Posts

January 2025 update

Image
 And so the Ometepe project continues after eight year.  I had many interesting experiences visiting until the pandemic.  Many things have changed here but even more in Ometepe.  The Nicaraguan government have chosen their political allies which means that many NGOs and charitable groups no longer operate there.  The Peace and Hope Trust has contacts from SIFT who have a presence and they also have individuals who go to visit and do some work there, but this is on a lower scale than before. Our project continues because of our direct contact with local people, who are prepared to work on our behalf. There had to be a change of personnel organising the sourcing of goods and distributing it.  This rose after some problems in our contact's family.  The son Jordy has left home to live in Managua with his girlfriend and now has a good job, which is great after we supported him through university.  Jordy's father Marvin seems to be little evident in the...
Post a Comment
Read more

The effect of the economic crisis

Image
 Work continues in Ometepe but on a less generous scale.  The economic downturn that we have experienced has had a significant effect on donations.  Few donations were received at Christmas this year and after holding two events, the coffee morning in July and the musical event in October, we did not have a Christmas event.  This was partially because of lack of energy on my part and partly because of being busy with a prospective move. Unfortunately the economy in Nicaragua has also been affected .  Prices are high and work is not easily available.  One of the young teachers we supported has been laid off.  Jordy has not yet got a teaching post despite the highest level of achievement but is seeing other opportunities through his work at a local tourist attraction.  His excellent English will be such an advantage.  Our aim was to improve prospects and this appears to be  the case for him. The October folk evening was great fun and raise...
Post a Comment
Read more

Running repairs

Image
 Over recent moths we have undertaken a number of running repairs to help maintain the schools we help. These have included repairs to a watertank which was in danger of collapsing repairs to the preschool latrines in Rafaela Herrera repairs to an external security gate in Tigue repairs to instruments at El Corozal and the secondary institute.  This was a considerable investment as even parts are expensive.  However this is an important part o the culture in Ometepe. Cesar demonstrating the repairs to be made. The children of El Corozal enjoying their renovated instruments.
Post a Comment
Read more

New School at Santa Cruz

Image
 In late 2021, we were approached by members of the community in Santa Cruz, though Marvin for support for a new school.  It appeared they had been using a property that was to be required by it's owner.  Our funds were committed and had slowed anyway because of the economic circumstances here.  I had thought about making a Christmas donation myself as the amount was not phenomenal.  The community were all pitching in and they had been given land.  I was talking with the Peace and Hope about it, and they offered to look at the possibility of helping.  They were put in touch and were able to donate around $2000 for a proper roof for the school, the community having constructed the walls and internal parts.  I was pleased about this support as PHT are experienced in building schools in Nicaragua and were able to provide the correct advice. The old school for Santa Cruz The site for the new school Under construction The roof beams are installed The r...
Post a Comment
Read more

Celebration of a great academic success.

Image
 In December we received the wonderful news that Jordy had graduated from his university course.  He has worked so hard, studying at his English on a daily basis.  When I first met him he lacked confidence to try but now he is fluent and using colloquial phrases.  It is a joy to converse with him on the phone and to receive his well constructed messages. He has passed his teaching practices and in February 2022 will receive his final certification meaning he can take up a teaching post. he plans to work in the local community. In January 2022 we paid the next year's fees for Linda, who is also studying hard and getting good results.  Her studies are at the local university in Ometepe.
Post a Comment
Read more

New facilities for El Corozal and Santa Teresa October/November 2021

Image
 In October funds were sent to El Corozal;  this is a small school in a very remote location between the Maderas volcano.  The school had asked for some cleaning facilities and help with their water supply.  We were able to support the local community in building a water tank and a sink for their cleaning tasks. This achieved another stage on our improvement of the sanitary facilities in the schools. A thank you from the staff and pupils makes it all worthwhile and we know these facilities will make their day to day activities a little easier! Santa Teresa was the last of the schools to have improvements made to their latrines, in November.  We hope to start working around the handwashing facilities soon, but so many other priorities keep arising!
Post a Comment
Read more

Uniforms for 2022 new school year.

Image
 This year planning began well ahead.  Elections were to take place in November 2021, and just in case there were any political activities, preventing the collection of uniforms from Managua, or indeed causing big price rises, we began planning in September. As usual Marvin, Jordy and Sylvia worked in their house, storing, then sorting the uniform, checking that everything had arrived and matching to their list of children and sizes.  Jordy and Sylvia made environmentally friendly packages, tying each set with string, following the example I had set on my last trip. The uniforms were finally distributed in January 2022, at the start of the school year.  Most schools attempted a video call so that I could be present virtually.  There were many smiles, waves and thank yous from the children and their parents.
Post a Comment
Read more