Granada, Nicaragua Debriefing Report

After a challenging and rewarding eight weeks, Volunteers left their community amidst the heaviest Nicaraguan downpour of the summer. The torrents did not, however, damper the Volunteers enthusiasm for their recently completely projects. 

From midterm onward, Volunteers purchased materials and facilitated the completion of various Community-Based Initiatives up to the finishing touches.  Volunteers and youth counterparts mixed the final batches of paint or cement, planted trees in parks and selected books for recently constructed library shelves. The final stretch was not without difficulty. Volunteers, hand in hand with local youth, worked hard to rally community support and utilized their available resources to complete ambitious projects.  Many Volunteers even participated in community fundraisers to supplement community funds, for example, winning a local beauty pageant, going door to door to sell raffle tickets and dancing nonstop for three hours. On Sunday, Volunteers said tearful goodbyes to their host family and friends at despedidas (farewell parties) in Granada and Rivas.  Since then, they have had the opportunity to reflect on their experience and spend a relaxing day at the beach.