Lifting up through learning

Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners (W/NP) Learning Centers annual plan includes offering learning experiences for people in the rural areas who due to the long distances are unable to attend local workshops in Managua.  A dedicated team four people enthusiastically and eagerly accepted the Santa Rita Learning Center's invitation to share their knowledge with a small group of women who had already received training in various areas. This was with the goal of continuing to learn and enhance their skills.

Women in the rural areas in Nicaragua’s South Atlantic Autonomous Region—are convinced that it is well worth traveling two to four hours on horseback to attend classes over the course of 3 days in baking, cooking, sewing, beauty care, and handicrafts, thereby envisioning their future and the opportunities within their communities, with the support of W/NP and the group of volunteers who teach the courses.

In the pastry course the participants learned about fondant preparation, fondant cake decorating, fruit cake, and orange pie. Four new recipes and preparations allowed them to achieve the objective of the classes. “We are pleased to know that the women who participated have gained more knowledge and skills to start businesses and contribute to the family economy,” said Petronila. 

The cooking workshop also generated a lot of excitement with the new recipes that were prepared. This time, the dishes were shrimp in garlic sauce, shrimp, breaded chicken, and breaded pork. The goal of teaching participants how to prepare the breading was successfully met.  

The beauty course instructor was unable to travel at the last minute.  However, some of our volunteers have already been trained and are now helping the young women, who were very excited to receive the class. They practiced applying keratin treatments, straightening, and curling hair. Thank you to Maritza for sharing with the young women who attended to the workshops promptly.

The basic sewing workshop, led by Erayda, made small bags. Petronila commented, “It's wonderful to see the girls so interested in learning to sew. Their interest is also evident when we see them sometimes walk or ride long distances to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire new skills.”

Young people, children and adults participated with great enthusiasm in the crafts workshop, making a box with sheets of paper and a small arrangement to use it with a very easy technique suitable for all ages.

We are grateful to all the volunteers for always giving some of their time to the organization and to the people who, because they live in remote areas, don't have many opportunities for training.  We are also grateful to all of you reading this report who help these programs to continue.  Thank you!