. Though some may ask if with so many projects and goals, is it really possible for it to be done well and make a difference? Yes. Unlike many other wonderful organizations whose sole focus may encompass only one of La Mariposas’ goals, the La Mariposa community sees the need for all of its work in the community and dedicates itself to seeing these projects come to fruition.
History of La Mariposa by the founder, Paulette Goudge
About La Mariposa
The best way you can help this wonderful organization is by getting involved. If possible, plan a trip down to Nicaragua! I promise, it will be an incredible experiance. If you have any interest in learning Spanish, try La Mariposas Spanish skype classes! Stay engaged with La Mariposa and their work through social media and share with others! And as always, La Mariposa thrives off of donations and they are always incredibly impactful.
Skype Classes
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced Spanish speaker, these Skype classes will help you grow. You will get the unique opportunity to form friendships with amazing educators in Nicaragua, have meaningful conversations, and learn about Nicaraguan life and culture. You can taylor your classes to what suits you and your learning style best. You can grow your grammar skills and work through La Mariposas amazing curriculum or simply practice your conversations. All the teachers are kind, patient, and wonderful to talk to. To begin your classes, reach out to the email below!
Contribute to La Mariposa
As ever regular or one time donations are critical – either for specific projects or as a general gift. Everything little helps!
Mariposa is incredible organization. Donations are one of the things that keeps it going and every penny is well spent.
To make a tax-deductible donation their 501c3 is called Mas Mariposas. https://masmariposas.org/ .Mas Mariposas is the US base for fundraising to support the work of La Mariposas. All money raised by Mas Mariposas goes directly to La Mariposa for their community projects. Me and my mom are now both board members of Mas Mariposas supporting the animal based projects.
Projects of La Mariposa
Spanish School - La Mariposa Spanish School has been open for over ten years and taught thousands of students. Their teachers are experienced and professional, and all live in the local community. They undertake an intensive training covering grammar and how to give conversation classes. When staying at La Mariposa, you receive 4 hours of one-on-one Spanish lessons every day. This offers immersion in the language, and time for individualized and fun activities, while also providing jobs for many people in the community. As well as the in-person lessons, La Mariposa offers Skype lessons for anyone wanting to learn Spanish and be a part of the La Mariposa experience.
Animal Rescue and Wildlife Sanctuaries - La Mariposa rescues and cares for hundreds of animals within La Mariposa, some released into the wild of the 140 acre Cañada Honda nature reserve, and some supported in the homes of local people who have adopted a dog or cat. The Spanish school is host to over 20 dogs, 8 cats, monkeys, birds, and many others. They offer free food for animals under stress and as funds allow, offer the sterilization clinics in the poorer communities.
“Chispa de Vida” Therapy Program - Chispa de Vida (“Spark of Life”) strives to improve the quality of life for differently-abled people and their families. The project provides a free program of therapeutic and educational activities, assistance with transportation and medical necessities, as well as a supportive community. The project offers equine therapy, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
Integrated Children’s Projects - The goal of the children's program aims to ensure that, whatever their abilities, all children in the projects have access to the same resources, and, wherever possible, children of different abilities work together instead of being separated into ‘specialist’ projects for differently abled children. The children attending the project will have more access to nature, education on environmental issues including organic gardening and the care of animals. This project offers English classes for beginners, reading and writing , creative arts (using all recycled materials), dance (focusing on folklore), and environmental education and learning an appreciation of nature through being in La Reserva. They also are establishing a lending library, which allows children and to borrow books (the community does not have a library and the schools are frequently unable to provide books and supplies materials for the students.)
Organic Garden and Reforestation - La Mariposas organic garden, located on the La Reserva property, is a wonderful part of the organization. Through this garden they grow most of the food you eat while staying at the hotel, as well as selling it to the community for low prices. They use this garden as a means to educate and working in the garden is a very popular volunteer activity. Deforestation has become a huge issue in Nicaragua as many trees are cut down to grow crops. La Mariposa combats that devastation by working with local communities to plant trees as wind breaks for houses and fire wood. The deforestation has also led to the drying up of local wells and by replanting these trees they are brining back a water source to the community. They also give out baby shade grown coffee trees to locals (which are very profitable) but need to be planted with other trees. By doing so, they are benefitting the community as well as the environment.
Housing and Water Programs - Recently, La Mariposa did a project raising money to fix the roofs on 16 local houses in a barrio. When possible, La Mariposa also supplies water to a community with no drinking water.
To read more, please visit their website mariposaspanishschool.com/