1. Is Nicaragua safe?
Nicaragua has been known in the past for its political turmoil (Sandanistas, communist tendencies, etc.), but substantial reform has happened since the 1980s that have moved Nicaragua toward more political stability. Nicaragua is now a constitutional democracy that just last year held peaceful elections. Within Nicaragua we will be traveling with Fabretto Foundation volunteers, and staying in the volunteer house in Cusmapa, a small community in the northern mountains. Several members of our group have traveled to Cusmapa multiple times and keep in touch with friends who live there. For the short time we'll be Managua, we'll either be in the airport or a nice hotel very close to the airport. For more information please see the U.S. Deparment of State Consular Information Sheet and Profile on Nicaragua as well as the CDC's Health Infomation on Nicaragua.
2. Who is sponsoring this trip?
St. Thomas More is sponsoring this trip. Rachel Kelley and the Contreras family are leading the group and organizing logistics. The volunteer team will be working with the Fabretto Foundation in Nicaragua (click link for more info).
3. How many adults are going?
Five- among them Ed Contreras who has traveled to Cusmapa four times to volunteer
6. What will students be doing?
7. Why Cusmapa?
We have connections to Cusmapa through Brian Gonzales and the Contreras family, and we want to support the Fabretto Foundation in its service to the children of Cusmapa. Service in Nicaragua, one of the world's poorest countries, will give us a new perpective on life. We believe we can help the students in Cusmapa by giving them opportunities to learn and resources to support the program after we leave.
8. Why this summer?
After this summer most of us leave for separate paths and different colleges, so it's a limited opportunity!
More questions? Email Rachel at rachelikelley@gmail.com