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July 2025

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  In July we provided funds for many of the poorer children in the small schools, to receive a stationery pack containing pens, pencils, crayons, scissors, exercise books.  These children come from homes where there is no spare cash for such luxuries, the schools do not provide materials, and without them the children cannot fully participate in lessons. These children above are receiving their school uniform.  These are provided in January/February for the start of the new school year.  Parents cannot afford to replace uniform and children grow very quickly as we all know.  Because of the dusty environment they need to be washed frequently, so if parents can afford one set, there is an opportunity to change.  When I was there, I often watched the mums washing in the steam and drying the clothes on the bushes.  Their washing often looked whiter than mine! Perhaps it's the effect of the sun! These teachers are receiving cleaning materials in the early p...
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January 2025 update

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 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...
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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 raise...
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Running repairs

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 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.
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New School at Santa Cruz

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 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...
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