Dear Friends,
The spirit of community and collaboration we’ve witnessed the last three weeks in Nicaragua was simply inspiring.
Daily, we were reminded how unencumbered, grassroots initiatives have a unique ability to effect change by harnessing the collective efforts of individuals who believe in a common cause. The ripple effects of kindness and support illustrate the interconnectedness of our humanity at its best.
Thank you for sharing your time and resources with us. It’s a reminder of the inherent goodness and potential within each of us to make a real difference. No matter the size of our contribution, our desire to help brings significant hope to so many…including ourselves.
With gratitude always,
Chuck
Who Are the People in Your Neighborhood?
They live across the narrow, dusty road in front of our school and dining room. You rarely enter either place without receiving an excited hug and greeting. Some of them are our youngest students and others are our future students.
They have no phones or ipads…just each other. They kick a ball, a can, a piece of whatever’s on the ground, make up contests, and engage whoever comes by.
We supply food, education, reassuring smiles as well as help for their mothers when they need medicine, financial help for doctor appointments, or an impromptu meeting for a word of guidance.
We get nothing but love in return…and we enter our buildings with a smile.
Neighbors to Nicaragua Welcomes Tim Dougherty, Archmere’s Global Studies Coordinator
Thanks to Tim, for visiting us during your spring break and for allowing us to see Granada and Nueva Esperanza through his perceptive eyes.
On Tuesday, Tim and Neighbors to Nicaragua will meet with Archmere students and their parents about our proposed November service trip to Nicaragua which we planned in detail during Tim’s visit. Our staff and students are honored and excited to host the staff members and students from Archmere Academy, “Dios Primero” as they always say in Nicaragua about plans (God Willing)!
Below are some pictures from Tim’s visit.
Our Art Teacher, Geralds, Has Let His Students Loose…with Paint Brushes!
No blank wall is safe! They’re using them as canvases, decorating the outside of our vocational center where salon skills are taught and the outside of Roberto’s classroom where literacy is taught. Our Art Program is a huge success (We may have to expand it). Geralds is an amazing teacher, and we are so grateful to have him as part of our family!
Let’s Start at the Very Beginning…How to Teach Literacy
Early in life, a pencil is a foreign object. Before learning how to hold and use it, it’s necessary to learn gross and fine motor skills. And while teaching right from left, why not spice things up and enjoy learn how to count to ten at the same time? Roberto and Marvin combine it all before moving onto fine motor skills, (making wavy and straight lines), and then forming letters and numbers. It’s a calculated process, but an effective and fun one.
The Matt Haley Vocational Center: Open for Beauty
March and April mark the re-opening of our Matt Haley Vocational Center with our annual salon skills class. Each morning, our center is abuzz with makeovers, pedicures, manicures, hair colorings, and more. Several of our past graduates now run their own small businesses from their homes. In October and November, we will offer our classes in barbering. Our thanks to Cesar, our patient, inspiring instructor!
From Life on the Street to a Productive Life on the Street
Eduardo Lopez Rosales, age 18, is one of the young men who frequents our youth center. Initially, Eduardo was one of our literacy students, and despite his struggles with asthma and a neurological condition that makes learning challenging, he has proven to be an exceptional young man with an unwavering spirit.
His challenges have strengthened Eduardo’s will to find a way to turn his passion for work into a productive outlet. He spends his days selling fruit drinks and churros (deep-fried cheese treats) on the streets, brightening the morning commutes of all he passes with his friendly greetings.
Eduardo’s resilience and kindness are qualities that inspire us, and we are honored to have him as a part of our community. His dedication to his work and his positive attitude serve as a reminder that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible. Hats off to you, Eduardo!!
