Well, I've been blogging about my experiences here. My blog is
http://jewishgirladventures.wordpress.com
There's so much I could say about this country and the land and people.. and what I'm doing here. But I think it would make an Incredibly Long post. In a nutshell.. Nicaragua is the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, behind Haiti (which is really saying something). A decades-long civil war destroyed the economy and government, leaving a lot of maimed survivors. Eventhough the poverty here can be staggering (for someone from an industrialized nation), it is a place brimming with potential. The people might be poor monetarily, but they are rich in culture and tradition. It's called the "Land of Lakes and Volcanoes" and that's a pretty accurate description. Nicaragua has the largest remaining untouched forest cover in Central America, about 40% remaining. It has the lowest population per land mass. Aside from their people, their amazing land is their best resource. Unfortunately, mismanagement and lack of education is quickly destroying this natural legacy. That's part of what I'm doing here, environmental education, along with community development and food security. A main part of my time here is spent in the schools and, while the system is improving, it is still very much third world. Most schools do not have running water, some don't even have electricity or are dirt floor rooms. None have air conditioning, which is killer in this tropical heat. And of course, even the most basic supplies are missing- pens, pencils, paper, scissors, rulers... functional desks. Some volunteers in rural areas have students show up without shoes or have many students who are illiterate. The drop at rate is astronomical and for those who do graduate, the higher education system has many problems as well. We are working against many issues here and sometimes it seems very uphill. The education problems are just a small part of the issues Nicaraguans and the Peace Corps are trying to improve, but sustainable development and lasting change takes time and work. Most of the students here are willing and ready to learn, smiling and energetic. It makes it easier to be here, on the really trying days.
I hope I did a good job fulfilling your request to tell some about Nicaragua!
Hope you get a chance to read my blog
!!
