Viva Nicaragua! Center for Social Justice and Cultural Understanding

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2012-01-03T11:14:00.001-06:00

Good news for 2012! All direct donations (not placement fees) to our projects and/or collaborating organizations are now tax deductible. This is important to help us support more development efforts and sustain many of our projects started by Viva Nicaragua! interns. Any and all help is welcome. Examples of projects that you can help support include:

- Start up a small business - With as little as $100 we can help a community group start up their own small business. We will provide them with all of the training they need and your support will help with materials.

- Health - Donations can help buy medical supplies and medications needed by NGO and public health clinics.

- Education - $200 can help purchase uniforms and school supplies for 10 children and allow them to continue with their studies. $500 can help make simple repairs on a school and allow for children to study in safe and comfortable environments.

- Housing - With just a $200 donation we can put a new roof on a house and allow for a family to improve living conditions and the overall health of the family.

Please contact us for more information and to find out about current project needs.

Kids Club in Solidaridad Continues!!!

2011-12-28T13:37:00.000-06:00

Volunteer Anne-Marie from Finland spent two weeks working with kids from Solidaridad social housing project. Thanks to our volunteers...we have kept the project running almost continuously for over 2 years. On January 3rd two new volunteers arrive - and we plan on having the volunteers in the community throughout 2012.

El Pulpo! Documentary on Banana Plantations in Central America

2011-12-13T11:54:00.000-06:00

A documentary filmed in Costa Rica, Honduras and Nicaragua discusses the health and environmental effects of banana plantation and how consumers can make a difference by pressuring companies to use less chemicals and pay living wages. Filmed by documentary film maker Lara Weatherly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agAjBwh9MxU

Thank you to all of our 2011 summer interns!

2011-10-11T15:05:00.002-06:00

As summer has come to an end, and many students have already returned to their universities and jobs, we just wanted to take a moment to thank all of our 2011 summer interns for their hard work contributions!

Thanks to Christina, Jake, Mary, Mandy, Jessica, Leila, Joseph, Chelsea and Raj - our Pre-med, public health, and medical students who all worked at rural and urban health clinics throughout Granada and Masaya.

Thanks to Katie who began a small jewelry making business and then was joined by Kelly who also helped with production, sales and marketing.

Thanks to Haverty for starting our mobile library project in rural and urban communities throughout Granada.

Thanks to Annie Pope for her work with water filtration systems in Nandaime and water sanitation and purification systems in Nandaime and Santa Ana.

Thanks to Luke for his work with youth sports teams in los Cocos, Santa Ana, and Solidaridad...and for your presentation in Spanish on labor issues and labor law.

Thanks to Hannah for teaching English in public schools and community centers.

Thanks to Erin for her work with gender, intimate partner violence and reproductive health with women, men, and youth.

Thank you Allistair for teaching English - with a firm yet loving hand - to the kids in Valle de Granada and Solidaridad.

Thanks to Aga for your third visit and congratulations on completing your thesis research here in Nicaragua!

Thanks to dentists, doctors, and dental hygeinists from the University of New Mexico for their work doing cleanings, consults and extractions in the rural community of San Blas.

Thanks to Dalal for her important contribution on the history of Nicaragua.

Thanks to Martina for starting a small business with women in Solidaridad.

Thanks to Nourish international for putting roofs on 20 homes in Solidaridad, fixing the roof and latrine at the school in los Cocos, and repairing the well in Santa Ana.

GOOD WORK EVERYONE....ITS BEEN A GREAT SUMMER AND WE'VE ACCOMPLISHED A LOT AND WITH THE SUPPORT OF OUR INTERNS WILL CONTINUE TO DO MORE!

Dental Health Project

2011-09-21T09:53:00.000-06:00

Raj Kumar completed the following study on the cultural and socioeconomic reasons why children do not brush their teeth. We hope that future interns can use the study to help design better dental health education campaigns.
http://www.scribd.com/doc/63943853/Surf-Project-Report

Intern's Final Project: Recounting Nicaragua's History from Personal Perspectives

2011-09-21T09:42:00.002-06:00

One of our intern's, Dalal Kheeder, spent six weeks interviewing people about their personal experiences at different periods in Nicaragua's history. The following is a publication of her work:

http://es.scribd.com/doc/65792279/Dalal-Project-Final

HEALTH INTERNSHIPS

2011-09-20T09:37:00.000-06:00

PUBLIC HEALTH, PRE-MED, AND MEDICAL STUDENTS WORK IN NUMEROUS CLINICS IN BOTH SEMI-URBAN AND RURAL CLINICS. INTERNS HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK HANDS-ON WITH PATIENTS, SHADOW DOCTORS, AND PARTICIPATE IN HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS. HEALTH INTERNSHIPS LOOK GREAT ON MED-SCHOOL APPS, ALLOW YOU TO GAIN FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE, LEARN ABOUT HEALTH AND HEALTH CARE IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, AND CONTRIBUTE TO HEALTH EDUCATION CAMPAIGNS.

Repairing school

2011-09-20T09:20:00.001-06:00

A group of volunteers from the organization Nourish International collaborated with Viva Nicaragua! to repair the roof of a school in a rural community and install a latrine. Before the reparations, it was impossible for the children to study during heavy rains. Now - rain or shine - the kids are in their classrooms and studying! Good job!!

Intern Article

2011-08-12T12:52:00.000-06:00

Two of our summer interns, Erin and Luke, have been featured in an article! Check it out:

www.iwu.edu/CurrentNews/newsreleases11/fea_BradleyandBroholm_00811.shtml

Political and Cultural Event with Carlos Mejía Godoy

2011-07-27T16:50:00.000-06:00

There were many political events to celebrate July 17, Día de la Alegría. Several of the interns were able to attend one of them where Carlos Mejía Godoy (a famous Nicaraguan revolutionary singer - Wiki article: bit.ly/odRAFS) was performing. See photos from the event below!

Intern Spotlight: Annie

2011-07-25T11:58:00.000-06:00

Intern Annie is doing a potable water and grey water project in the rural communities of Manchon and Santa Ana. Have a look at some of the photos from Manchon!

About six months ago, Doña Berta received a filter for her pila but it stopped working after two weeks. Today they are installing Annie's version specifically for Manchon at her house and the houses of three other women designed.

Throughout the community there is a great deal of standing grey water in the roads.

Annie practices a talk on SODIS, grey water management and water purification with Manchon's health committee.

The health committee gives their talk to the patients waiting to see the doctor at the health center.

Annie and Olga, the president of the health committee, went door-to-door to talk to women individually about potable water.

Cultural Event: Talk on ALBA

2011-07-25T11:22:00.000-06:00

Every week we have a group cultural event, usually consisting of outside speakers coming in to talk about a particular subject.

This summer's events have included:

group trip to Coyotepe, a prison formerly used by Somoza and then the Sandinistas, the Verbena, a cultural event in Masaya
Elvis, a local economist, historian, and storyteller talking about the insurrection and revolution
Francisco, a local businessman to talk about ALBA
Clave de Sol, a local band playing Nicaraguan folk songs with explanations and discussion led by Elvis
group trip to Managua
group discussions

Here are some photos we took during the talk on ALBA given by Francisco.

Booking-Making with Volunteers

2011-07-21T12:39:00.000-06:00

It was book-making day in Solidaridad with two families who are here for a week volunteering with children. Check out the photos below!

The older kids made books with their names on the front and lots and lots of stickers.

The younger kids made number books and had fun counting with stickers.

Video: Haverty - Mobile Library

2011-07-21T12:15:00.000-06:00

Haverty - Mobile Library from Viva Nicaragua! on Vimeo.

Dental Brigade in San Blas

2011-07-13T14:08:00.000-06:00

We recently coordinated a dental brigade from the University of New Mexico in the rural communities of San Blas and Santa Ana. The recent graduates of the dental hygiene school performed cleanings on several hundred children and adults. They brought with them a dentist who performed extractions and several doctors who also attended to patients. We are hoping to make this a yearly event so we are able to provide yearly cleanings for the community!

Nourish International in Solidaridad

2011-07-13T13:59:00.000-06:00

The University of New Mexico branch of Nourish International is down here for a month doing construction work in various communities in and around Granada. They have started in Solidaridad, a former squatters community, replacing roofs on seventeen houses. While Solidaridad was recently the location of a housing project, there were a number of families who were not able to receive houses because they could not afford the materials (which all families had to supply in order to be included in the project).

p.s. We love working with groups to coordinate social justice projects in and around Granada. Contact us if you're interested!

A shiny new roof.

Many of the family are using what used to make up their roof to expand or reinforce the walls of their home.

Jessica's Internship

2011-06-23T12:47:00.000-06:00

We just got some photos from our spring intern Jessica of her time here! Jessica worked in educational health at a clinic in a town south of Granada.

Jessica helping out at a health fair.

Jessica did a series of educational talks in a public school.

Educational bulletin boards.

Jessica in the field with her coworkers.

Mobile Library

2011-06-14T08:38:00.001-06:00

Our Mobile Library project is off to a great start. New intern Haverty is visiting five communities every week, bringing a selection of books to read with the kids each day. So far the response has been great and it's been amazing to see how the kids respond so quickly to all the stories. We never thought Nicaraguan children could be so quiet! Here are some photos from the communities of Solidaridad and the Sabaneta.

Community Group Bonding

2011-05-23T12:25:00.000-06:00

We like to have our community groups give themselves a name so they feel a stronger sense of solidarity. Alina worked with the group in Villa Esperanza to create a banner to commemorate what they had learned and everyone who had participated. Adults, kids and dogs all participated. We can't wait for this summer's interns to continue working with them!

Intern Spotlight: Alina

2011-04-28T09:15:00.001-06:00

We have more pictures of Alina's project in Villa Esperanza! Alina conducted a number of workshops on themes of communication, violence, drugs, and other relevant topics. Here she's having the group do an activity on one of these important topics.

Intern Spotlight: Alina

2011-04-28T08:51:00.000-06:00

Intern Alina helped us start a series of projects in Villa Esperanza, one of our focus communities this year. Her adolescent group touched on issues of health, violence, and drugs but they also took time to have fun and let loose. Here, the group gets together for a soccer game.

Viva Nicaragua! Spanish School: Spanish Programs for Progressive Minds

2011-04-27T20:37:00.000-06:00

Our website is live!

Check out our academic Spanish programs on our new website. We have both long-term and short-term options available and all our classes are taught by university-trained professors.

For more information: www.NicaraguaSpanishClasses.org

Intern Spotlight: Ashley

2011-03-21T10:47:00.000-06:00

Ashley recently completed the Costa Rica - Nicaragua Comparative Program focusing on education in both countries. Now back in the States, she was able to pass on some photos of her time down here:

Featured Project Site: The National Zoo

2011-03-15T11:55:00.000-06:00

A row of bird houses

Program Coordinator Carrie getting to know the zoo's green monkey.

We recently visited the National Zoo, which is small by US standards, but has a good variety of local and exotic animals. Some of the animals, such as several of the large cats, were rescued from home breeding operations. As you can see some from of some of the photos above, you can get much closer to the animals than you may be used to. We had to dodge some kisses from an anteater whose nose could reach pretty far outside its cage!

We hope to place an intern with the zoo sometime in the future. Contact us if you're interested!

Intern Spotlight: Alina

2011-03-14T11:36:00.001-06:00

Alina and Mónica, a local psychologist, brainstorm discussion topics for workshops in the coming weeks.

The workshops are held in the home of Saul, a community leader in Villa Esperanza who has helped create the group.

We hope to work with groups of adolescents to make souvenirs out of bottle caps, maybe even turning it into a micro-loan project.

German psychology student Alina is here for six weeks studying Spanish and working with high-risk youth in and around Granada. In addition to working with FUNPRODE, a local organization that focuses on youth in the penitentiary system, Alina will be conducting workshops in the community of Villa Esperanza. Located in the northern outskirts of Granada, Villa Esperanza is known for having to deal with numerous social and environmental issues. We look forward to placing more interns in this community working with education, our mobile library project, and possibly starting a micro-finance project.

Contact us if you're interested in working on a project in this or one of the many other communities in and around Granada!

p.s.
More information on our newly-opened Viva Nicaragua Spanish School, where you can find the highest quality Spanish classes in Granada.

Read more about our internship and group programs on our homepage.

Testimonial

2011-03-09T11:08:00.002-06:00

I have known Carrie McCracken for six or seven years. I met her first when she was working for another international study center in Costa Rica and I took a group of University of New Mexico students to visit her center in San Jose. Carrie conducted a class on economic development issues for my students and I was extremely impressed by her knowledge of Central America and the way she related to our students. Soon after that Carrie contacted me and said that she was going to move to Nicaragua and set up an internship program based there. I thought there was a great need for such a program in Nicaragua, and I encouraged her to do that.

Since then, we at Casa Xalteva have worked with Carrie on a number of projects, and I have the utmost respect for her work. For example, two years ago the University of New Mexico organized a semester-long program for a group of undergraduate students based in Granada. As a requirement for the course, we wanted each student to do an extended period of social service volunteer work in various part of Nicaragua. We asked Carrie to help us find appropriate sites, set up the terms and conditions of the internships, and supervise and evaluate the students. Our students all had outstanding internship experiences and we were very appreciative of Carrie's assistance with the program.

In the coming year, we are planning two other programs working closely with Carrie. The Dental Hygiene program at the University of New Mexico is planning to take a group of their students to Nicaragua this summer to work with Nicaraguan dentists and do dental cleanings and exams in some rural clinics. Carrie has met with the UNM faculty leaders and will be helping them set up sites for the project. Also, the University of Colorado Medical School is sending a group of physical therapists to Nicaragua in 2011, and I have referred them to Carrie to see if she can do the same for that group.

...I have always found Carrie to be very professional, knowledgeable, and totally committed to her students. She has developed a comprehensive and very impressive network of contacts with organizations and agencies in Nicaragua, and is able to find excellent placements for her students. She is very careful to place the health and safety of her students at the top of her priorities, and she provides them with great support and supervision. She is also very involved in the social and cultural life of Nicaraguans and makes sure that her students get to know people in Nicaragua and are fully immersed in the communities where they work.

Ken Carpenter, Ph.D.,

Associate Director

International Programs & Studies

University of New Mexico

Testimonial: University of Colorado Physical Therapy Group

2011-03-07T13:04:00.002-06:00

In January 2011, a group from the University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program, including 3 faculty and 5 Doctor of Physical Therapy students, visited Granada, Nicaragua. The primary purpose for the visit was to teach a course in pediatric physical therapy as part of an educational collaboration with the Physical Therapy program at the University of Managua. Carrie provided the translation services for all 4 days of the course, and she was exceptional! She prepared by reviewing the handout materials we sent prior to our visit, and she was incredibly flexible in translating back and forth between English and Spanish as needed during our teaching and hands-on lab activities.

In addition to the teaching, Carrie made arrangements for us to visit Children’s Wellness (NGO), a local public health clinic in Granada, and Clinica de Hijos in San Blas. We conducted developmental screenings of children in San Blas and provided consultation to parents of children with disabilities during the visit at Children’s Wellness. We observed public health activities in all settings and had opportunities to talk to, and learn from, various physicians, physical therapists, and healthcare providers. We traveled on local buses and microbuses into rural areas, and we were able to experience the distances and time required to travel and access care.

We learned a lot about the health care system in Nicaragua and gained an appreciation of the levels of care, access to care, and the delivery of care in urban and rural communities. We also gained a greater appreciation for the impact of poverty and current economic environment on the care and services available to children with disabilities in Nicaragua. Carrie helped us to understand the challenges faced by families who live in urban and more rural communities with regards to their children’s health and education. Carrie was incredibly organized and responsive in all the stages of planning and executing the experiences she set up on our behalf. Her knowledge and connections really made our experience in Nicaragua much more worthwhile!

Mary Jane Rapport, PT, DPT, PhD
University of Colorado Physical Therapy Program

Poetry Sharing with FUNPRODE

2011-02-18T13:54:00.000-06:00

FUNPRODE, a local organization that works with high-risk youth and juvenile ex-convicts recently held an event for their youth promotors (volunteers) and Viva Nicaragua staff was able to attend! The promotors were asked to write their own poems to share with the group in to coincide with the National Poetry Festival. Some of FUNPRODE's staff joined in the fun as well.

FUNPRODE's work with high-risk youth is always interesting and they love having interns to work with. Contact us if you would like more information on the work you could be doing with this amazing organization.

FUNPRODE's psychologist talks to the group.

One of the promotoras reads her poem.

FUNPRODE's Coodinator Guillermo wrote a poem as well.

Intern Spotlight: Jessica

2011-02-16T16:12:00.000-06:00

Jessica helps some of the clinic workers find medical files for two local women.

Getting to know some of the kids while waiting for the rest of the group to arrive.

Waiting in line for a turn at the health post.

Jessica, an intern focusing on reproductive health, has been working with a clinic in a small town outside of Granada. She regularly accompanies the clinic staff to smaller rural health posts where she is putting together a series of workshops for adolescents. She will be talking with them about topics the kids suggest while also discussing universally important issues such as family violence. Each workshop includes an educational talk and an activity per the adolescents' requests.

Contact us for more information if you are interested in continuing some of the amazing work Jessica is doing with health education!

Poetry Festival

2011-02-14T19:10:00.000-06:00

"I read to my children."

This weeks is the poetry festival in Granada and there are all kinds of performances and vendors in the city center. Today we stopped by a tent that had a reading corner set up. It was so great to see kids curled up reading when most families don't even own books! It inspired us to start collecting books for our mobile library, which will be put into action this summer. We hope our interns and volunteers can help encourage kids to read in barrios all over Granada!

Roundup: Intern Blogs

2011-02-11T11:12:00.002-06:00

As you look over our program, you probably are wondering what it is like to actually be down here working. Fortunately, some of our interns have written awesome blogs that give you an inside look at their lives in Nicaragua. We highly recommend you check them out!

Chelcy

Molly

Sarah

Morea

better late than never...

2011-02-11T10:37:00.001-06:00

We should have posted this ages ago!

Morea, an intern from two summers ago, worked with a group in Solidaridad on a project where participants were asked to answer questions about their life by taking photos of their community. She submitted a photo essay to the group Photo Philanthropy and you can see the whole slideshow online!

In her own words...
"The goal of this project was to analyze the impact of photojournalism as a research method to understand how photojournalism can be an effective means of empowerment, self-expression, and form of communication. The project was sponsored by Viva Nicaragua!. Twenty-five community members (mostly women) of the barrio community named Solidaridad in Granada, Nicaragua participated in a 6-week photo workshop."

Click here to see the rest of her gorgeous photos.

Call for Interns!

2011-02-11T10:29:00.001-06:00

Viva Nicaragua! hopes to continue working with UNAN and international physical therapy students to teach community members how to make this affordable and useful equipment. We are looking for interns to work with UNAN students making simple and low-cost physical therapy equipment for children using basic materials including PVC pipe and tri-wall. This will be very useful for parents and therapists who cannot afford more expensive equipment to assist with the daily activities and therapy for their children.

Public Health Internships

2011-01-25T11:47:00.006-06:00

Interns assist with health education, taking patient data, and HIV testing at a reproductive health fair in a rural community.

Public Health and pre-Med majors have the opportunity to work in health clinics alongside doctors, nurses, health professionals and other health educators. They learn not only about the healthcare system and primary health problems but also work directly with patients both in the clinic and in the communities.

Physical Therapy Course

2011-01-25T11:32:00.006-06:00

This January Viva Nicaragua worked in coordination with Physical Therapists from the University of Colorado and Nicaragua's National University (UNAN) to exchange new techniques and information with Nicaraguan professors, students, and practicing physical therapists.

One of the topics covered in the course was how to make simple and low-cost physical therapy equipment for children using basic materials including PVC pipe and tri-wall. This will be very useful for parents and therapists who cannot afford more expensive equipment to assist with the daily activities and therapy for their children.

Viva Nicaragua! hopes to continue working with UNAN and international physical therapy students to teach community members how to make this affordable and useful equipment.

NEW INTERNSHIPS FOR 2011

2010-12-13T14:03:00.003-06:00

We are currently recruiting for the following:
- An inventory of tourist establishments for a small community dedicated to tourism.
- Someone to work with the local government to compile and organize historical documents
- Environmental studies and science majors to work with an organization working on watershed management.
- A sustainable development or agriculture major to work with small scale farmers on a food security project
- Engineers to work on a social/sustainable housing project
- Development and economics majors to work on micro-finance projects
- History, journalism, or development majors to compile the history of a small community dedicated to tourism and handicrafts.
- Public health and pre - med majors to work on health education and dental health campaigns.

VIVA NICARAGUA VIDEO

2010-11-13T08:29:00.001-06:00

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/10923404/viva%20nicaragua.mp4

Nuestros Suenos Sewing Coop

2010-11-09T13:52:00.005-06:00

In August of 2010, with the support of our intern Aga, eight women, most single mothers, joined together to learn how to sew and create their own micro-business. In an old community center without electricity, using five manual powered machines, the women have quickly learned a new skill. They are currently making different styles of handbags, to sell on the national and tourist market. Their determination, creativity, and skills are keeping them going and contributing to their success.

Health Internships

2010-10-19T13:12:00.005-06:00

Intern and pre-med student Christopher Valasquez spent six weeks interning at a rural health clinic near Granada. He had the opportunity to shadow the doctor, assist with patients, provide basic primary care procedures, and fully immerse himself in the culture and community. Through his experience he learned about health and health care in Nicaragua, and the challenges of meeting the healthcare needs of many Nicaraguans given structural barriers including limited access to services, poverty, and limited educational opportunities. Christopher is planning to return to Nicaragua next summer to continue his work.

Intern Video

2010-10-19T13:11:00.002-06:00

Watch our video about Sarah and Shaun's experiences as Viva Nicaragua! interns.

Community Spotlight: Valle de Granada from Viva Nicaragua! on Vimeo.

CHAVALO GROUP

2010-09-30T09:41:00.002-06:00

VALLE DE GRANADA'S YOUTH GROUP WATCHES THE PREMIER OF THEIR DOCUMENTARY "LA ESPERANZA". THE SHORT VIDEO WAS WRITTEN AND DIRECTED AND STARS YOUTH FROM THE COMMUNITY.

NUESTROS SUENOS SEWING COOP

2010-09-30T09:34:00.004-06:00

NUESTROS SUENOS SEWING COOP THREW A GOING AWAY PARTY FOR AGA, OUR INTERN WHO HELPED START UP THE COOP. THERE WAS FOOD, MUSIC, AND DANCING. AS A GOING AWAY GIFT THE WOMEN MADE AGA A SKIRT AND SHIRT - THEIR FIRST PRODUCT. THANKS AGA FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK .

Sewing Cooperative

2010-09-21T13:01:00.005-06:00

We are now supporting a new micro-business in Granada: Corte y Confecciones Nuestros Suenos. This sewing cooperative, provides new economic opportunities for eight women from the community Valle de Granada in Granada, Nicaragua. Women are learning the basics in order to make clothing for their families, neighbors, and the local market. We are also marketing handicrafts for tourists and bed and bath products for local hotels.

La Esperanza -- Viva Nicaragua

2010-09-21T12:42:00.003-06:00

A short film written, staring, directed, and filmed by a local community youth group. Many of the youth labeled "high risk" have been working alongside an intern and staff psychologist to have talks and participate do different activities. This film shows the problem of drugs in the community. It was a great challenge for all of them and something that they should be proud of.

THANKS TO OUR INTERNS!

2010-08-13T10:35:00.005-06:00

THIS SUMMER WE HAD AN INCREDIBLE GROUP OF INTERNS WHO DID SOME AMAZING PROJECTS.

ASHLEY WORKED IN COMMUNITY ORGANIZING - RAJ WORKED AT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HEALTH CLINICS - EMILY WORKED AT A WOMEN'S HEALTH CENTER - ALLISON ORGANIZED A YOUTH GROUP - SARAH AND SHAUN STARTED A MICRO-BUSINESS FOR WOMEN ...JUST TO NAME A FEW.

THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR ANOTHER GREAT SUMMER AND FOR ALL OF YOUR WORK!!!!! OUR INTERNS MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE! THANK YOU!

FAMILY STAYS

2010-08-13T10:29:00.004-06:00

OUR FAMILY STAYS ARE IMPORTANT TO THE OVERALL INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE. BY LIVING WITH A FAMILY, YOU FULLY INTEGRATE YOURSELF INTO THE CULTURE AND LANGUAGE.

ALL OF OUR FAMILIES ARE CAREFULLY SCREENED AND EXPERIENCED. IN GRANADA, ALL INTERNS LIVE IN THE CENTER OF TOWN, MANY IN THE SAME NEIGHBORHOOD, AND ARE CLOSE TO SERVICES INCLUDING INTERNET CAFES AND TRANSPORTATION.

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S DAY

2010-08-13T10:20:00.004-06:00

IN CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN'S DAY, PROGRAM COORDINATOR CARRIE MCCRACKEN HANDS OUT PRESENTS AT A CHILDREN'S NUTRITION CENTER.

Tree Planting Project

2010-08-10T13:28:00.004-06:00

Interns work with community members from the Pantanal squatter's community to plant trees.

NOTES FROM THE FIELD

2010-06-22T11:47:00.004-06:00

INTERN SARAH DOCKERY WORKED FOR TWO MONTHS HELPING TO START UP A SMALL BUSINESS FOR A GROUP OF WOMEN. READ HER BLOG ABOUT HER INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE:
sarahdockery.blogspot.com

Micro Lending Project

2010-06-07T20:23:00.007-06:00

Two interns help a small group of women start up their own pinata business as part of a new Viva Nicaragua! micro-lending project.

Just a Trim

2010-06-07T20:12:00.005-06:00

Viva Nicaragua! volunteer Micayla Clough teaches a group of women from the community Valle de Granada to cut hair as part of a project to increase economic opportunities. We will continue the training and provide the women with basic accounting and small business management workshops to help them learn to run their own home businesses.

Chelcy and Molly's Nicaragua/Costa Rica Blog

2010-06-07T11:57:00.003-06:00

Check out Chelcy and Molly's blogs to learn more about their experiences in the Comparative Healthcare Program

http://www.nicachelcycosta.wordpress.com

http://nicaricamolly.blogspot.com

Migrant Project

2010-05-11T20:11:00.006-06:00

Intern Monina Febria completed a three month study on Nicaraguan migration in order to better address the needs of migrants and their families. Taking into consideration her recommendations, we are recruiting interns for the following projects:

Child Psychology and Development - work with educators and caregivers to meet the needs of children separated from their parents because of migration.

Micro credit programs - help start micro-credit programs for small business projects in order to reduce the need to migrate

Migrant and Human Rights - Educate migrants about their rights while in the receiving country

Comparative Program

2010-05-11T20:02:00.003-06:00

Chelcy and Molly, two pre-med students who just finished the Nicaragua portion of the Comparative Healthcare Program, ended their work at a rural health clinic by having a two day women's health brigade. After spending a month working in the clinic and talking with women about women's health issues including cervical cancer, they held a two day women's health fair. During the event, they gave over 30 pap smear exams to women from rural areas with limited access to health services. For women who rarely are able to see a doctor, making the exams available was such an important service.

In addition, the interns helped build a house, organized a pregancy club, and attended to patients daily both in the clinic and out and the field. Thanks Molly and Chelcy for all of your hard work!

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS STILL AVAILABLE

2010-04-05T16:51:00.001-06:00

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO APPLY FOR HEALTH, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, EDUCATION INTERNSHIPS. PLEASE CONTACT US FOR PROJECT AVAILABILITY

Youth Soccer Team

2010-03-24T09:51:00.004-06:00

Viva Nicaragua! donates soccer uniforms to the Solidaridad community youth soccer team.

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

2010-03-24T09:42:00.004-06:00

The Pantanal is a squatter's community where over 2,000 Nicaraguan families live. Residents live in extreme poverty without potable water, electricity, sewage systems, or access to health care services. Later this year, 160 families in the Pantanal will begin constructing their homes as part of a social housing project. Viva Nicaragua! would like to work with this community and their efforts to develop. We are recruiting health, gender studies, social work, development, education and other majors to begin a series of community development workshops to work alongside residents to build a healthy and strong community.

Student group visits Pantanal to learn about the community's history and future projects.

HEALTH INTERNSHIPS

2010-03-21T09:22:00.002-06:00

PRE-MED STUDENTS NEEDED FOR RURAL HEALTH CAMPAIGNS - WOMEN'S HEALTH, NUTRITION, CHILDREN'S HEALTH...AND MORE.

DENTAL HEALTH PROJECT

2010-03-21T09:17:00.003-06:00

INTERNS NEEDED TO WORK ON A PROGRAM TO IMPROVE DENTAL HEALTH IN RURAL COMMUNITIES AROUND GRANADA

COMPARATIVE HEALTH CARE COURSE - COSTA RICA AND NICARAGUA

2010-03-21T09:16:00.002-06:00

This nine week program allows you to observe first hand how structural inequalities influence health and access to health care services. Spend one month interning in a health care facility in Costa Rica and one month in Nicaragua. Learn about both countries, their differet histories, and their cultures while gaining hands on experience.

Group Lectures

2010-03-05T11:17:00.006-06:00

Domingo Salazar shares his personal experiences about living under the Somoza dictatorship and his participation in the Revolution and Contra War.

Lectures, cultural events, community visits, and other activities are included in the internship program.

CULTURAL ACTIVITIES

2010-02-22T16:29:00.003-06:00

Interns relax after work learning to Salsa, Merengue, and more!

What are you doing now?

2009-12-29T14:34:00.008-06:00

Keep us posted on what you are doing and how your experience in Nicaragua has influenced you.

I had some good news in the past couple of months. I was accepted into a couple of medical schools in November and have decided that I will be attending the University of Texas School of Medicine in San Antonio. I am so excited (and a little nervous)! I definitely think my experience in Nicaragua played a role in my acceptance into these schools. I talked about the experience with every school that I interviewed at (7 in total!) and the interviewers were really interested in what I had learned (which is extensive) and how I plan on using it in my career. My experience in Nicaragua has even had a huge impact on my everyday work life. I use Spanish every day at the hospital that I work in and it is a great help to the nurses and the families. I have also been continuing my studies of Spanish by taking classes. I definitely want to thank you again for allowing me to come down there this past summer. It is such a great program that you are running!
- Kathlyn Parr
June, 2009

My internship experience gave me the opportunity to explore many aspects of medicine. By shadowing emergency doctors, pediatricians, and general/primary healthcare physicians, I was able to discover a wide array of health specialties. Working in the lab and pharmacy also gave new perspectives on healthcare. I will take the invaluable experiences I have obtained from the internship into my future medical career.

My home stay family was amazing. They helped me reconnect to the Spanish language in addition to educating me about Central American culture and tradition. They gave me insight into the lives of the Nican people as well as the national customs of Nicaragua.
-Colton Jackson
Comparative Program
May/June 2009

I volunteered around this time last year and stayed with Doña Nubia, l loved her. Well l recently learned that l will be serving in Paraguay with the Peace Corps.
-Blake Wilson
December 2009

We had such a wonderful time with the kids and Will and were really touched by our experience in Granada (Solidaridad). We spoke very highly of our experience and also of you and your organization. We'd like to continue to help and in the future if you need help with graphics or website stuff, Maxime would be happy to help. And I could help perhaps with text writing or whatever else I could do from here. We're gonna try to take some Spanish lessons here so that next time we come to Granada we'll be better able to communicate.

Thanks again for all the help. We truly appreciated it...our experience was very enriching and rewarding. We'd certainly love to come back again!
Maxine and Brigitte
Volunteers - November 2009

Gender Studies

2009-12-18T10:09:00.004-06:00

Marion Pope interviews a lawyer at the Casa de la Mujer about the services available for female victims of domestic violence.

Business internships

2009-12-18T10:04:00.003-06:00

Program Assistant Nancy Wyeth works with intern Adrian McCada on a business plan for a local leather crafts cooperative.

PSYCHOLOGY INTERNSHIPS

2009-12-18T09:48:00.005-06:00

Psychology major Tina Poon works with a psychologist from the National Commision for Women and Children as part of her study on the sexual exploitation of children.

Criminology internships

2009-12-18T09:40:00.005-06:00

Criminology student prepares to observe an autopsy at the National Forensic Lab

INTERN SPOTLIGHT

2009-08-20T10:08:00.002-06:00

Morea D. Steinhauer
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP COORDINATOR

Morea graduated Summa Cum Laude from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2006 with a BA in American Studies and a BS in Individualized Studies in Photography Arts in Business. In 2009 at the UN Mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica, Morea obtained a masters degree of arts in Gender and Peace Building.

Morea uses her passions in photojournalism, mentorship, and social activism to teach individuals how to express their stories. She has extensive experience as a photojournalist, providing support for students within university settings, assisting individuals with disabilities, and mentoring individuals through personal and professional growth and transformation (such as nonviolent communication, conflict transformation, etc). Currently she is an intern for Viva Nicaragua! (www.nicaraguainternships.org/). Contact her at: morea.steinhauer@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

2009-08-20T10:05:00.002-06:00

Abstract
The goal of this project was to analyze the impact of photojournalism as a research method to understand how photojournalism can be an effective means of empowerment, self-expression, and form of communication. The project was sponsored by Viva Nicaragua! (www.nicaraguainternships.org/). Twenty-five community members (mostly women) of the barrio community named Solidaridad in Granada, Nicaragua participated in a 6-week photo workshop.

Solidaridad, a social housing project located on the edges of Lake Cocibolca, is home to over 200 families who have worked and struggled to build their community. Over five years ago, several homeless families from Granada moved onto the land that is now Solidaridad and constructed makeshift shacks out of plastic, tin, and whatever scrap material they could find. Together they faced many hardships including police evictions and flooding. Their need for dignified housing outweighed their difficulties and their desires for better lives kept them together.

Organized and with the assistance of The Casa de la Mujer Granada (AMNLAE), the local government, and Spanish and French organizations, they received economic support to build their community. Today 250 families have received title to their land and have constructed their own homes. Currently, families now have homes that are safe to reside in and people no longer fear the rains in addition to living in more sanitary conditions.

Solidaridad is a community of hardworking and proud people that demonstrates the power of organization and working together to achieve a goal that you believe in and that is bigger than yourself. Today it is a well-established neighborhood that as a community have been through and achieved a great deal. Additionally, these individuals continue to work diligently for a better future.

The participants within this project were taught basic concepts and principles of design of photography. They were lent digital cameras and were instructed to take photos of whatever they like as long as it is through the perspective of the following three questions and detailed within their reflections:

• What is your life in Nicaragua like?
• What is good about your life? (What are the positive aspects?)
• What should change? (What are the challenges?)

Every session the participants would reflect on their photos and expand on how they answered the above questions. These reflections were later used as part of the description to the photos selected and that are presented here within this exhibit. The community-based participatory research approach allowed for the participants themselves to tell their own stories of the significance behind their lived experiences. They had the opportunity to express themselves and were give a voice to shed light on their daily realities as they saw them – not by what others projected onto them.

The results are two products, one being this exhibit of images and reflections that were self-selected by the participants to be shared with the Granada Nicaraguan community at Tres Mundos (August 17 – 28, 2009) and within the barrio Solidaridad (August 29 – September 12, 2009), in addition to the production of postcards to be sold as a means of sustainable fundraising for youth programming within the barrio Solidaridad.

YOUTH GROUP IN SOLIDARIDAD

2009-05-15T15:03:00.003-06:00

Volunteer Kary Brennan got together a group of children from the former squatters community la Solidaridad. Her purpose was to combine her two passions: art and the environment in order to teach kids to protect their local environment. At the end of her time here, she took a group for a short boat tour of the isletas to show them the diversity of flora and fauna that exists in Lake Colcibolca (literally right in their backyard!) For many of these children this was their first time visiting the isletas. A good time was had by all!

And the youth project has been so successful that community leaders have decided to keep it going. They meet with the kids 3 mornings per week. Viva Nicaragua! volunteers have helped with Taekwando, dance, theater, and art projects!

TAEKWANDO CLASSES FOR KIDS

2009-05-14T11:05:00.007-06:00

VOLUNTEER JUSTIN HARE TEACHING TAEKWANDO TO CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY OF SOLIDARIDAD.

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS SPRING 2009 UNM Semester Program in Nicaragua

2009-04-23T14:38:00.005-06:00

A semester long program coordinated by Dr. Christine Rack from the University of New Mexico, Casa Xalteva Spanish school, with internships and most lectures and site visits arranged by Viva Nicaragua!

My 1st week: Clínica Forense (Forensic Clinic) Granada, Nicaragua

I am sitting in the office of Dr. Hernandez when a young man walks in. He is here for a physical exam,
evidence collection and then is on his way to prison. The doctor is to check his height, weight, blood
pressure and pulse. After this he will collect blood and DNA swabs of the mouth and urethra to send to
the lab for analyzing. Interestingly, this young male is a probable sex offender but he appears happy,
friendly and attempts to speak to me when the doctor steps out. He is a little guy and has a warm,
welcoming face. It makes me realize you can’t judge someone on the way they look or portray
themselves externally.
This is the process I observe all week. They conduct physicals, approving people’s health for prison,
conduct evidence collection on domestic violence, sexual abuse and victims of lesiones (injuries) from
fighting. Lesiones are reported to be the most common case that walks in to this office on a weekly
basis. The second and third most common cases are that of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

My 2nd week: La Oficina de Medicina Legal (The Office of Legal Medicine) in Managua, Nicaragua

My first day I find myself suited up like I am headed to the moon. I am given scrubs, shoe covers, arm guards, gloves, an apron, mask and a face shield. I enter a
small room that is freezing cold in comparison to the 94°F weather that
awaits me outside. I notice a counter with fixed specimens, one with a biohazard
waste bucket and two more kept clear for evidence collection and the recording of
personal belongings. There are two metal tables in the middle of the room, one of
which has the body of a deceased person on it. He was found in a water tank and anautopsy will be done to clarify the cause of death is drowning.
First we remove and record all clothing and personal effects. The pockets are
checked for any form of identification that could lead us to discover who this man is
so the family may be notified. Afterward the doctor approaches the
table and the external examination begins. The body is examined from head to toe for evidence of foul play. The Doctor takes photos of the face, scars and tattoos in hopes of someone recognizing something that will put a name to this lifeless face.
Afterward the body is thoroughly cleaned and specimens are collected of femoral blood, vitreous fluid, urine and subclavian blood. At this point the body has been prepped for autopsy to begin. The autopsy starts with the head, the skull cap is removed and the brain is taken out and examined. After the head, the long incision is made from the chin to the pelvis. The neck to the heart and lungs are removed in
block. Meaning rather than the removal of organs individually, they are all removed in situ, as is. Afterward the stomach is opened and I am told that it is impossible to have stomach contents in both the duodenum and stomach unless it is that of a drowning. These organs are examined and the cause of death has been found, ahogado (drowning). The body is cleaned and sewn with a fine stitch. During these two weeks I learned so much about the system of Nicaragua and how their justice and
health system operate hand in hand. Many of the doctors have studied in other countries such as the United States, Spain and Germany but tell me they come back because they feel they need to serve their people. During these two weeks I was among truly talented, successful, intelligent, humble doctors. They allowed me to observe, participate and took interest in my want to learn about their system here in Nicaragua. An experience I will truly never forget I was permitted to take part in!

2009-04-23T14:34:00.003-06:00

STUDENT INTERNSHIPS
SPRING 2009 UNM Semester Program in Nicaragua

Zoe Kolon

I did my internship in San Blas, a small rural village about 20 minutes by bus outside of Granada,Nicaragua. The village was very different from anything I had experienced or seen in Nicaragua. The community was very poor; most of the houses (or shacks) were constructed with pieces of metal and wood. The living conditions were very simple, but the people and my host family were incredibly warm,
generous and caring. I wanted to focus on the education in Nicaragua so I worked in a preschool in the mornings and a public high school in the afternoons. The preschool had been started by a NGO from Spain called Hijos Del Maiz. The organization started with only a soup kitchen to feed the children in the
community once a day. Many families don’t have the money or resources to give their children the proper nutrition they need or to give them enough to eat. It eventually expanded into a preschool, computer classes for the community and also a clinic and a pharmacy. Hijos del Maiz is a great organization which has helped the community of San Blas in many positive ways. In the afternoons I would go to the public high school and help the English teacher with her classes. The condition of the school was terrible, there were barely enough desks for all the students, the school was old and rundown. There were overwhelming differences between the
education in Nicaragua and in the U.S.
My internship was fascinating
and it taught me not only about Nicaragua´s education system, but also about the government and politics, Nicaraguan culture, traditions, people and their way of life. I could not have picked a better internship, I was able to practice
Spanish much more than I previously had, I was able to focus on my interests and I learned much more about Nicaragua.

Volunteer Testimony

2009-04-05T16:12:00.002-06:00

I just wanted to thank you for all your help setting up my homestay, volunteer experience, and Spanish lessons. This trip was without a doubt the most exciting travel experience I've ever had, and I've been to a lot of places. Mercedes and her family was the perfect match for me. I felt like I was part of the family from the moment you dropped me off. Mercedes is an excellent cook, and she had so much patience trying to communicate with me. Having the opportunity to hang out with Saddam and his friends really made me feel like I was one of the locals. I really felt like part of the community in Granada, especially on the last day when my girlfriend and I were walking through the city. In just a few hours, we ran into Irma (one of my language instructors), Yassir (the engineer from the jobsite), and Salim and his friends while walking around. I enjoyed that feeling of knowing different people around town. My only regret is not having been able to spend more time down there.
- Shawn Portfolio
May, 2009

CHILDREN'S RIGHTS

2009-03-19T11:49:00.004-06:00

GERMAN INTERN ULRIKE WRENDT SPENT TWO MONTHS TEACHING CHILDREN FROM MARGINALIZED NEIGHBORHOODS ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS. JULIA USED THEATER, ART, AND INTERACTIVE GAMES AS TOOLS.

HEALTH CARE WORK

2009-03-19T11:35:00.005-06:00

PRE-MED STUDENTS NEEDED FOR RURAL HEALTH CAMPAIGNS - WOMEN'S HEALTH, NUTRITION, CHILDREN'S HEALTH...AND MORE.

INTERN CHRISTINE NASCA AND DOCTORS PROVIDING HEALTH CARE IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

HOUSING PROJECT

2009-03-19T11:07:00.005-06:00

Viva Nicaragua! volunteer helping don Carlos and his family build their home in la Solidaridad housing project located in Granada. The project will benefit over 200 local families.

Health Care Work - Report from the field

2009-02-19T10:02:00.000-06:00

For my last three weeks in Nicaragua, I volunteered through www.nicaraguainternships.org in a clinic in Granada, that primarily serves pregnant women in both urban and rural communities. My activities included shadowing doctors, triaging patients, and preparing educational events and brochures. The most memorable outreach days were when we went to Las Isletas and Volcan Mombachu. I lived my fantasy of hiking (or boating) door-to-door to deliver health care. We only brought basic meds and a kooler of vaccines for infants. I noticed that both urban and rural people, in the US and Nicaragua, face some of the same health challenges- hypertension, diabetes, etc. And similarly, the cause is genetics and lifestyle choices, the latter of which is very preventable! When not at the clinic, I also shadowed my host father, a Pediatrician and the Vice Director of the city's hospital. I had the pleasure of observing births and weighing newborn babies for the first time. Did I mention that most of the pregnant women were single and 14? oy vey! the other horrifying thing is that everybody burns their trash on their front stoop, resulting in crazy respiratory issues at young ages. There is so much work to do and I found that people are very willing to help you acheive your goals. I don't know when I"ll return (this summer?), but Nicaragua could definitely be my 'medical home away from home'.
Rachel Geffen

IXCHEN

2009-02-17T09:37:00.000-06:00

There are three women’s organizations in Granada, Nicaragua: Casa de la Mujer, María Elena Cuadra and Ixchen Centro de Mujeres, which was my internship site during the summer of 2008. Before arriving in Granada, I expected my internship with Ixchen to be largely based in sex education. I quickly learned, however, that nothing in Nicaragua is exactly how you expect it.
It was only my second or third day when we all got together and went over to the courthouse to protest outside. We from Ixchen were part of a group of women from various organizations trying to put pressure on the judge to move forward with a rape case. Throughout my time there we spent a lot of time at the courthouse, often just waiting for decisions and being there for families and friends. We would often go out into barrios and communities – sometimes to hold workshops (which would inevitably start an hour late) or just to go door-to-door and hand out fliers. In my first week we went to Daría, a community a half hour outside of Granada, and talked to anyone that would listen about the importance of getting a pap smear. Our workshops would cover anything from emergency contraceptives or good parenting skills, to communication between partners. I made quite a few copies while at Ixchen, creating more brochures and handouts when they needed them.
My main project actually included all of the women’s organizations in Granada. I went to the Mercado one morning and, with the help of Carrie, several of the other interns, and Ana from MEC, handed out information on resources for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. I had compiled information from all the women’s organizations and distributed them along with the phone numbers of all the Granada organizations. We held a raffle to get people interested and would talk to any one that would listen.
My internship culminated in a march against violence against women. It included all the women’s organizations in Granada, youth groups from other cities, groups of men against violence, all of us interns, and anyone else that wanted to show up. For that we made posters, chanted, and walked all the way through Granada to el Parque Central where there were speeches and performances.
At the end of my two months in Granada I had witnessed an incredible amount of frustration that comes with doing the job those women and men do. I had also, however, met unbelievably passionate people that were putting everything they had into ending violence against women in Nicaragua. And that is what I still remember most clearly over six months after my time there.

Thanks to Donors!

2009-01-29T10:13:00.002-06:00

We would like to thank Sarah Leadem, Anjali Mohan, and Marion Pope for their fundraising efforts. Together, with the support of family and friends, they raised over $450 to help a young Nicaraguan woman cover her university education. Thanks for your help and continued support!

Jesus de Praga Children's Development Center

2008-12-18T14:57:00.001-06:00

Volunteering with Viva Nicaragua in Granada

I came to Nicaragua at the end of an eight month career break, and motivated by giving something back to society in a country that has long fascinated me, I contacted Carrie to set up a placement in Granada. I was particularly interested in working with children, partly because (as a editor of adult books in the UK) this would be something well out of my realm of experience, but also because I looked forward to seeing this new country through their eyes. VIva Nicaragua! set me up with the Centro Desarollo Infantil Jesus de Praga, which is a charitably-funded infants' school and nutrition centre for children from 6 weeks to 6 years. The centre's dual purposes are to offer creche facilites and pre-school tuition to their circa 100 children, while also serving up one nutritous meal a day for 80 of them. The centre prioritises children from families with working mothers who would otherwise have to leave their infants at home alone, or take them with them to work, allowing them to support their family without compromising their children's welfare. The centre is run by the formidable Dona Judith, who with her assistant Adela run a staff of 12 other employees, one supervising the creche, two nursery staff, five maestras and four kitchen and cleaning staff. The centre is situated near the lake, at the end of Calle Arsenal on the edge of a squatters community which has recently benefited from a development project. Many of the children at the centre come from this area, but as Jesus de Praga is the only CDI in Granada, it accepts children from across the city.

The centre was founded in 1943 by four Granadian women who wanted to help poor women and their children. The centre has existed under several guises, including as a nationalised institution after the war, but when it was on the brink of collapse during a particularly bad economic crisis in 1994, it was adopted by the Las Damas Vicentinas (Bysentium Women's charitable group). The CDI as I knew it in its current location was inaugurated in 1997. The centre is now financed by a mixture of private donations, from both national and international businesses, and a small government contribution from the Ministry of Education's budget. Parents donate what little they can to their children's education, but even with charitable donations and government contributions, the centre functions on the bare minimum, and the staff receive the minimum wage.

I arrived at the centre at the end of October 2008 to spend a month helping out in any way I could. My arrival coincided with a particularly busy period for the centre as they were gearing up for the graduation of the third year students who will start primary (grade) school in January. The 'promocion' would take place in the school's grounds where a huge mural would be erected in front of which the 51 students would parade in mortar boards before receiving a diploma, all in front of their families. But first, all the preparation. The task fell to me to create 51 cardboard mortar boards replete with hand made pompoms which were cut, glued and stuck from scratch, and 51 diplomas tied with ribbon. Before I came to Nicaragua, I had no idea what my time here would involve, but I couldn't have imagined becoming a pompom-making expert! I also helped out the teachers with the huge mural featuring a Christmas Care Bears theme. Not being particularly arty, I was happy to serve as support staff, cutting, gluing and outlining as directed. This time was particularly interesting for me as I got to join all five maestras in a relaxed atmosphere where we chatted and compared our different lives as women in Nicaragua and Europe. It was eye-opening for both of us, but I think they had a harder time understanding how a 33-year-old had not yet settled down and had children and was perhaps going to wait even longer before doing so! As most women get married and begin families at around 20, I was considered an oddity. For my part, I told them that I thought their family support networks were something that were to be admired. Although us Europeans may not relish the idea of living three generations to a house, so many of us in England live far from our parents, which does impact on community structures and support. We did, however, agree, that human nature is pretty much the same all over the world, especially in regards to personal relationships!

My time at Jesus de Praga was not just a glue-soaked craft-fest. I was also let loose in the classroom, particularly working with the third years, teaching them basic English. Among other things I taught them 'Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' (simplified to 'Heads, Arms, Legs and Toes'!!) and the colours of the rainbow, as well as helping out with simple written assignments. The children were frighteningly quick and wonderfully enthusiastic, and beared with my limited teaching techniques! I also helped out with the threeyear-olds, but more as an invisible teachers ' aide, keeping the children sitting down and concentrating, tying shoe laces, replacing belts that had mysteriously come loose of dresses, intervening when two children tried to draw on their neighbours' faces, and generally making faces to get them to concentrate.

The time that most affected me, however, was helping out in the nursery. This was probably the most challenging for me, not only having to grapple with cloth nappies and convince a baby to feed from a stranger, but more because the reality of these children's poverty was most apparent in this age group. Nearly every one of the babies were ill - mainly with respiratory infections, fevers and diarrhoea, all exacerbated by poor housing and sanitation, and the recent rainy season. The smiley, enthusiastic and energetic demeanour of the older children had made me forget their background and their need, but here I was confronted with it. Half the nursery's twenty children were away because of illness for most of the month I was there, but nearly all of those present were also unwell. It is a depressing fact that infant mortality is high in Nicaragua, and mostly as a result of curable diseases. The children were also small for their age. I was particularly shocked to see the baby I thought was six-months-old toddling about the place. He was in fact nearly 18 months, but so small he appeared younger. I often visited the nursery to check out which baby was in that day and to see if they had recovered, and also to keep up the contact. Just to see one of them bouncing in the baby swing grinning in pleasure would help alleviate the worry I felt for their futures. But it also made me appreciate just how important the centre was in giving these children a safe place and a nutritious meal, and also allowing their parents the freedom to work and support the family. As Dona Judith explained, "The children feel at home here. We offer them a somewhere where they can laugh, cry, run, shout, eat, sleep, learn and feel loved."

My time at Jesus de Praga culminated in the 3rd year's graduation parade. On a Friday morning, 51 five-year-olds dressed in white smocks and "English-crafted" cardboard mortar boards lined up with a family member to receive their diplomas. Family and friends donned their finery or borrowed smart clothes, and watched the children on their big day as each was called forward, stopping briefly for a photograph before mounting the stage and sitting down in front of the mural. I watched misty-eyed and incredibly proud of the kids who all looked so serious and nervous in the line up. And even more so as they sat on the stage, trying not to giggle or having sword fights with their diplomas. I had only been at the centre a month but I felt completely involved and so pleased with my contributions to the day. It was a great way to end.

My time at the CDI was a wonderful experience, varied, challenging and always interesting. But the best thing for me was the childrens' curiosity and excitement in face of this blond interloper. They were so open and welcoming, and really interested in me and where I came from, but also so accepting. They welcomed me into their classrooms, they ran up to give me hugs in the corridor, they showed off performing dance routines or cartwheels, they affectionately called 'Inka' (Gringa in their baby Spanish) to me as I passed and patiently put up with my struggles to understand them. It was such a privilege to work with the children and the staff. I will relish the experience for a long time. I am sure I benefited much more than the centre has from my help. But if just one of the children is inspired to learn English, or dreams of travelling and keeps up their education because of my visit, I will be a very happy 'Inka' indeed!

Natasha Martin 24 November 2008

December Volunteer Testimonial

2008-12-18T14:50:00.001-06:00

"Experiencing Nicaragua for the first time as a volunteer was one of the most rewarding and exciting travel adventures I have ever had. The program provides you with the rare combination of having a semi-planned agenda, the flexibility to take it day by day and venture as you please, and the unique opportunity to live with a Nicaraguan family if you so choose (which I totally recommend!). Carrie, the coordinator, is an excellent welcome package, as she picks you up from the airport and gives you a mini tour of Granada, showing you all the essential places are (ie money exchange, drug store, bus stop...etc.). My volunteer time was spent with the kids in different neighborhoods. Even though all they wanted to do was play soccer- because that is what they know- they were very receptive and open to learning new things from a stranger :). They were completely content doing art projects for 2 hours at a time! It was also awesome to meet other volunteers from all over the world and enjoy the Granada nightlife at the local cafes with live bands and locals. If you have the time, I absolutely recommend this program- as you will experience an adventure that is rewarding and encapsulating in its own sense." - Mel Avenisan

NEW PROGRAM - COMPARATIVE HEALTH CARE IN COSTA RICA AND NICARAGUA

2008-11-07T12:18:00.007-06:00

Although Costa Rica and Nicaragua are so close together their health care systems are worlds apart. It was extremely valuable to compare the two systems in order to have a better understanding of what defines health care. The two systems gave valuable insight to what was working and what was not working. Seeing the two systems gives you an idea of how with some support and funding any developing country can improve their health care system. Nicaragua is an example of a country that is in transition where as Costa Rica is a prime example of a health care system that seems to work with great success. Although like any system there is need for improvement the two systems are great case studies for understanding development and the health care world. - Samantha Field, 2008

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

2008-09-20T10:39:00.000-06:00

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

2008-09-20T10:36:00.001-06:00

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!

2008-09-20T09:49:00.004-06:00

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

2008-09-18T18:51:00.005-06:00

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!

2008-09-18T18:43:00.002-06:00

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

2008-09-18T18:24:00.003-06:00

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

2008-09-06T12:06:00.007-06:00

HEALTH INTERNSHIPS

2008-09-01T08:41:00.008-06:00

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

MARCH AGAINST DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

2008-08-26T17:03:00.003-06:00

Viva Nicaragua! interns participated in and helped organize a march against domestic violence in order to increase awareness of the rights of victims and bring justice to abused women and children. The march was a success - many organizations and individuals from Granada and other departments participated and media coverage helped bring national attention to this serious social problem.

Intern Testimonials

2008-08-21T15:45:00.007-06:00

A FEW QUOTES FROM THIS YEAR'S INTERNS....EMAIL US IF YOU WOULD LIKE MORE TESTIMONIALS OR CONTACT INFORMATION FROM PAST INTERNS

Thank you so much for everything--your support, your passion, your friendship.

You have an amazing program and I feel honored to have had the chance to participate in it.

-Sarah Leadem, 2008

Because of the support of Carrie and the other Viva Nicaragua! staff, my experience in Nicaragua was the best it could have been. Carrie was always there for me, whether I had a problem at my internship site, with my host family, or with the many cultural differences I encountered. I not only gained in depth knowledge of women's issues in Nicaragua through my internship, but Carrie also made sure I was able to see other projects going on in the area. At the end of my two months I felt as if I had truly made the best of my time there. I learned more than I possibly could have imagined and I feel that through my work down there I was able to leave something behind.
Marion Pope, 2008

You provided so much support and were always quick to come to my rescue when I needed support...Interns will have a truly authentic encounter with a culture drastically different from their own...they will leave understanding development work, the issues in Nicaragua, and themselves better. - Allison Ogle

I was actually suprised at how fast carrie responded to m emails before my arrival. It quickly became clear to me how organized Viva! is. Thank you.....Carrie was extremely helpful, suportive, and personable. - Wren Albertson Rogers

The Fishing Economy of Lake Cocibolca

2008-05-22T09:45:00.005-06:00

Viva Nicaragua! and two of our interns met with an organization of 50 small-scale fishermen who live on and fish around the isletas of lake Cocibolca. These fishermen come from families who have always fished, and it is their only way of making a living. Many do not have motors for their rustic wooden boats and very few fish with nets (limiting their catch and ability to compete and earn enough to support their families). They sell their fish to intermediaries, who in tern sell the fish to vendors in the market, who ultimately set the price. The goals of the organization are to purchase larger boats with motors, acquire nets for all member to improve their catch, and eventually obtain direct market access in order to increase their earnings.

Living on the isletas, they very isolated from the mainland. Many adults never studied and cannot read and write. Children who do study now must travel daily by boat to get to school. Their is a health outpost on the mainland with a doctor on staff once a week. Volunteers and interns willing to work with these communities on literacy campaings, tutoring, teaching, and health are needed.

We are also looking for inters to give workshops on sustainable harvesting of fish (how to not overfish, why there are catch limits, etc.) and to do a socio-economic study of fishermen on the island to determine their catch, income, living conditions, etc. in order to write a proposal to get grants or revolving loans to help improve the health and living conditions of these families.

Please contact us for more information!

2008-04-25T16:57:00.003-06:00

Inspirational Quotes

2008-03-18T14:03:00.002-06:00

Marian Wright Edelman:
It's time for greatness -- not for greed. It's a time for idealism -- not ideology. It is a time not just for compassionate words, but compassionate action.

Martin Luther King, jr.:
Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.

Spinoza:
Peace is not the absence of war; it is a virtue; a state of mind; a disposition for benevolence; confidence; and justice.

-- Mahnaz Afkhami
..Any definition of a culture of peace must address the problem of achieving justice for communities and individuals who do not have the means to compete or cope without structured assistance and compassionate help.

-- Adolfo Perez Esquivel
We must apply our humble efforts to the construction of a more just and humane world. And I want to declare emphatically: Such a world is possible. To create this new society, we must present outstretched and friendly hands, without hatred and rancor, even as we show great determination and never waver in the defense of truth and justice. Because we know that we cannot sow seeds with clenched fists. To sow we must open our hands.

~ Doris Haddock (Granny D)
Never be discouraged from being an activist because people tell you that you'll not succeed. You have already succeeded if you're out there representing truth or justice or compassion or fairness or love."

-- Frederik W. de Klerk
Peace does not fare well where poverty and deprivation reign. It does not flourish where there is ignorance and a lack of education and information. Repression, injustice and exploitation are inimical with peace. Peace is gravely threatened by inter-group fear and envy and by the unleashing of unrealistic expectations. Racial, class and religious intolerance and prejudice are its mortal enemies."

-- Mairead Corrigan Maguire
If we want to reap the harvest of peace and justice in the future, we will have to sow seeds of nonviolence, here and now, in the present."

Nelson Mandela
Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life . . .

Dorothy Thompson
Courage, it would seem, is nothing less than the power to overcome danger, misfortune, fear, injustice, while continuing to affirm inwardly that life with all its sorrows is good; that everything is meaningful even if in a sense beyond our understanding; and that there is always tomorrow.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu
"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

Nelson Mandela
Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life . . .

Nelson Mandela
In this new century, many of the world's poorest countries remain imprisoned, enslaved and in chains. They are trapped in the prison of poverty. It is time to set them free. Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings.

-- Marie Curie
"You cannot hope to build a better world without improving the individuals. To that end each of us must work for his or her own improvement, and at the same time share a general responsibility for all humanity, our particular duty being to aid those to whom we think we can be most useful."

Helen Keller
“Until the great mass of the people shall be filled with the sense of responsibility for each other's welfare, social justice can never be attained.”

-- Hafsat Abiola
Peace comes from being able to contribute the best that we have, and all that we are, toward creating a world that supports everyone. But it is also securing the space for others to contribute the best that they have and all that they are.

Jose Marti
Happiness exists on earth, and it is won through prudent exercise of reason, knowledge of the harmony of the universe, and constant practice of generosity.

We are free, but not to be evil, not to be indifferent to human suffering, not to profit from the people, from the work created and sustained through their spirit of political association, while refusing to contribute to the political state that we profit from.

Jose Marti
It is a sin not to do what one is capable of doing.

Jose Marti
If I survive, I will spend my whole life at the oven door seeing that no one is denied bread and, so as to give a lesson of charity, especially those who did not bring flour.

Jose Marti
Happiness exists on earth, and it is won through prudent exercise of reason, knowledge of the harmony of the universe, and constant practice of generosity.

-- Ed Begley, Jr.
We, who have so much, must do more to help those in need. And most of all, we must live simply, so that others may simply live.

-- 14th Dalai Lama
"Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where the people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free."

La Solidaridad Housing Project

2008-03-14T16:37:00.006-06:00

La Solidaridad started as a squatters community in Granada, near Lake Cocibolca. People built their homes out of cardboard, plastic, tin...whatever materials they could find. In the rainy season the community would flood, creating a public health hazaard. There was no running water or sanitation systems.
Today, with the help of AMNLAE, The Casa de la Mujer, and funding from various international organizations, many families have built their new homes. They have septic systems, running water, and electricity. They filled in the land and elevated the homes so there is no longer the risk of flooding.
In April, they will receive funding for 30 new homes. This is one of the housing brigade projects that volunteers can help with.
Interns are also needed to give workshops on community organizing, hygene, environmental health, vocational training and work with youth in the community.

A family waiting to receive their home. The new homes being built.

A FEW QUOTES...

2008-03-03T16:16:00.004-06:00

I have known Carrie McCracken (Viva's Program Coordinator) for two years and she arranged an experience
for my (college) students last summer. Carrie is reliable, well-connected,
and the experience was excellent for the students. I highly recommend
Carrie and her work.
Prof. Christine Rack, University of New Mexico

...Thanx for all your help these past couple of weeks! It was so mportant to have you there to debrief and laugh with when i needed it.
Grace Campbell, Short-term Volunteer, Feb. 2008

My weekend excursions, my work and observations at Casa de la Mujer, and most of all my English class were wonderful, enlightening and eye opening experiences.
Zack Cuddy, Intern, January 2008

My time in Nicaragua was probably one of the best experiences of my life. Definately life changing.

The staff- especially Carrie were great. She checked in on me all the time and was always there when I needed her. She helped me design my projects and helped negotiate them with the organization. She also gave me evaluations and suggestions on how to improve my work which really helped.
Sara Ross, Intern, December 2007

Housing Brigade - Call for Volunteers and Donations

2008-03-01T10:07:00.005-06:00

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Woman and child receiving her lot where she will build her future home

JOIN US TO HELP BUILD HOMES FOR NICARAGUAN WOMEN!

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are needed to help build homes for Nicaraguan maquila workers.

Make a difference in the lives of Nicaraguan women and their children.

Project details:

Dates: July 21^st – 28^th

Location: Granada, Nicaragua

Volunteer responsibilities: Work 5 half days per week in all aspects of construction (painting, digging, building, etc.)

Cost: $350

Fees include:

· 6 nights lodging with a Nicaraguan family in the colonial center of Granada with all meals and laundry service included.

· Airport pick-up and drop-off

· Afternoon activities including a tour of the city, a relaxing day at the Laguna de Apoyo, and an evening at the spectacular Catalina Mirador.

· And most importantly – donations of supplies including cement and blocks

· Monetary donations to help build a daycare center for working mothers.

For more information or to reserve your space, please contact Viva Nicaragua! at info@nicaraguainternships.org

FIGHT AGAINST THE SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN

2008-01-10T11:58:00.000-06:00

Did you know that Granada, Nicaragua has become one of Central America's main sex tourism destinations?

Thirty-five percent of this city's sex workers are minors between the ages of 12 and 16.

JOIN A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO PROTECT GRANADA'S YOUTH

The Comission Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children and Adolescents works to protect all youth against sexual violence including prostitution, pornography, sex tourism, and sex traficking. They conduct research, provide counseling, prosecute offenders, monitor and prosecute business that violate the law against sexual exploitation, and educate. Viva Nicaragua! supports the Comission's efforts and is currently recruiting interns to work in all areas.