COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Wren Albertson and Allison Ogle worked with three social housing projects: Paz y Vida, El Fortín, and la Solidaridad. Their workshops focused on community development, team building and working as a group, hygiene and sanitation, building healthy and self –sustaining communities and gender stereotypes. They designed group building activities and games, which were new and thoroughly enjoyed by all—especially the blind trust walk. Their workshops were important efforts in building these new communities and helping them work together to realize their dream of having a home and community of their own.

RESEARCH PROJECTS

We can also assist you with methodological and logistical support for independent research projects. One of this years interns, Anjali, did research on the new Penal Code as it relates to domestic and sexual violence. Her work was valued by many lawyers and organizations that work with women, who had little knowledge of the law.

Carrie was more than helpful – she went above and beyond what anyone could expect from her. I am still incredulous at the amount of assistance she gave me with my projects – especially with my research. Interviews with lawyers, judges, police, professors, journalists were and amazing and I would be very surprised to hear of
another program anywhere that gives that much support to independent research
projects. Carrie’s familiarity with the community and knowledge of social justice issues were key in
making my research possible. - Anjali Mohan

THANKS TO OUR WONDERFUL FAMILIES!

Living with a family is the best way to fully integrate into the Nicaraguan culture. You learn about religion, politics, history, beliefs, the food, and have the opportunity to practice your Spanish. The homestay experience is one of the highlights of your time in Nicaragua.

WORK WITH CHILDREN

Education and work with Nicaraguan’s youth is key to solving many of the country’s problems. Many of our volunteers work with children in orphanages, nutrition centers, youth groups, sports programs, street children, schools, and preschools. They give classes, assist with teachers, play with the children, organize youth support groups, provide psychological support, and do other important work with Nicaraguan’s youth.

We are currently looking for interns to help orphans with technical training courses so that they have employment skills once they leave the orphanage when they turn 18. However, any work and support you can give is much needed and appreciated!

THANKS TO ALL OF OUR INTERNS!

Without the dedication and hard work of all of our interns, our work and the work of many of our collaborating organizations would not be possible. Thanks for giving your time, energy, skills, and creativity to improving the socio-economic situation in Nicaragua. Together - one step at a time - we will make a difference!

Women's Health

Machismo in Nicaragua influences the overall health of many women and their families. Physical, emotional, economic and sexual abuse are serious problems for many Nicaraguan women. Lack of reproductive education and access to health care contribute to high birth rates, elevated indices of maternal and infant mortality, and sexually transmitted diseases. This year, many of our interns focused their work on gender equality and women’s health. Their projects included: workshops on domestic violence, family planning and reproductive health; a health fair focusing on domestic violence; seminars on the Law for Equal Opportunities, and designing brochures on topics including emergency contraceptives, domestic violence, emotional health, and many other issues important to improving the health and well-being of Nicaraguan women.

INTRAFAMILIAR VIOLENCE - A call for help for one of the victims

HEALTH INTERNSHIPS

This summer several pre-med and nursing students had the opportunity to work in clinics and hospitals, both in urban and rural communities. Many were able to visit with doctors and medical staff both marginalized urban neighborhoods and rural areas with limited access to healthcare. Some of their tasks included providing pre-natal care in rural areas with no hospitals and clinics and consequently high infant and maternal mortality rates, vaccinating children and adults, observing births, and assisting medical staff with various procedures. Not only was this an opportunity to obtain hands-on practical experience, but also an opportunity for them to see first-hand how structural inequalities and the poor socio-economic conditions of the country contribute to high rates of infectious diseases and other preventable and treatable illnesses.

Volunteeer Christine Nasca volunteered at a local clinic. In addition to visiting patient s in marginalized communities and rural areas, she also assisted with the campaign to promote breast feeding, which included workshops with groups of new mothers. One of her projects was to make a brochure about how to properly breast feed and the benefits of breast milk for newborns. Her brochure is still being used and distributed at the workshops.

I have been home for two days and I already miss Granada so much. I wanted to thank you so much for the amazing experience I had. You were awesome, and things really couldn't have gone any better. The trip really reaffirmed that medicine is what I want to do and that I want to work for and help people in poverty. – Chistine Nasca, 2008