ICS blog

The final week of the Progressio programme was very different to the time before. All projects came to an end and we had to say goodbye to many amazing people we met here.

In a country steeped in tradition it’s understandable that traditional values, however outdated they may seem, are ingrained into the culture, bonded almost too tight to break. From our experiences here in Nicaragua it seems that the machismo culture is almost as much of a staple for these people as the rice and beans served up regularly for meals. However, every so often you encounter an unexpected attitude which simultaneously restores your hope of things getting better, and reminds you that such liberal opinions are few and far between.

Casa Verde is a sick house this week; almost everyone has come down with some form of ailment. From parasites to bacterial infections or just the common cold, it’s safe to say that the plethora of pills, rubs and rehydration sachets we all packed into our luggage 9 weeks ago have now come in handy. The expense of doctors and medicines has given us all cause to be grateful for the usefulness of the NHS (and our current medical insurance), and a little understanding of why traditional medicine is still a huge part of Nicaraguan culture.

(Above: Students From Donga Primary School Help Plant Seedlings)

“Live life just as it unfolds itself” was our driving force and inspiration for the week. We had a reason to live for, and each day was so valued, giving us strength to get through the day. Making big discoveries on the BaTonga culture and zeroing down to share experience was so worth it. Giving back to my community was the best thing I could have ever done- surely life couldn’t get any better.

The halfway point of the project came and went, and this landmark encouraged everyone to think about their personal achievements, contributions to the project, and maybe even unfulfilled expectations they previously held. After such considerations it was decided that increased community involvement and awareness of our voluntary work would benefit both the project and us as well. Although some people in Mozonte knew quite a lot about Progressio, there were still a lot of people who were unaware why we were there! 

Pictured above: Mike and I coordinating an activity in an HIV session at the TA Youth Group. This involved showing pictures of people and seeing whether they could be identified as HIV positive or negative.

(Abigail, Tania and Louise taking over the radio station).

On Saturday 10th August, we ran a medical brigade in the mountain community of Belén. The mountain communities that we are working with are extremely isolated, and most of the community members do not have access to medical assistance; they simply don’t have the money or the transport. To alert the nearby communities that a doctor and three dentists were coming to them thanks to Progressio’s partner organisation JLC, Bélen sent runners – quite literally young men who run across the mountains – to spread the word.