Lifting up through learning

From 1996 – present, 2,974 sewing machines have been sent from Wisconsin to Nicaragua.    These sewing machines are distributed to over 50 Learning Centers currently offering classes in Nicaragua.   

 "There are a number of difficulties impeding women from finding this work, but a lack of training is a pretty big one. That is where W/NP comes in with over 50 Learning Centers around Nicaragua where women teach other women how to sew, embroider, make jewelry, decorate cakes, make piñatas, and much more. W/NP provides sewing machines and some materials and then knowledgeable teachers volunteer their time to teach other women. Although I have only been here a short time I have already heard from a number of women about how much they depend on the skills they've learned in the Learning Centers and how much those skills have helped them to provide for themselves and their families."

For 35 years, Angelica has been the coordinator of the Los Cedros Learning Center, the first (sewing) center established in W/NP Learning Center network.  From 1982 - present, Los Cedros has hosted 1,844 students so far.  This has happened as volunteers help promote various programs that are being carried out in Nicaragua, such as the donation of a sewing machine, fabric or financial donations to purchase items in country.  

“Can you believe that I was involved with the first foot pedal sewing machines and was in Angelica's garage in the late 80s when Ellen and Janet started the project? What great memories, A legacy to the WNP.” Barbara, August 2017

Special thanks to all who continue to support this life changing project.

We present this month’s GlobalGiving report in memory of Ellen Maurer who passed into eternity June 11, 2017.  The Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners Learning Center network would not be here today had it not been for two dynamic women, Ellen from Verona, Wisconsin and Doña Angélica from Los Cedros, Nicaragua, both women had a vision and worked together to make it happen. Rural Nicaraguan women were desperate for training to develop the skills that would provide meaningful income while enabling them to remain in their communities to care for their families. In 1981, Ellen and Doña Angélica secured resources from Wisconsin and volunteer trainers from Nicaragua to form a sewing center in rural Los Cedros, a small community outside Managua.

Thanks to the cooperative effort of people supporting the Learning Center Program, both with time and resources, the growth continues.  Leonor (a long time Nicaraguan volunteer) recently updated the Learning Center directory including each Learning Center name, location, contact information and current activity.  Today there 63 active Learning Centers and the Learning Center program continues to grow as it follows the “train the trainer” model.   Students become teachers as they share their knowledge and are eager to teach new classes.  Comments from the students:

"It is a practical activity that allows us to improve our economy to support our families. If it is viewed from the emotional side, it helps us to reduce stress."

"We feel great satisfaction by achieving this activity. I hope this work will be shared in every community."

"It was a very nice activity and we will take these ideas to share in our community."

"Thanks to all trainers who spent a their time to get ready each class for this unique workshop activity and share their knowledge in an effective way. I thanked trainers who made it possible to bring knowledge to others."

Learning Center leaders and participants meet the last Saturday of each month, sharing ideas and planning for the future.  Each meeting includes a special class or skill taught by one of the Learning Centers.  For example at the April 2017 meeting, a bamboo basket class was taught by a student from Ulda’s Learning Center and a Mantequilla Flower Craft was led by Ana from the Las Muñecas Learning Center.   Attendance at the meetings are excellent, and the Learning Center members are enthusiastic and eager to continue improving. 

In addition to the monthly meetings, classes are offered throughout the month.  June 1, 2017 a new class of Ribbon Embroidery started at the June Lemke Learning Center, located at the W/NP office in Managua.  We extend our thanks to Petronila for teaching this beautiful skill and to the many people who made donations to make this possible.   

Links:

• Learning Center Meeting and Class info
• Ellen's Obituary