http://www.solentiname.org

Dear Friends of Solentiname, It has been a busy and exciting year in Solentiname. It is hard to believe that the past six months went by so quickly. Between computer and English classes, leading........

Computer and English Classes -- December marked the first full year of offering classes. The students are doing well and becoming a more comfortable using their English and using the computer and internet to do research for school assignments. One of our goals is to integrate the use of computers into the high school more. Enrollment in classes increased in January when students from the remote island of Mancarroncito expressed interest in coming to class. Once the transportation issue was worked out this enthusiastic group has been coming to class on Wednesday and Friday.

Computers in the Casa – The goal of this program is to get the computers out of the lab and into the home. In December we issued the first five computers and there are 20 more on the waiting list. By participating in the Alliance program a person can purchase a computer at a discount. In return they are responsible to continue in the program and to share there knowledge with their neighbors and near by school.

Eyeglass Project – In conjunction with Michael Coppinger and the Rural Eyeglass Project many folks in Solentiname have much needed eyeglasses for the first time. Michael came down for a week in March to train a core group of community members in doing a basic vision test for distance and reading. With over 1,000 pairs of glasses donated by Lions’ clubs and the Rural Eye Glass Project we visited each of the islands in Solentiname and did over 100 exams. The project was well received and will be an annual event in Solentiname. In addition, the group plans to go out to other communities in the Rio San Juan region and offer the eyeglass service. This project will help raise funds for the Alliance and provide the opportunity of travel and community service for the group.

Folklore Group – Nicaragua has a rich history of culture and folklore. Over the past several years the government support for culture programs has diminished, but not the interest of the young people. In December, after a folklore presentation to a visiting delegation, the group of dancers and others expressed interest in learning more. They approached us to see what was possible. After several meetings and brainstorming sessions we made contact with an enthusiastic instructor, Rommel, from San Carlos who wanted to help. What started as a two week clinic has developed into a year long course with a workshop being held one weekend a month in Solentiname. Rommel and an assistant come out for the weekend and hold class Friday evening, all day Saturday and Sunday and then on Monday the group goes to one of the elementary schools to share what they have learned. There are about 20 hardworking students in the folklore group. They put on several performances in February, March and April for tourist groups and have dreams of traveling outside of Solentiname to perform as well. Many thanks to Nancy for donating a portable CD player so the group can practice and do performances with out the need of electricity.

University Scholarship -- A generous group of travelers from one of our trips this winter have made the commitment to sponsor a five year university scholarship for Mayela. During our trips we emphasize meeting the local people and go to lunch at several different homes in addition to visiting artists and schools. During one of the lunches Mayela shared her story of living in Solentiname, taking computer and English classes and her desire to continue her education when possible. It was with great pleasure that we visited her and her family one afternoon to bring her the news of the scholarship. She was so excited and appreciative, as was her family. Thanks again to those who have made this commitment. Education is a valuable tool and we are confident that Mayela will thrive and go far with this opportunity.

Volunteers -- Yes we need you. If you would like to join us in Solentiname and volunteer with English, computer classes or other classes we would love to hear from you. Two weeks or two years it would be great to have you share your time with the Alliance. Michael will be coming for a year and teaching English and helping to develop the English curriculum. Ann, Marlee and Yvonne will be coming in November to help with English as well and to do some more traveling in the Rio San Juan area. So, please contact us if you are interested in finding out more about volunteer opportunities in Solentiname.

Donations –We had good success with the used clothes and shoes we took down in November and are looking to collect more again this year. Children’s and women’s clothes are the most needed along with shoes for all. In addition school supplies are always needed. Please see the www.solentianme.org for suggestions and ideas. All items can be sent to us a BattenKill Canoe and we will pack them up for shipment in November.

In closing, it is an exciting time in Solentiname, and we look forward to your visit, your assistance, and most of all your donations.

Thank you.

Jim Walker and Carolyn Parker

North American Coordinators