YOGA PROJECT

Yoga Classes for Kids and Adults

In 2012, we started doing yoga in one community.  We now work in three communities and various schools in Granada.  It is amazing how much the kids relax and focus after yoga.  We have seen the impact on health and wellbeing.  Join us to help keep this important project going.  You don't need to be a yoga expert...just bring your mat and desire to work with young people! 

 

Volunteers for Solidaridad Kids Club offer Yoga classes for chidren and women.  Not only are these classes providing fun and healthy alternatives - they also teach positive tools for relaxation and stress relief for young people and adults living in very difficult situations.

Physical education majors, personal trainers, and yoga instructors are encouraged to help continue this valuable project.

In May of 2015, I went on a service trip to Granada, Nicaragua with the College of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Cincinnati. At the time, I just finished my 2nd year as a Doctor of Physical Therapy student. This trip was the first time that PT students were on this trip. There was one other student who had just graduated the day before we left on the trip. We had a faculty member with us and we were piloting this trip to see if there was a need for us in the future.


I have been to multiple countries on various study abroad and service trips, and just like any other, this was one of a kind. Initially this was a trip for social workers and ended up having PT , health science , communication science disorders and nutrition students all on the same trip. Most days we were all separated with various duties assigned from Viva Nicaragua. It was nice when we were able to debrief and see the work completed by other disciplines and the impact made on both ends. A couple days we got to see each other interact and how many different health care students and professions interact.


From a PT perspective, I was really shocked with the amount of education their therapists received. They received 6 years of education compared to our 7 years. I was expecting them to have 2 years of education for their degree as I had previously experienced in Mexico. We went to Corazon Contentos one day and they were very knowledgeable. We weren't sure what to expect since we were piloting this trip. Although we weren't able to help much with that facility from a PT perspective, we were able to see patients in La Solidaridad and other neighboring communities. Many patients we saw had chronic conditions and they were not able receive as much therapy to maximize their function. We went to many homes and were able to educate patients and their families about things to work on. With short trips, we can't work with them as long as we normally do, so there was a lot education done with treatments that they can do. The good thing is that we document and send them what we have for following PT students that follow after us that volunteer with Viva Nicaragua. I wish I could stay there for a longer period of time to fully benefit these patients.


Viva Nicaragua is a great organization that was very accommodating and helpful with so many students. It is a lot of work to have so many people stay in a short period of time which makes everything fast paced. I loved working with them and being in Granada in general. The workers and volunteers are very kind hearted and welcomed us with open arms even though we were only there a week. I still keep in touch with some of the people that I worked with down there. I would love to come back in the future to expand the program with Physical Therapy.


The thing with these service trips, many people thank us at the end for what we contributed for the time we were there. The thing is we are there a week, and sure we help, but I in reality we get more out of it in the end. It is an eye opening experience to experience their culture, live in their town, eat their food, walk their streets, see how they live, and see what we take for granted in every day life. I definitely grew as a person and will always have a big piece of my heart down in Granada and with Viva Nicaragua. I hope Viva Nicaragua keeps doing what they do, improving and expanding to give many people the same opportunities as I was fortunate to have.

            Viva Nicaragua was my first exposure to international travel. In March 2015, I took my first step outside of US boarders where my heart was quickly captured. All my life I wanted to see the world but the opportunities never arose due to prior commitments. But once I took the leap of faith, I knew there was no turning back. My routine life quickly took a 360-degree turn to what seem to be a beautiful movie. I began living the life I always imaged. Everyday quickly became a new adventure, whether it was work or play, I tired to make each day great. I loved working with children, families and in the clinics. Stepping out of my comfort zone taught me so much about the culture and much more about myself. When the 11 days in Nicaragua ended, I knew was the beginning to a next chapter of my life and that I would be back!

            After being back in the United States for just a few days, I begin planning on how I could go back to Nicaragua. I decided that spending an extended amount time to develop relationships, settle on a career path and engage in a different culture was what I needed to do. I quickly began saving to make a trip back. Of course that came with sacrifice of a new dress or a night out but I knew the trip would have a greater impact on my future. I was accepted into the program to complete a public health internship for the fall. When September rolled around, I packed up my suitcase, grabbed my passport, not knowing that this adventure would completely change my life.  

                When I stepped off the plane in Nicaragua, a calm came over me and I knew this was the place I was meant to be. Yes, there were struggles from time to time but I loved the rollercoaster. I began my trip by working in a clinic just outside of Granada. I was able to experience a new side of the medical field. I was able to find an area of education what I knew I loved and needed to share my understanding with others. I began to look at policies and laws within the country to understand how we can discuss these polices with the youth of Nicaragua to begin to shape the future of the country. We began then to work to with youth to explain the laws in latten terms and found that some children’s lives are more troubled than expected. I finished my internship by creating a yoga workout for the children to compete in their homes or at school when times get hard.  Self-care became the focus for education. Saying goodbye wasn’t as hard knowing that I would be back! Nicaragua just won’t let me leave.

                After going home to a cold, rainy holiday with my family and friends, I was more than excited to come back to Nicaragua for a third time. This time is different because I took a leap of faith all by myself. I am still growing and learning about the culture, myself and the language of Spanish. I have found what I love doing in my life and as of this week, what I want to do with the rest of my life. My journey here is nowhere close to being complete here or around the world. I encourage you to skip the new purse and purchase a plane ticket.  Viva Nicaragua has changed my life and a hope it can change your life as well!  And trust me,  “Its better to see something once than hear about it a thousand times.”

Viva Nicaragua: Exploring the Public Health System

Viva Nicaragua: Exploring the Public Health System

Viva Nicaragua: Exploring the Public Health System

Viva Nicaragua: Exploring the Public Health System

An Emphasis on Education

Viva Nicaragua! strives to improve the overall socio-economic conditions of all Nicaraguans through programs that emphasize education.  We work with institutions and communities to provide educational opportunities that create citizens that are pro-active in their heath, human rights, families, and society in general.  Education is the key to development and social justice - and all of our programs - whether in health, social work, children and youth, or gender development - place an emphasis upon education.

Join us in our education and development efforts.  The following is just a sample of the programs we offer:

Public health - Work in a clinic or community alongside healthcare professionals to bring patients information about important health topics including sanitation, diabetes, reproductive health, pre-natal care, and other important health topics.  Help educate people and support their efforts to become pre-active in their health and the health of their families and communities.  Gain experience and contribute to public health efforts.

Social Work-Work alongside high risk youth, women's groups, people suffering from substance abuse, or organizations that work to prevent family violence to form support, education, and advocacy groups.  Help our efforts and the work of community groups and social organizations to reduce social problems that limit people's human rights and the overall socio-economic development of the country.

Scholarship and formal education/vocational training - Part of your placement fees go to support our scholarships for elementary, high-school, and university students.  We work with these youth to provide them the educational support they need to finish their studies including tutoring, a library, a computer lab, and other vocational training.  Completing formal education opens up economic opportunities to help reduce the cycle of poverty and contribute to justice, development, and respect for human rights.

Intern Testimony

From arrival to departure (about 5 weeks), I can honestly say I had a life changing experience with Viva Nicaragua.  Living with Nubia and her family was great - her cooking was somewhat tailored to what I preferred and she was very conscious of feeding me correctly when I got sick.  Speaking of getting sick - I couldn't have asked for more help: was driven to a private practice, all my supplies were picked up for me, dropped back off at home, and Nubia was very caring as I slowly got better.   

The travel to and from work wasn't the easiest, but I think that was the most authentic part of everything - riding the bus everyday with the locals. 

Spanish classes were great with Rafa and I enjoyed meeting a couple of his students who were working on their English.  He really helped me get through some of the work I was doing - although a lot of the info was confusing with the technical terminology.  He took me to a couple of baseball games and that is an experience I'll never forget.

Granada is a great little city/big town? and I had such a good time.  I traveled almost every weekend, but the couple of weekends I stayed around I loved wandering around the city.  There isn't a ton of stuff to do, but just enough where you can have fun and the area is not flooded with tourists and I sort of expected.  Just enough expats where you can get some American-style food if need be although.

Carrie was great and she definitely pushed me to learn Spanish and to branch out - handle things on my own.  Perfect combination of guidance (when necessary) and freedom to really do everything on my own and learn from it.

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Gap Year Students

Gap Years are an incredible way to gain experience after high school, prepare yourself to be on your own, and to what you want to study.  Every year we host dozens of Gap Year students - who stay anywhere from a semester to a year.

Currently, we have two Gap Year students, Xena and Richard.  Xena has studied theater since she was six and is teaching these skills to children in two kid's clubs and one public school.  Richard, with his heart in math and programming, is following his other interest - the environment and conservation and is working in a wildlife rehabilitation center in the National Zoo.  Both are doing incredible jobs and learning a lot!

In addition, when not busy at work, they are studying Spanish and participating in lectures, recreational and cultural activities.  It has been an incredible semester so far and we are looking forward to learning about and exploring more of this incredible country!

Art Therapy

Art therapy students from Notre Dame del Demur worked with children, high risk adolescents, women, and elderly on art projects that allowed them to be creative and express their inner feelings, feers, doubts, and gain strength and power.  A wonderful project!

Manhatanville College

In addition to painting a school in one of our target communities, Winter Break students painted this mural in support of our campaign to educate and promote children's rights.

Children's Rights

University of Wisconsin Alternative Break students helped Viva Nicaragua's campaign to promote children's rights by painting a mural in one of the communities we work with.  This, combined with talks about basic rights, is enforcing our work to teach children and adults that kids do have rights too!

Public Health Murals

High school volunteers painted health education murals at two clinics in Granada.  There focus was on the prevention of Dengue, hand washing, and breastfeeding.  Through their observations at the clinics and work on the murals they learned a lot about public health issues in Nicaragua.  Great job!

A FEW OF THE GROUPS THAT WORK WITH US

University of Colorado, Denver – Physical Therapy Program (once a year )
Translation of workshops given by US Physical Therapists to Nicaraguan Physical Therapists, visits to clinics and communities to do testing and work with people in need of therapy, airport pick-up, and homestay arrangement.

University of New Mexico – Economics, Development, and Sociology Courses (2009,2010,2011) Coordination of lectures and site visits to meet each course’s focus and translation services\

University of New Mexico Dental Hygiene Program – (2011)
A one week program involving morning clinical work including cleanings and extractions and afternoon and weekend excursions. We provide airport pick up and drop-off, orientation and tour, coordination of all work and tours, translation service, transportation, and support 24 hours a day for any reason.

Purdue University Service Learning Trips (twice a year)

A one week service learning trip that focuses on Spanish, history, and recreational activities in order to immerse students in Spanish and Nicaraguan history and culture.

University of Michigan– Alternative Breaks  
A yearly service learning program with different community service projects every morning and afternoon/weekend excursions. We provide homestays, tours and orientation, ground transportation, coordination of all activities and community service projects, translation services, and support 24 hours a day for any reason.

Regis University Physical Therapy Program

A yearly program that allows last year Physical Therapy students to work directly with patients in their homes, schools, clinics, and communities.  Lectures and site visits included.   Spanish classes and recreational activities included.

University of Cincinnati School of Social Work

A one week program that works with women, high-risk youth, children, and other social groups to provide education and therapy to community members. 

Notre Dame del Demur Art Therapy Program  

Art therapy with women, children, adolescents, and elderly community members.     Work with local psychologists and educators to incorporate new methods of working with their patients, many victims of violence and trauma.  Lectures, activities, and reflection time also included.

University of New Mexico Medical Brigade (2013)

A group of 50 health professionals that provided a variety of dental and medical services for over 500 patients.  In addition to their daily clinical work, every afternoon they participated in recreational activities including zip lining, boat trips, market visits, and a trip to the beach. 

Map the Gap – 2012, 2013
A gap year program for high school students. We coordinate all aspects of the program including airport transportation, tours and orientation, homestays, activities, internships, lectures, Spanish classes, and provide support, monitoring, and evaluation throughout.

High School Spanish and Cultural Immersion (Several groups throughout the year)

Programs for 16 -18 year olds that focus on different topics, depending upon the class requirements and needs.  Spanish programs, programs for students interested in public health, Nicaraguan history classes, recreational/cultural programs, and many others are coordinated throughout the year.   All programs include family stays, organization of all activities, translation services, lectures, and assistance 24 hours a day. 

And many more….every year we are forming academic relationships with universities to organize these important language, service learning, and academic programs.  Contact us for references.

Quotes

If I were to take an average of the happiness lever per day, I actually think this month would have the highest in terms of pure enjoyment, sense of purpose, and genuine appreciation for such a lovely group of people that are here in Nicaragua. It's really inspiring all the amazing work you (Viva Nicaragua) do here  and I really hope you know how much this experience has changed my world.  Marisa Campain, Public Health Intern, 2014

A little quote could never express how much I loved my Nicaragua experience. I met the most unforgettable people and had so much fun crocheting and living la vida Nica.. And Carrie is absolutely fabulous! – Lucy Pei, Business and Community Development Intern, 2013

"The people and organization that I got to live with and work with through Viva Nicaragua were way better than I could have ever hoped for.  Viva gave me the opportunity to expand my understanding of the culture in Nicaragua and also how to do things in a sustainable way for a developing country.  Viva Nicaragua gave me the support I needed in order to be able to get things done, but also the space to learn how to do things on my own.  There were many challenging days but the good experiences were completely worth the hard ones!  I would recommend working with Viva to anyone who is wanting to make an impact and looking to experience a unique and fun culture." 

-Travis Bohn, Marketing Intern, 2013

Intern Quotes

A little quote could never express how much I loved my Nicaragua experience. I met the most unforgettable people and had so much fun crocheting and living la vida Nica.. And Carrie is absolutely fabulous! – Lucy Pei,  Business and Community Development Intern, 2013

"The people and organization that I got to live with and work with through Viva Nicaragua were way better than I could have ever hoped for.  Viva gave me the opportunity to expand my understanding of the culture in Nicaragua and also how to do things in a sustainable way for a developing country.  Viva Nicaragua gave me the support I needed in order to be able to get things done, but also the space to learn how to do things on my own.  There were many challenging days but the good experiences were completely worth the hard ones!  I would recommend working with Viva to anyone who is wanting to make an impact and looking to experience a unique and fun culture." 

-Travis Bohn, Marketing Intern, 2013

What program should you choose?

WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

An internship is done for professional development. It is an opportunity to gain experience
and learn about different careers.  International experience will greatly enhance your resume.

Volunteer work is done for personal fulfillment. It is an opportunity to share with those in need.  It is less rigorous and academic credit is not available.   There are fewer volunteer opportunities available.

The Internship Program is right for you if you:
- Want to enhance your resume
- Need to get academic/internship/coop credit
- Are able to make an extended time commitment
- Are willing to commit to a full-time work schedule
- Want to gain professional experience in your field
- Need evaluations of your work 
- Would like the security of a formal work contract.
- Want to design a concrete project with measurable results and a final product.
- Want the support, advising, and assistance of a professional organization

.

The Short –Term Volunteer Program is right for you if you :- Have limited time to volunteer (1 –2 weeks)
- Would like a less-rigorous but meaningful volunteer experience
- Would like a more flexible schedule (3 -5 half days a week)
- Would like more time to travel and explore while volunteering
- Want to donate your time and resources to supporting community projects

Recommended Readings and Links

News, Politics, Latin America

• www.motherjones.com
• www.thenation.com
• Latin American Working Group: www.lawg.org
• Washington Office on Latin America: www.wola.org
• North American Conference on Latin America: www.nacla.org
• Center for International Policy: www.ciponline.org
• Economic Policy Institute: www.epi.org
• www.truthdig.com

Central American news

• www.nacion.com
• www.elnuevodiario.com.ni
• www.laprensa.com.ni
• www.envio.com
• Departamento Ecuménico de Investigaciones: www.dei-cr.org
• Facultad Latinoamericana de Ciencias Sociales: www.flacso.org
• University of Costa Rica newspaper, El Semanario: www.semanario.ucr.ac.cr

Trade, Labor, and Human Rights

• Public Citizen Global Trade Watch: www.citizen.org/trade
• Fair Trade Labelling Organization (FLO): www.fairtrade.org/sites/news/news.html
• www.alianzaportusderechos.org
• Act Now to Stop War and Racism: www.internationalanswer.org
• www.oneworld.net

Development Issues

• www.foodfirst.org
• www.grupoadela.org
• World Watch Institute: www.worldwatch.org
• Federación Ecologista (Costa Rica): www.feconcr.org

SCHOLARSHIP INFO

Did you know that scholarships are available?

Fund for Education Abroad

FEA scholarships were designed by professionals in the field of Education Abroad to meet the

growing need for financial resources to enable more students to go abroad. Scholarships will be up to

$5,000 per semester and are not

limited to specific programs, destinations, or fields of study.

For more information visit http://fundforeducationabroad.org/applicants/

Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship

The Gilman International Scholarship Program offers a competition for awards for

undergraduate study abroad and was established by the International Academic Opportunity Act of

2000. This scholarship provides awards for U.S. undergraduate students who are receiving federal Pell

Grant funding at a 2-year or 4-year college or university to participate in study abroad programs

worldwide. Deadlines are mid-March for the Fall or Academic Year, and early October for Spring.

For more information visit http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman/index.html

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

Each year, the State Farm Companies Foundation provids $2,500 scholarships to 20 Hispanic

college students who are pursing a teaching career. Applications are available from August 1 and the

deadline to submit an application is October 16 (must be postmarked by October 16). To obtain an

application and selection criteria, please contact the Hispanic Scholarship Fund at:

For more information about application and selection criteria, contact the fund at

Hispanic Scholarship Fund

55 Second Street, Suite 1500

San Francisco, CA 94105

1-877-HSF-INFO (1-877-473-4636)

OAS Fellowship

The Inter-American Agency for Cooperation and Development (IACD) of the Organization of

American States (OAS) administers one of the hemisphere’s largest multinational fellowships and

training programs. Every year, the Agency provides fellowships for undergraduate studies at

universities through the region and awards for specialized, short-term training at educational institutions

and training centers in OAS Member and Observer States. Scholarship amount vary.

For more information visit

http://www.educoas.org/portal/en/oasbecas/about.aspx?culture=en&navid=44

Global Studies Foundation Grant

Designed to support foreign language training and other academic studies abroad, this grant

provides supplemental funds for American students who already are studying abroad under the

auspices of an official study abroad program conducted by an accredited academic institution. GSF

seeks to support a formative experience abroad for the recipient, who also must share this experience

with others upon his or her return – ideally, with multiple audiences and varied media. They are

particularly interested in funding the study of strategically significant countries and languages.

Applicants must be US citizens and currently enrolled full-time and in good academic standing in an

accredited secondary or postsecondary institution. Among the most significant selection criteria are

academic performance (as indicated in courses, grades, recommendations, and other achievements),

program merit, and outreach potential. Grant recipients will be expected to acknowledge GSF's

support, to report on their experiences, and to work with GSF to share those experiences as widely as

possible.

For more information visit

http://www.globalstudiesfoundation.org/ShowContents.cfm?CategoryID=64

Golden Key International Honour Society International Student Leader of the Year

The International Student Leader of the Year Award recognizes one exceptional Golden Key

member for outstanding commitment to the Society and display of effective campus and community

leadership while maintaining superior academic performance. The recipient of the International Student

Leader Award will receive an award of $1,000.

For more information visit

http://www.goldenkey.org/GKIHS/MemberBenefits/ScholarshipsandAwards/

John T. Petters Foundation

The John T. Petters Foundation seeks to increase study abroad opportunities for students who

might otherwise not participate due to financial constraints. The Scholarship is open to undergraduate

college students, in good academic standing, who meet the following criteria:

The Applicant must be pursuing a study abroad program that has a focus on international

business.

The Applicant must be applying to or been accepted into a study abroad program eligible for

credit by the student’s home institution.

The Applicant must have financial need for scholarship funding.

The Applicant must be a United States Citizen.

For more information visit

http://www.johntpettersfoundation.org/apply/application_information.asp

Osher Scholars Summer Study Abroad

Students may use this award to help pay for a summer study abroad program of their choosing.

The length of study program can vary from two weeks to three months. All projects should relate to the

students’ academic interests and/ or career goals.

For more information contact:

Ms. Elly Hanauer

Institute of International Education/ West Coast

Osher Scholars Summer Study Abroad Program

530 Bush St. Suite 1000

San Francisco, CA 94108

Phone: (415) 362-6520 x214

E mail: ehanauer@iie.org

Phi Kappa Phi Study Abroad Grant

There are thirty-eight $1,000 grants awarded each year to help support undergraduate study

abroad. The grant is open to Phi Kappa Phi members as well as non-members in all fields of study.

Student must attend an institution with a Phi Kappa Phi chapter, have a cumulative GPA of 3.5/4.0 and

have a minimum of 56 credit hrs and a max of 90. Study abroad program must commence in May and

end in June of the following year. Applicants must submit a letter of acceptance into the study abroad

program and have at least 2 remaining semesters remaining in the home institution after the completion

of the study abroad program.

For more information visit

http://www.phikappaphi.org/Web/Scholarships/studyabroad/studyabroad_faq.html

The Elie Wiesel Ethics Essay Contest

The Elie Wiesel Prize in Ethics Essay Contest is an annual competition designed to challenge

college students to analyze the urgent ethical issues confronting them in today's complex world.

Students are encouraged to write thought-provoking personal essays that raise questions, single out

issues and are rational arguments for ethical action. $5000-$500 prize.

For more information visit http://www.eliewieselfoundation.org/prizeinethics.aspx

The Marion Wright Edelman Scholarship

The Marion Wright Edelman Scholarship is a $1,000 award offered to a person of minority

background who had a history of commitment to the creation of a just and peaceful world, ability to

follow through with projects which work with and toward world community and, concrete evidence that

others will benefit from the experience of the scholarship winner.

For more information visit http://www.lisleinternational.org/www/schola.html

Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation for Peace and Justice Scholarship Award

Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded $27,000 in scholarships to 28 students,

enabling them to pursue undergraduate and graduate studies here and around the world. These

students are inspired by the same ideals that Pastor Hawkinson, the inspiration for this scholarship,

embodied. The scholarship is funded by donations from friends and members of the Foundation and by

endowment earnings. Past scholarship recipients have come from many faiths, including Christianity,

Buddhism and Islam. The scholarship is intended for women or those with disabilities.

For more information visit

http://www.grinnell.edu/Offices/financialaid/schopportunities/includes/hawkinsfinal.pdf

Or e-mail graceuniv@juno.com

The Christianson Grant

The Christianson Grant is open to applicants who have sought out and arranged their own

programs. Proposed programs must be at least sixth months in length and emphasize a work

component. The grant program does not support independent research projects or academic study

abroad programs. Amount awarded ranges from US$2,500 - US$10,000

In addition, interested participants must meet the following requirements:

* U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents

* Between the ages of 18 and 28

* Participating in a work, internship, or volunteer abroad program

* Committed to a program duration of at least 6 months

* Willing to submit a written report upon completion of their program.

For more information visit http://www.interexchange.org/grants/christianson-grant.html

LIVFund Scholarship

The scholarship competition is open to anyone over the age of 18 interested in learning, interning or

volunteering abroad in Latin America.

Candidates may apply for the LIVFund Scholarship at any time, beginning six [6] months in advance of

their program start date.

Applicants who are awarded the scholarship must agree to post at least three [3] blog entries on the

LIVFund blog detailing their abroad experience.

For more information, visit: http://www.livfund.org/

FEA Rainbow Scholarship

This scholarship will be awarded to a deserving LGBT student who aims to participate in a high-quality,

rigorous education abroad program. Applicants must meet general FEA scholarship eligibility

requirements & preferences. Students interested in being considered for this annual scholarship should

indicate this through their application forms.

For more information, visit: www.fundforeducationabroad.org

Some more links…

http://www.studyabroad.com/forum/financial_aid.html

http://www.studyabroadlinks.com/search/Study_Abroad_Resources/Scholarships_and_Financial_Aid/

index.html