Ometepe Album

Album of experiences on Ometepe Jan/Feb 2018

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2018 achievements and plans

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Kids and Kayaks This organisation was born out of Jose Antonio's dream and the friendship we developed after he was my guide in Ometepe in 2015 and 2016. I obtained his services through Vapues Tours in 2015 and sought his expertise again in 2016 because he had been so helpful. He taught me about the life of the local people. Across the Atlantic ocean plans were formed through our shared passion to improve the lives of children in Urbaite and Santa Teresa on Ometepe Island, Nicaragua. This became Kids and Kayaks ( and later The Forgotten Children of the Land of Lakes and Volcanoes), a charity to improve the lives of local children's education and welfare. It is led by José Antonio Ruiz Hernandez in Nicaragua and Carolyn Susan Gibbs in England. In January 2018 I arrived with around £3000 donated by friends, family and local organisations. I brought a case of equipment and further equipment came in the containers of Peace and Hope, a registered charity also working in Nicara
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The effect of the economic crisis

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 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 raised around £500. The July sale brought everyone bac
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Preparing for 2019 trip

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Welcome to new readers!  For further information  How it all started. I will be leaving for Nicaragua on 20/1 to spend five weeks there, four on Ometepe Island addressing the priorities of the project..  I have obtained an additional suitcase and will be taking both equipment for the school and things for the community and family. I have been donated a teddy bear by someone from Billingshurst Unitarian Chapel, children's clothing and stationery by Susan, Elizabeth  and Esther, baby clothes by Sue, a huge amount of stationery by Rotary club Farnham, (some has been boxed up for the containers) , but I am taking enough to make up teacher's packs .  Through searching for a case on Facebook, I have been donated a trumpet by Kath & Bill, and Cult pens have provided a donation of extra pens when I ordered sharpeners from them. The question is going to be, which extra suitcase do I need? I am also hoping that the box that was sent out in May, will arrive befor
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