Update: Casa de Zinc School in the community of San Cayetano

         On May 20^th Enlace Project staff members Bethany Nelson, and Enrique Corrales, visited the site of the Casa de Zinc schoolhouse that was built last year with the participation of Enlace Project and volunteers from New York.  It was a great opportunity to see the educational progress the community is making in the rural area of San Cayetano.

            The school director couldn’t express enough, her gratitude and appreciation for the school and the supplies that have bettered the education of the local youth tenfold. She shared with us that as professors there is nothing more rewarding for them than to be able to provide more for their students and to witness the positive changes they have over the course of the last year.  

            The academic performance and interest in studying, by part of the students, as well as the enrollment percentages have seen a steady increase since the building was completed. The headcounts have gone from around 21 to almost 30 students in the primary level, and from about 5 to 11 in the preschool. The professors believe that the schoolhouse speaks for itself as an attraction for the students to want to attend classes. Student’s punctuality, attendance, participation and development have been some of the best things the teachers have taken from the experience of receiving the new school. As teachers, they see the space and the security of the building as a big help to better the ability to manage a multi-grade classroom.

            The space that was once lacking now provides her with the ability to separate the different age groups and hold classes with helper students who lead the group through lessons. The students now don’t have to worry about pre-existing issues such as insects and small reptiles falling from the ceiling, or the weather affecting the dirt floors that once served as the base of the schoolhouse. Aside from the building and its sturdy floor, the community is appreciative beyond words for the materials that were donated to the school. The teacher’s desk, the bookshelf, and the books daily make life at the school easier.

            The teachers aren’t the only ones who have felt the positive changes of the project however, the students have too, and they proudly shared with us with more than just their words how much they love their school. Upon arrival the students welcomed us with a large hello and lots of smiles. They shared their excitement to be able to show us how they study and learn. 

            Fifth grader Jaosca, told us that she feels comfortable in the new school because “before [they] studied in their homes and it never felt like school. Now when [we] come to class, we can safely study happily with our friends.” Twelve year old Angel saying “I love Mathematics, but I would probably not like it as much if I couldn’t come here to study with my teachers and classmates.”  Elven year old Angie shared in the beliefs of her classmates and told us that because of her experience with the new school she now aspires to one day return to teach elementary education.

            Without a doubt the community is benefiting from the construction of the school house and on their behalf they are very grateful and appreciative for this gift that keeps on giving.  Education starts in our schools but has no end; learning happens every day in every way.

 --Written by: Bethany Nelson, 2015 Intern 

Piedra de Agua Arriba

Linking our hands to build a better school.

Volunteer group Linking Hands for Learning returned this month to complete the construction of the rural primary school in the community of Piedra de Agua Arriba. The community members, especially the youth, could not be happier to be nearing the final stages of the project.

         

International Friendship

Children playing soccer together

The group was welcomed back to the small community with hugs and smiles. The children were very touched by the last visit Linking Hands for Learning made back in February; for they formed new relationships with their North American visitors and couldn't wait for the second group to arrive. Neither language, nor cultural barrios could restrict these students from sharing the experience of making international friends. It was a beautiful sight for all involved to see the kids playing sports, reading books, trying to hold conversations, and putting their hands together to build and paint the new schoolhouses.  

The painting took 3 whole days!

Thanks to the work of the first group’s visit, when the group arrived, the primary schoolhouse had already been completed and was ready for painting. While some volunteers took on that task, others worked to knock down the preexisting schoolhouse and rebuild it to be used as a preschool.  However, some of the hardest work was being done on the outskirts of the property, where volunteers and local community men took turns digging a two meter deep trench for the latrine.

Who said digging trenches was a man's job?

A lot of progress was made in the one week visit of the group including the completion of the primary school. To celebrate this success Enlace Project, Linking Hands for Learning, and the entire community of Piedra de Agua Arriba joined in the new building to share words of gratitude and appreciation. The experience of the project had proved to be a very emotional event in the lives of each person involved. 

        

The cake gifted by the Lupisella Family

   

Community leader don Luis Rocha asked one of the fathers of the community to speak on behalf of the families of the children who will benefit from the new schools. With a beautiful presentation of heartfelt words he shared with the group that in honor of their profound gratitude the community has decided to name the schoolhouse, "Brothers of New York"; representing the family-like bonds that were formed during the course of the project.

            

Young child preparing to dance

Following the ceremony, everyone gathered to dance for the piñata. It is a Nicaraguan tradition that participants not only be blindfolded but that they must also dance while trying to make contact with the piñata. The party then continued with music, cake, punch, and a lot of dancing and laughter. 

            A good time was had by all. So much so that no one wanted the festivities to come to an end.  It was a tearful scene when the group had to say their goodbyes, but promises were made for future visits, and comfort was found in the reminder that they are all now like family and that the volunteers will always have a special place in the heats of the community. 





--- Written by Bethany Nelson, Enlace Project Intern

Enlace Project Makes New Social Links in El Sauce

don Juan Carlos Zelaya opens the meeting

In February, 2014, Enlace Project hosted its first multi-institutional meeting with local organizations, cooperatives, businesses, and schools from the municipality of El Sauce, Nicaragua. There was a positive community turn out, with approximately 25 representatives from 16 different institutions attending the meeting. The Enlace Project shared with the community our organization’s mission statement, along with a short presentation of each program that defines our name.

On Friday February 27^th, 2015, we officially established an annual tradition, by hosting the Enlace Project’s second multi-institutional meeting. With an increase of upwards to 40 representatives, 20 institutions, and another year’s worth of positive stories to share, the meeting was a great success. The Enlace Project would like to thank everyone who assisted in making it such.

Program Coordinator Juan Carlos Zelaya began the meeting with a warm welcome to all participants; he thanked everyone for both their time and support. Next, he gave a great introduction of our organization and our goals for the formation of new partnerships with both governmental and non-governmental institutions.

Bethany Nelson speaks about the Marketing program 

The seminar continued with presentations from Enlace Project staff members, regarding their programs. Intern Bethany Nelson spoke about the positive progress of Enlace’s new marketing program, and the many strides the Enlace Project has made in developing our social media platforms. 

English teachers Luzvelia Sevilla and Javier Rocha spoke on behalf of the Enlace Project English School and the advancements the school has seen since its doors opened in 2009.

Academic and Volunteer Trips Coordinator, Juan Mariana, gave a nice presentation about his work experience with both student and volunteer groups. Projects like this reflect the Enlace Project’s dedication to partnerships with non-domestic institutions, such as state universities from the State of New York, and youth volunteer groups who annually visit Nicaragua for rural school constructions projects. 

Batidos Falkis shares success story

A new and welcomed addition to this year’s meeting was guest presentations. The Enlace Project’s Entrepreneurial Development Program Manager, Enrique Corrales, and Peace Corps Volunteer Conrad Wright, presented about the Enlace Project’s work in the El Sauce community. They spoke about how the Enlace Project supports and promotes the growth and development of small local businesses and cooperatives within the municipality. 

Luncheon conversation

After they spoke, Angela Falkis and her daughter Fiama Mayorga, owners of local eatery Batidos Falkis, presented on the rising success of their new business, along with their fruitful experiences of working with the Enlace Project.  Mendel Mendoza, Manager of the Sauce Aventuras cooperative, spoke about his work with the cooperative and how beneficial the relationship with Enlace Project has been for them.

Following the presentations, the Enlace Project staff invited our guests to join us for a luncheon, where many great conversations were held and new friendships were made. The Enlace Project looks forward to another prosperous year of being able to work with the El Sauce community in social, economic, and educational development projects. 

Written by Bethany Nelson, Enlace Project Intern

Linking Hands For Learning

When it comes to working on community development projects, such as rural school construction, the old English proverb, "Two heads are better than one." holds true. However, over the last few years, the Enlace Project has observed that the more fitting expression would be “More hands are better than none.”

Original schoolhouse. 

Linking Hands for Learning, formally known as Avon for Nicaragua, is a group composed of volunteers and families from New York, who fundraise the building of local primary schools in the municipality of El Sauce, Nicaragua. This month, the Enlace Project and Linking Hands for Learning began the construction of our fifth school, in a community called Piedra de Agua Arriba. With joined hands and a lot of community spirit, the walls of the school are going up quickly.

Leader of the Piedra de Agua Arriba community, don Luis, was filled with emotions while he watched members of his community assist the volunteers of the school project. “This project is something our community never expected, but despite all of the difficulties we have had, we still stand united to work together with our new friends to build this new school for our youth.”

There is a uniform feeling of excitement and pride emanating from all the members involved in the construction of the new school. A Linking Hands for Learning volunteer stated, "It is truly something wonderful, watching the youth of two countries come together to build a school. The power of education is a beautiful thing that is reflected in learning experiences like this; it warms my heart to be a part of such a life changing project."

Ana Yansi expresses her gratitude.

Students of the community held a town meeting to extend their gratitude and appreciation to the Linking Hands for Learning team. Twelve year old Ana Yansi opened up the meeting with an emotionally filled thank you. “I am very grateful for everything you all have done for us. I am so happy to have this new school where we won’t have to be in fear that it may fall down upon us.”  

Ten year old Dayling Vanessa Torrez Castilla expressed her appreciation for the volunteers’ time and hard work in a slightly different fashion – she gave a hug to each and every volunteer involved in the creation of the school. Although the labor of school construction may be difficult at times, seeing a community joined together in thanks makes everything worthwhile. 

Linking Hands for Learning will return to Piedra de Agua Arriba next month for the completion of the schoolhouse and the construction of a latrine. Restoration and re-painting of the old school building are also in the plans for March. What was once a one room school house for over 20 students will now become a preschool for the community; a stronger, safer building where children can start their educational careers without fear of hazardous conditions or weather related disasters.

Construction group stands in front of  new school foundation.

            -- Written by Bethany Nelson, Enlace Project Intern 

Familiar Faces: Mauricio Martinez

For many people, Don Mauricio Martinez is the face of Ocotal. As the patriarch of the beautiful and ample mountain community, Mauricio cares for the land and often refers to the environment as if it were a lifelong friend of his. We sat down for an interview with Mauricio to find out more about his life and the community:

Sean: Thank you for speaking with me, Don Mauricio. Were you born in Ocotal?

Mauricio: No, I was born in El Jicote, a community about a kilometer from here. When I was growing up, no one lived in this area. I built a house here when I was around 30 years old. The guy who owned this land hired me to work in the community as a farmer, so I built a house here.

Mauricio during the construction of El Ranchón, the mountain's restaurant.
This land was donated courtesy of Mauricio.

S: What was your youth like? How would you describe Ocotal in those times?

M: My youth was healthy and normal; I never had problems or fights with anyone. I had two cousins who I lived with, and we spent time learning how to play the guitar, the mandolin. We would spend entire nights just playing music. I worked a lot, mostly as a farmer, harvesting sugar cane, corn, coffee, and beans. Ocotal, at that time, was suffering because many pine trees were affected by a disease. The trees were all dry, and many were falling. There was a lot of deforestation by lumber companies, both legally and illegally. That’s why we decided it was important to care for the forest. We've been protecting and caring for it for more than thirty years now.

S: What are the best qualities of Ocotal? What does Ocotal have that other areas in Nicaragua do not?

A beautiful view of part of Ocotal's pine forest.

M: The pine needle forests are truly amazing. We have amazing nature all around us, and they are important to take care of. The environment is what gives us life, water, and the air we breathe. We started to care for the land  with of the help of the Danish Development Project "Manuel Lopez" (which years later helped formed the Coffee Cooperative "Manuel Lopez"), who came an gave us tools. Now we are lucky enough to have the Los Altos de Ocotal cooperative, so that we can show others the beauty we have around us. The members of the cooperative are good people, and also care for the environment.

S: What are some difficulties that the community of Ocotal faces?

M: Some people still do not recognize the need for working with the environment instead of against it. Much of the mountainous area that is closer to the city is damaged. We also need to focus beyond plant life, to animals too. We have a lot of beautiful wildlife to be seen. There are many types of birds and animals in Ocotal.

Sean and Mauricio together in 2013.

S: What is your vision for the future of Ocotal? 

M: I hope that one day we can all be responsible for taking care of our community, that we can work together to live with the environment, because in the end it is what protects us. I also hope that the tourism cooperative will be able to show others the beauty of Ocotal and that they too can learn to value the natural environment. Too often, it is believed that we as humans should be separate from the wild when really we are just another part of it.

New English Schedule Encourages Progress and Participation

Students in Enlace Project's intermediate class, a full classroom!

Enlace Project's English School is working to meet the growing needs of a range of English students. As more students pass from the beginner's class, the advanced students have been divided into two groups. Formerly, students who passed their level one exam would move to the advanced class, which covered levels two through six, and was taught in English by a native speaker.

The new intermediate and advanced classes are both taught completely in English, but aim to focus more on the specific needs of students. The intermediate class covers levels two and three and focuses on conversation, pronunciation, and major grammar tenses; the advanced class focuses on more advanced and professional skills such as reading, writing, and syntax.

The goal of teaching English at Enlace Project is to help Sauceños develop a skill that they can use in job seeking as well as in their personal lives. When the program started five years ago, there was a huge desire in El Sauce for a convenient and affordable English class. The low price (an equivalent of $6/month) and class schedule (at night, so that those who work can study) allows for a variety of students to enter and participate in the class.

Luzvelia Sevilla, from the advanced class, teaching students from the
intermediate class.

The new class schedule hopes to appeal to all the students, allowing for a more specialized curriculum. Students study at their own pace through a series of books and arrive to the class for practice, review, and activities. Those who have just passed from first level to the intermediate class will find the activities more difficult, but easy to adjust to; the same applies for those who pass from the intermediate to the advanced class.

The most advanced members of the class are aiming high; all of the students in the new advanced class (and a few in the intermediate) have found jobs that require knowledge of the English language. The new classes give these students motivation to continue advancing and encouraging others to do the same.

Other events such as cultural celebrations, held twice a year to give the students a chance to use their English in the form of skits and songs, encourage students to have fun while learning. Students in the advanced class are also given the opportunity to prepare a lesson for the intermediate students, designing materials and activities to teach. By doing so, they are given the chance to develop professional skills that could serve them in their search for employment. As the advance class develops, students will also have the opportunity to develop additional skills, such as translation and interpretation.

--Written by Sean Conner, Enlace Project Intern

Students from Enlace Project English school perform a skit about Nicaraguan culture for
friends, families, and guests from SUNY Geneseo's Service Learning Program.

Ocotal Cabin Welcomes Guests, Growth For The Cooperative

The new cabin, to the side of El Ranchón.

In September 2014, hundreds of people from around the municipality of El Sauce–and some from even farther–gathered in El Ranchón, the "home base" for the Los Altos de Ocotal (LAOS), to celebrate the inauguration of a new cabin. With traditional food and coffee, speeches from local figures and members of the community, and traditional dance and music, the celebration was a bright sign of what the future holds for the cooperative. In addition to the mayor and other local officials, members of the local media, tourism promoters, and Canadian delegates were present.

Don Mauricio (right) is the patriarch of the Ocotal community.

The cabin's construction was funded by PIMCHAS, a Canadian project, and executed by El Sauce's municipal government in order to help the cooperative as they hope to reach new audiences and increase the flow of tourists to the destination. Likewise, LAOS has been working with UPOLI, ViaNica, and INTUR, the National Institute of Tourism, to develop a plan for the cooperative's development, including promoting Ocotal as a tourist destination. Marino Valdivia, leader of LAOS, commented, "Not only are we organized, but we are strong. We are being recognized all over the country."

Enlace Project began working with the mountain cooperative and their partners in the Manuel Lopez Coffee Cooperative and Fuente de Pino cooperative in 2006. The Entrepreneurial Development Program, which is now in charge of consulting and providing assistance to the cooperatives, is exited about the process the cooperatives have made. Since the inauguration, many local visitors have climbed the mountain to stay in the cabin; however, the cooperative hopes to attract international visitors as well.

Enrique, top right, of the Entrepreneurial Development Program, meets with
members of LAOS and INTUR.

In a meeting in mid-October, Enlace Project, UPOLI (Universidad Politécnica de Nicaragua), and LAOS met to discuss the future of the cooperative. Now, LAOS is working to develop the type of tourism that they want to see in their community; they are focusing on protecting the environment, something that is very important to them, ever since the cooperative was formed. They take pride in showing visitors the lifestyle in 'el campo' and showing them the natural beauty of the landscape–including one of the only pine forests in the department of León.

Plans for the future include converting an area of the community into a protected ecological zone. Look out for updates on the tourism cooperative's projects.

-Written by Sean Conner, Enlace Project Intern

Benefit Dinners Help Enlace Project and its Partners to Support Rural Education

Enlace Project Geneseo students prepare by hanging a 'welcome' sign.

Enlace Project is extremely lucky to have partners in the U.S. that go above and beyond in their fundraising (and cooking) efforts. This September, both Avon for Nicaragua and Enlace Project Geneseo (EPG) worked to raise money for school constructions in the communities around El Sauce, Nicaragua. The school construction projects, part of Enlace Project's community development services, have occurred once per year in the past; however, with the expanded efforts of Enlace Project's partners, 2014 is the first year that two schools have been built.

Avon for Nicaragua displays information on the project.

Avon for Nicaragua's Spaghetti Dinner, held on September 26 at the local high school cafeteria, brought together members of the group and community to celebrate the value of education. Many volunteers had traveled to Nicaragua on a trip in February 2014 in order to see their funds in action; the group helped local construction workers and the Enlace Project team as they built the school up from the ground in Buena Vista. The group reflected fondly on the experience, gaining appreciation for education and Nicaraguan culture.

The group, with old and new members, plans to return in February 2015 for another construction, and possibly again for the second later that same year. In addition to the Spaghetti Dinner, Avon for Nicaragua hosted a raffle and has talked with the local rotary club about the school construction, all of which have proven effective for fundraising and increasing support of the construction project.

Enlace Project Geneseo has also grown in size and enthusiasm, as the club became officially recognized on the SUNY Geneseo campus this year. New members, many of whom participated in Enlace Project's study abroad trips during the summer of 2014, joined the club's founding members to host a traditional Nicaraguan dinner at the Interfaith Center on September 28with the help of Juan Mairena, Enlace Project's Academic and Volunteer Trip Coordinator. Geneseo Professor Glenn McClure was also essential in planning the menu for the evening.

EPG worked with other student organizations to make the dinner successful.

The Geneseo club decided to raise money for Enlace Project's school construction in San Cayetano, which is currently underway. EPG also sold baskets from Fuente de Pino, spreading the word about the women's cooperative and life in El Sauce. Last year, the club also helped to bring coffee from the Manuel López cooperative to campus, and are now looking to other projects for the upcoming year.

Between the two fundraisers, the groups raised over $1,500 towards the school constructions, which will help children in rural communities be able to attend schools without walking several miles to other communities' schools. The school construction program works with the El Sauce mayor's office and members of the communities to make the project as effective as possible.

Additionally, the schools are supplied with learning materials to motivate students. Click here to read the story of Las Minitas.

--Written by Sean Conner, Enlace Project Intern

Ella and Kirk Vanderbilt at the Avon for Nicaragua dinner.

Education for the Future: Rob Sanford's English Training

Rob with Enlace Project English School teachers: Luzvelia, Javier, & Juan.

During two weeks the month of August, Enlace Project friend Rob Sanford came to Nicaragua in order to train local English teachers. Working with El Sauce's Ministry of Education, Rob was able to provide assistance to public and private schools, including the Enlace Project English School staff. In addition to the three workshops that took place in the Enlace Project office, Rob made visits to some of the schools to watch the teachers in action and also taught Enlace Project’s advanced English class.

Rob had previously worked with Enlace Project on constructing a school in the community of Buena Vista. During the trip in February 2014, he had the opportunity to sit in on Enlace Project’s English classes and speak with the program directors to organize the workshop. Being an elementary and middle school teacher in the Honoeye Falls-Lima School District in upstate New York, Rob was able to share his knowledge of education and the English language, as well as his spirit and energy, with the teachers and students.

Rob explaining a concept to a local English teacher at the workshop.

Specifically, Rob’s workshop focused on classroom management, grammar instruction, and strategies for implementing reading and writing of English in the classroom. Bringing a variety of school materials, such as bilingual books, CDs, and more, he hoped to encourage students and teachers alike in their English studies. He notes in his blog that the school visits provided him with strategies that would help the teachers’ instruction and activities in class.

Rob, in turn, also learned a lot from visiting the classrooms. He comments, “Enlace [Project]’s program provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to connect with the people of Nicaragua in a way that both the volunteers and Nicaraguans can benefit from.”

He also had the chance to visit the school in the community of Buena Vista that he had worked on in February. There he introduced himself to the class, some of who were familiar faces from around the community, and talked to the teacher about how the new school was going. This opportunity helped Rob to see the true impact that fundraising and building schools can have for the children.

Rob with one of the classes in Buena Vista.

When reflecting on his experience after returning to the United States, Rob wrote to Enlace Project:

“This experience helped me to improve my own skills as a teacher, forced me to think about how I deliver my own instruction, provided me with a chance to improve my Spanish language skills, and allowed me to make connections with some amazing people!"

--Written by Sean Conner

For more information on our English program.

For more information on our school constructions.

Taking the Next Step toward Self-Sustainability in Ocotal

The women from Fuente de Pino with John and Beverly Serafini.

Two-thousand fourteen has been a big year for Ocotal, the mountain community outside of El Sauce’s center. In addition to joining theColonial and Volcanic tourism route, having a renovated road, and building cabins for guests to stay in, the cooperatives that are supporting development in the community have again exported their products to partners in the United States. With the help of Enlace Project’s Entrepreneurial Development Program (EDP), both Fuente de Pino and the Manuel Lopez Coffee Cooperative have brought additional income to their families, along with some new opportunities.

Construction on the road to Ocotal.

Fuente de Pino has been working to create a variety of hand-made products out of fallen pine needles that they find in their community. This year they have exported over 125 baskets to stores across upstate New York, and more to individual supporters, such as Rob Sanford and Colleen Dunham. The women that run the cooperative also made sales to students from the four summer study abroad trips and other volunteer trips. Currently, Enrique Corrales and Conrad Wright of EDP are working with the cooperative to establish a financial state, a savings account, and to pass through the legalization process.

The Manuel López Coffee Cooperative exported 9,000 pounds of coffee to the United States this year, despite a severe drought in the country. Java Joe, a well-known coffee roaster and distributer in Rochester, New York, is the main client. Additionally, the coffee is now sold on the campus of SUNY Geneseo (through Java Joe and Campus Auxiliary Services [CAS]), Union Place Coffee Roasters, and Utica Coffee Roasting Company. The cooperative is hoping that these and potentially other businesses will increase their purchase amount in the future.

Sacks of coffee ready to be exported to the US.

The Entrepreneurial Development Program has also come into contact with Serafyn Sachels, lead by John and Beverly Serafini, who hope to convert burlap coffee bags, used by the cooperatives to transport coffee, into fashionable bags to be sold in the United States. The couple visited El Sauce in July 2014 to meet the women of Fuente de Pino and show them how to make the bags. This could provide another source of income for the Ocotal community to continue its development in the coming year.

The Entrepreneurial Development Program (EDP) began in June 2014 in order to centralize the services that Enlace Project can provide to cooperatives and small businesses. Their hope is to ensure that the individuals that they work with can learn to be self-sustaining. Keep on the lookout for more updates!

--Written by Sean Conner, Enlace Project Intern

Familiar Faces: Juan Mairena (PLUS an announcement!!)

Juan Mairena, Enlace Project's Academic and Volunteer Travel Coordinator and English teacher, is heading to the United States on September 21^st to meet with many of our partners and friends. In preparation, he has decided to re-introduce himself and explain a little bit about what he does:

Juan with a group of students in Managua.

Hi mi name is Juan Mairena, and I am twenty seven years old. I am from Nicaragua and I was born in Managua, the capital of the country, but I have been living in El Sauce for about three and half years now. I work for Enlace Project, the vision of which is to inspire individual in the human development and the economic development in El Sauce.

Juan showing an oven to students from Geneseo's sustainability class

Currently my position is the Academic and Volunteer travel coordinator, so I am the guide in charge of setting up of the academic and volunteer trips that visit Nicaragua. The different trips that I work with are: Service Learning trips (during the summer and winter intersessions of SUNY Geneseo), Avon for Nicaragua (a group from Rochester, NY who work on school constructions), Humanities II (a SUNY Geneseo required course for all students), Comparative Sustainability (a new course in the Biology department of SUNY Geneseo), and a rural health program (students from Upstate Medical University).

I also teach English classes for Enlace Project. I love doing my job because I meet wonderful people, I learn more about my own culture and the different cultures that the students and volunteers have. In my free time I like to watch movies, to play soccer, to go out with my friends, to spend time in family, to play chess, and I am starting to work out.

Juan (far right) on his last trip to the USA.

During these three and half years working and living here in El Sauce, I could say that it has been one of the most wonderful experiences in my life because I have met such great people from different countries and I feel part of the Sauceño community. I have met amazing people from the States who, regardless of being students, professors and volunteers, are now friends and family and that is the best part of my job.

I am going to the United States to promote the different kinds of trips that we offer. I will be giving presentations about our trips and our organization at Geneseo from September 21^st till the 30^th and then I will be going to Syracuse to have some meetings at Upstate Medical University. In Geneseo, I will be around in different meetings and fairs, so if you know someone interested in coming to Nicaragua please let them know that they can meet me there during those days. I look forward to seeing many of you and spending some time in the U.S.A.!

For more information on Enlace Project's trips, click here.

For more information on Juan's trip to the United States, follow us on Facebook. Or contact us at info@enlaceproject.org.