Student Testimonials: Colleen Gardner

Colleen Gardner is a Senior Pre-Med and Psycology student from the State University of New York at Geneseo. She spent two months in El Sauce over the summer of 2014 studying Humanities and Service Learning. Her travels taught her a lot, she writes:

Before I traveled to El Sauce, I had no idea what to expect. I’d never spent an extended amount of time abroad, and I’d always traveled with family. From the minute we got off the plane in Managua, I felt welcome and safe. Those feelings only grew as I got settled into life in El Sauce and began to form relationships with my host family, my fellow SUNY Geneseo students, and the people in El Sauce.

My first four weeks in Nicaragua consisted of taking Humanities II, and the last four weeks were devoted to service learning. Both experiences were incredible. During Humanities, I looked at topics such as colonialism and communism from a completely different perspective than I would have been able to do in the US. We also learned so much about Nicaraguan history and culture, through both our experiences and class time. During my service learning, I had the opportunity to shadow a nurse at a rural health post in Sabana Grande. While I speak very limited Spanish and she spoke no English, the nurse was incredibly welcoming to me (a common theme over my time in Nicaragua). I was able to observe both her and the doctor at the health post, and I learned so much about healthcare in a developing nation. The patients were very receptive to me, so I was able to sit in on a variety of appointments and exams. I also had the opportunity to help with the English classes taught by Enlace [Project], and I was consistently amazed at the students’ English skills.

During our last reflection during service learning, which occurred at a breathtaking lookout in Ocotal, we were asked a question. I don’t remember exactly what it was, but it was something that provoked me to reflect on my time in El Sauce, and try to articulate the ways it had impacted me. I couldn’t come up with any words…I just started tearing up. I didn't, and still don’t, have the ability to accurately articulate how much my time in Nicaragua meant to me, and how much I learned. 

The best part about my trip, hands down, was the people. Everywhere I went in Nicaragua I was treated with kindness and received generous hospitality. My host family was unbelievably patient with me when I attempted to speak Spanish, and those who spoke English were always willing to help translate. I took a leap of faith traveling to El Sauce for eight weeks, and it is a decision I would make again in a heartbeat. I never anticipated I would form such strong friendships, or that I would feel homesick for El Sauce after returning to the States. I sincerely hope I have the opportunity to work with Enlace again; it truly is an amazing organization doing amazing things.

Sharing Musical Unity: Development and History Through the Arts

The concert poster.

With a shift in leadership for SUNY Geneseo's Western Humanities class in Nicaragua, Professor Glenn McClure brought the idea of using the arts as a tool in development. Through much hard work and preparation, he was able to see the idea take form.

On June seventh, Carlos Mejía Godoy y Los de Palacagüina, arguably Nicaragua's largest singer-songwriter and his band, arrived to El Sauce to perform in the largest concert that the municipality has seen in years. Over one thousand people from all over Nicaragua gathered in the patio of El Sauce's mayor's office for the First Sauceño International Folklore Concert.

McClure used this event as a way to tie the university course to the community, and to Enlace Project. The Humanities study abroad experience focuses on reading some of the most influential texts that have shaped Western culture and discussing their influence on Nicaragua.

Carlos Mejía Godoy, Jon Canning, and Glenn McClure play together during the concert. Photo by Kris Dreessen, www.krisdreessen.com

The concert gave the students some background to the history and culture of Nicaragua-- Godoy is known for his revolutionary songs telling stories of what Nicaraguan life was like during the Sandinista movement. In more recent years, Godoy's biggest songs have focused on what it means to be Nicaraguan.

The stage set-up, including landmarks from El Sauce and Nicaraguan cultural icons.

Enlace Project also actively promoted and funded the event, hoping to share its mission and services with the attendees. Members of the Sauce Aventuras tourism cooperative sold food, while the women of Fuente de Pino sold baskets. The event was free, and encouraged many to inquire about the organization. In McClure's words:

"Enlace does the vital, quiet work of economic development... and education that continues to build new possibilities for the people of El Sauce and Ocotal. The Arts provide a public platform to celebrate this quiet, often invisible work at the level of energy and passion that is worthy of the people who do it."

The Sauceño dance group performs at the concert. 
Photo by Kris Dreessen, www.krisdreessen.com

Most important, however, is the sharing of culture and friendship through the exchange of music and the conversation surrounding the event. Local groups from Achuapa, Salales, and even a dance group from a local high school. As the night continued, Glenn McClure himself took the stage with the assistance of musicians from both the U.S. and Nicaragua. When Carlos Mejía Godoy took the stage, McClure joined him for the final few songs:

"At the end of the concert, after we had sung "Nicaragua, Nicaraguita" together, Carlos told the crowd that our concert proved that whether we come from Nicaragua, the US, Argentina, Bolivia, etc., we are all brothers and sisters of the Americas! This is not only an expression of what happened on stage that night. It also expresses the deep friendship and commitment between Nicaraguans and Americans as they work together through Enlace Project."

--Written by Sean Conner, Enlace Project Intern

The audience enjoying the show.  Photo by Kris Dreessen, www.krisdreessen.com

Familiar Faces: Alejandro "Alex" José Solano Vallejos

Alex and his daughter.

We've written about Alejandro "Alex" Solano Vellejos before. That's because Alex is the type of person who actively goes after what he wants. When we sat down with him, he told us that he experienced a change is his life seven years ago. "My life was a mess, so I decided to change my lifestyle," Alex told us in English, using the vocabulary that he learned between in the Sunday beginner's English class and the weekday advanced class.

Over the past few years, Alex has become a distinct face around Enlace Project. Back in 2012, he was the recipient of a microloan to help him buy supplies for his bicycle supplies and repair shop. Attending the financial training classes helped Alex to get his finances and credit under control.

Through this connection with Enlace Project, Alex became interested in the English language as well. He began assisting the Sunday English class because it was the only day he had enough free time between his three jobs. "I was working as a teacher on Saturday, a radio DJ on Sundays, and at my own business all week, but I believe English is important."

Additionally, Alex has one daughter and four nephews that he takes care of. His bicycle business is run out of his house so that he can remain close to his family. Alex attributes his drive to work and learn English to his family, and hopes one day to be able to teach his children English as well.

Alex helping out in the Sunday English class.

Alex displays the same selflessness in helping others around the community. "I like speaking English a lot, and helping those less fortunate has always been my dream," he explains It's beautiful to practice English with other people and help them learn." While Alex has now moved onto the advanced class, he still attends the Sunday classes to assist the other students.

Alex hopes to continue moving forward. He wants to learn new techniques to expand what his business can do to include motorcycles and more. Recently, he attended a Peace Corps small business training in Granada, which has given him motivation to improve his business practices. In the future, he hopes to work with Enlace Project's Entrepreneurial Development Program as well.