Matagalpa, Nicaragua Update No. 2

Saludos from Matagalpa! This past week, our project kicked into high gear. Materials for CBIs were delivered to communities, and Volunteers are collaborating with community members on a variety of initiatives, ranging from the organization of co-ed soccer leagues to the establishment of communal chicken coops. In our two communities receiving funds from the Bevil and Tucson Grants, Volunteers are facilitating the planning and construction of a library and preschool. Volunteers are continuing to hold educational activities in their respective communities. Soil and water conservation and reforestation are the upcoming themes for their last two weeks in community. The last week’s charlas (educational activities) will be accompanied by a municipal-wide reforestation effort. This past week, Volunteers came into Matagalpa for midterm route picnics. They enjoyed a day of sharing their experiences with other Volunteers while having some time to relax, eat pizza and call home. Also last week, three youth encuentros (workshops) were held in Matagalpa. All Volunteers worked with local youth to prepare for the event. Each community gave a cultural presentation; traditional dance, songs, poetry and cooking demonstrations were among the many contributions. Every community also presented a mock-up of a mural embodying the message and themes of AMIGOS projects in Matagalpa and returned to community with the paint to carry out their artistic vision. At midterm, Project Staff felt proud to see how well Volunteers had integrated themselves into Nicaraguan life. Volunteers are happy and busy in community, and we are excited to see what they will accomplish in the next two weeks!