First Steps to Cultural Understanding for US Teens

The youth exchanges between Wisconsin and Nicaraguan youth have cultivated an abounding and contagious spirit of volunteerism!  

“As I have said before, being a volunteer is a lifestyle, I learned that in the workshop I attended in Paraguay and since the very first day (in 2008) when I got involved with Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners” - Lilliam, Nicaraguan student

Lilliam, along with her Wisconsin and Nicaraguan peers, have demonstrated ingenuity, hospitality, resourcefulness and creativity throughout all of their activities.   Through some brainstorming and combining ideas, five Wisconsin youth had a once in a lifetime experience in Nicaragua and forever changed lives…..  “I certainly learned a lot on this trip not only about another country's culture but also the way people can act toward one another with so much kindness when they do not even know someone. This trip has without a doubt changed how I look at life.  Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity, I will never forget it.”  - Erin, Wisconsin student

In addition to opening their hearts and homes to their peers from Wisconsin both last year and again this August, the Nicaraguan students continue to mentor the younger generation in their own country by volunteering at the lending libraries and with projects like GIVING A HAND TO EDUCATION.   By way of experience and being older students, they lead by example as they know firsthand the value/importance of education and as well as the challenges that can go with it.  In talking about the current project Lilliam (Nicaraguan project leader) explains, “it requires a lot of effort and commitment to work in a project like "giving a hand to the education".  It is not just about asking money to buy materials for the project, is about activities, work, lot of time, organization and very important is about making people aware of why this is a really important and NECESSARY project. These kids are trying to learn in very bad conditions, they don’t have the supplies and the motivation to keep studying.   Many thanks to all for their participation, with their aid we will help that 95 children of the school zoila Aurora have an education of quality." 

Thousands of miles away, you can be one of the friends from all over the world who are joining in to collect the resources needed for projects taking place in Nicaragua that promote continuing education for people of all ages.    A cooperative effort indeed makes it possible, as there are those who are making monetary donations, schools who are sharing their desks, students and families in Wisconsin that are collecting school supplies, Spanish class students who are making books, volunteers who are picking-up and preparing donated items for transport, and so much more.   Your involvement makes a difference!  Thank you!