First Steps to Cultural Understanding for US Teens

An ongoing youth project has been the collection of school supplies and backpacks for children and teachers in Nicaragua.  It’s a successful project in part because students of any age understand the need and value of having basic supplies to complete their studies.  

Mirna, who assists with the distribution of the school supplies, sent these photos for donors to further understand how important their contributions are.  She commented, “Note the one kid barefoot, it kind of broke my heart and seeing the girls wearing flip flops instead of shoes. These are really poor families that have no money for a pair of shoes neither for a back pack so our donation was greatly appreciated. Thanks once again Sarah and Kaylee for your work with this project and for your enthusiasm to keep it going!”   (Sarah and Kaylee spend endless hours collecting supplies for the backpacks and putting them together) 

Collecting school supplies is a big job, not only are the high school students participating, but also civic and community groups, churches, and a host of other people finding out about the project and donating funds to buy supplies in Nicaragua or packaging supplies to be shipped, both methods work and are very much needed.

It's really helpful to have people like Lilliam, (from the Youth Ambassadors Project) on the other end helping with the distribution and determining where items are needed most. 

We often receive notes back from the students who receive backpacks, and this one written to Kaylee is my favorite…..

Hello Kaylee!  My name is Jorge and I am twelve, am in six grade of elementary school.

I live in Managua, Nicaragua and I just received your gift. I would like to tell you that I am surprised that persons like you exists in this world, persons with a big heart like yours who gives to those who don’t know but just know that even the smallest thing will put a smile on children’s face.

I cannot send anything for you because I don’t have any money but I can promise you that I will use everything you sent so that may be one day with luck I can be a little like you.

God bless you Kaylee and your parents for the wonderful work they have done with you. May God guide your steps to the good path just like you’ve been doing until now.   Thank you!

In summary, a heartfelt thank you to all who continue to support the Youth Projects which really helps the Youth in the U.S. have a better understanding of ways we can reach out to others, and seeing how important and valuable education is to those with fewer opportunities.

Links:

• Kaylees Backpack Project page

This past month the Wisconsin/Nicaragua Student Partners braved the cold and helped to raise awareness about the Wisconsin and Nicaragua Partnership by joining in the Holiday Parade.   The Student Partners and W/NP volunteers put together a colorful and festive float for the annual parade through downtown Stevens Point.  Participating in community events such as the parade, help others to know what organizations exist and that there are many volunteer opportunities available in the area.

The highlight of the float this year was Evelyn , from Jinotega Nicaragua, as she bravely sported the traditional Nicaraguan dance dress (with many layers underneath!)   It was a unique experience for Evelyn, coming from a warm climate, and learning what “frozen fingers” are like.  She was a trooper and we appreciated Evelyn's willingness to hold out, despite the cold weather. 

Later in the week, Evelyn met with Mr. Mike Devine, Principal at the Stevens Point Area Senior High School.  They compared the differences of their public schools as well as the similarities students have no matter their location in the world.  During Evelyn’s time in the classroom with students, she shared about the importance of not only learning about other countries, but incorporating some type of international experience into their education.  Evelyn used herself as an example; being an active member of her own community in Nicaragua, she had the desire to expand her knowledge about community engagement, emergency preparedness, and volunteer programing.   She discovered, applied and was accepted to the Partners of the Americas Professional Fellows program, thus how she was able to be there with the students sharing this time along with many other experiences in both Washington DC and in Wisconsin. 

Traveling to another country and sharing time with people is a valuable and unique experience, one we hope more students who are able to interact with visitors from Nicaragua will take advantage of.