AsoFenix: renewable energy and community development
Several villages in the central state of Boaco | Nicaragua
Nicaragua-001
Internship offered at Asociación Fénix (AsoFenix) in conjunction with Green Empowerment. AsoFenix is a NGO based in the capitol city of Managua with years of experience in the area of renewable energy. Its staff is comprised of engineers, university students, technicians, and community organizers. They are seeking interns in the fields of engineering, renewable energy, agroforestry, public health and related majors. Intermediate Spanish competency preferred, however, a multi-week, intensive language training can be arranged for students with less Spanish. Minimum 6 months; unpaid internship.
Internships Details
About the Organization
IE3 Global Internships and Green Empowerment are offering a joint internship with the organization AsoFenix in Nicaragua.
AsoFenix
AsoFenix’s projects are designed to promote income generation in the communities they serve. This leads to greater capacity in the community and promotes protection of the environment. AsoFenix’s mission is to be a leader in driving the diffusion, development and application of renewable energies to improve the standard of living in communities and protect the environment. Its objectives are to:
Prioritize the most impoverished communities for the development of projects;
Develop renewable energy projects; and
Empower community leaders.
AsoFenix has teamed with Green Empowerment on feasibility studies, technical trainings, project construction, commissioning, organizational planning, public relations and fund raising. Since 2004, AsoFenix and Green Empowerment have installed solar water pumps in 4 communities, supplying clean water to nearly 2,000 people. In 2007 the partners worked together on a 13kW micro-hydroelectric system that now serves 30 households. Two additional micro-hydro systems are currently under development in El Roblar and La Laguna within the district of San Jose de Los Remates. Each project incorporates sanitation education, starting vegetable gardens, building latrines, and reforestation efforts. In 2008, AsoFenix and Green Empowerment worked together to launch a small-scale biogas digester program. AsoFenix has found that appropriate use of renewable energy-related systems does positively impact the environment and villagers’ health while boosting the local economy.
Green Empowerment
Green Empowerment is a Portland, Oregon based 501(c)(3). They were founded in 1997 by a Portland-based human rights attorney who was inspired by the life of Ben Linder, a neighbor and friend who was killed in Nicaragua. Green Empowerment’s first project was to work with Ben’s colleagues to complete a micro-hydro renewable energy system to provide clean electricity to a village in northern Nicaragua. With 6 paid staff, Green Empowerment's mission is to develop renewable energy and clean water delivery projects in Latin America and Southeast Asia to alleviate poverty and restore the environment. Their projects support improved community health, education, and economic benefits. Their development model is to cultivate lasting partnerships with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in each country who work with rural farming communities to set objectives and priorities. At present, they are partnered with NGOs in Nicaragua, Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, the Philippines, and Thailand. They are funded through a mix of individual donors, grants, fund raising events, and fee-for-service educational programs.
Green Empowerment has been instrumental in successfully establishing community-owned micro-hydroelectric projects in Nicaragua, Guatemala, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines. These endeavors have brought electricity to thousands of people and boosted the local economies. In addition, Green Empowerment has provided solar power for 37 health clinics in Burma, developed solar projects with three indigenous communities in the Ecuadorian Amazon and eight villages in Northern Peru. They have supported small wind projects in Northern Peru and water pump projects in Nicaragua and the Philippines. To date, through renewable energy, they have helped 23,500 heads of household gain lighting in their homes, secured local access to clean water for 10,600 people, and improved schools, clinics and small-businesses for an additional 177,500 villagers.
Having worked in Nicaragua for over 12 years, Green Empowerment has a strong track-record and close working relationship with AsoFenix and the communities they are affiliated with.
Job Description
Interns will be assigned specific objectives and tasks consistent with their previous preparation and the particular needs of the program.
Some illustrative project activities include:
Renewable Energy: assist with organizing community support and for the projects; work on photovoltiacs, solar powered water pumping, small wind turbines, micro-hydro turbines, improved cook stoves, and small-scale biogas technologies; work to develop agro-forestry projects which can be leveraged to ensure increased local participation in watershed management efforts; help teach hand washing, dental hygiene, and sanitation workshops for children; and help conduct pre- and post project assessments.
Interns will rotate through at least four project villages with periodic stays at the office in Managua. Interns will prepare a specific work plan agreed upon by Jaime Munoz of AsoFenix and Jason Selwitz of Green Empowerment. On a bi-weekly basis each intern will participate in a meeting with Jason Selwitz from Green Empowerment through Skype -- other technical staff are available for consultation. AsoFenix personnel and resource persons will provide on-site orientation to cultural aspects of working with rural farming communities.
# of Positions per term
4
Start Dates
at the beginning of any academic term
Duration of Internship
6-12 months
Qualifications
Academic Background
Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Water Resources Engineering, Renewable Energy, Public Health, Agro-Forestry, and related fields
Skills/Experience
Project design, logistics, community development, and teaching. Previous experience living and studying in Latin America is not necessary, but certainly a bonus.
Language Ability
Intermediate Spanish competency preferred, however, a multi-week, intensive language training can be provided for students who have less Spanish. Previous experience living or studying in Latin America strongly preferred.
Other Requirements
Good interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills, team work, cultural sensitivity and flexibility to adapt to on-going and multiple activities.
Internship Costs
Total costs vary depending on how long you plan to be abroad, where you will be living, your personal spending habits, and current exchange rates. The following estimates will give you a ballpark figure for this internship. Get help with the math from our handy Cost Calculator.
ALL ESTIMATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
IE3 Program Fee
For spring term 2012, the program fee for the first term of any internship is $2950 - $3150. The expected program fee beginning summer term 2012 is $3450 for the first term. You do not pay tuition in addition to the program fee. Visit your University's IE3 page for details, costs for additional terms, and campus administrative fees.
Estimated One-Time Expenses
| Expense Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Host Site Fees | $2500-$4000 |
| International Travel | $800-$900 |
| Visa Fees | |
| Recommended Immunizations | $500 |
*See Additional Cost Information below.
Estimated Monthly Expenses
| Expense Type | Price/month |
|---|---|
| Housing | $250 |
| Food | $200 |
| Local Transportation | $50 |
| Recreation | $50 |
| Personal Expenses | $50 |
Compensation
None.
Additional Expense Information
Host Site Program fees cover project operations and management. Students will be billed $2500 for 6 months or $4000 for 12 months to be paid to Green Empowerment. Please check with .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)if you have questions about the total cost estimate.
Additional Information
Accounts from previous interns:
Media:
Newpaper article about Portland State University Capstone Class works with Aso Fenix in Nicaragua.
Newpaper article about sister city fundraising efforts to assist villages in Nicaragua.
Information about Nicaragua:
Lonely Planet Guide to Nicaragua
The Nicaragua Channel (travel information)
Field Notes Postings:
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Nicaragua by Latin America Regional Director, Monya Lemery (August 3rd, 2009)
Last Updated on Mar 19, 2009