Sustainability Plan- I plan on leaving the majority of my charlas, Spanish manuals, and health pamphlets with the health center. In association with MINSA I was able to successfully apply for 2 VAST grants to help fund projects related to HIV/AIDS. My job generally included educating the general public about disease prevention, helping with health fairs, brigades, vaccination campaigns, HIV testing, youth workshops, health promoter trainings, etc I also created educational materials and encouraged the use of more dynamic, interactive methods in teaching about health promotion and disease prevention. Naturally, I worked in some centers much more than others. I'm just about wrapping up every project I have.įor 2 years… I assisted with the ongoing activities of the 11 health centers in Chinandega. And since every single person in Nicaragua seems to have a Facebook account, I'm sure that will help immensely with the communication process after I leave!Īt 9 weeks out and about 2 years since I started Peace Corps. With any luck, these people will continue to be a involved in my life for many, many years to come. I've made a pretty happy life for myself in the time that I've been here. When I need to de-stress I've been able to hang out with the phenomenal people (Nicas and PCVs) who have become a part of the strong support system that I have here in country. I really have come to crave nica food, salsa dancing and can even play a few Nicaraguan folk songs on my violin. Outside of work, I have an amazing Nica family, considerate and wonderful neighbors. I also managed to find secondary activities with an academy of music, a local salsa dance group, and a few peace corps committees. Some of the projects I'll remember most include: An HIV themed street play where a youth group acted out the play while young musicians played background music introducing yoga therapy for children to my local branch of Los Pipitos (an NGO that works with disabled children) helping a group of 20 dynamic youth promoters prepare for their radio show related to sexual and reproductive themes and planning a HIV fair in our new mall with others PCVs. Theres no "normal" day for me and I love the flexibility that I have in my schedule! Every day I'm working on a different project or event with a different group. There's plenty of work between the 11 health centers, numerous NGOs and non profits, and the 2 casa maternas. I wanted to be busy and have lots of opportunities to work with different health related organizations.
Que será será Patch#
But your work might also mean learning the history behind Purisima, helping your host sister memorize a Ruben Dario poem, coaching a friend through a rough patch in his relationship, starting a community bank, or cooking your favorite dish for your neighbors.Īs a Maternal and Child Health Volunteer, I lived in a large departmental capital of Chinandega. These topics will be amongst the obstacles you face in your daily work. There's lots of work to be done considering the rising rates of teen pregnancy, new HIV cases, and maternal and infant deaths.
Que será será full#
Although you'll have time to see the sights and help with various projects, YOU as a PCV are being asked to dedicate 2 full years integrating yourself in Nicaraguan culture and customs, living as the locals do, sharing stories about your life back home, laughing with your friends over the good times, lending a helping hand during the hard times, all while contributing to improving the health of vulnerable groups in Nicaragua. Short-term volunteers may come to donate tangible items or help with a small construction project. Tourists may come spend a week to enjoy the breathtaking natural wonders and well-preserved colonial cities. Just so we're clear, your being invited to serve as a community health volunteer in amazing country, filled with the most generous people, and at the same time heart-wrenching poverty. As will a positive attitude and the ability to think outside the box. Another big congrats on having the patience and flexibility to make it this far through the process! Don't lose that, it will come in handy throughout training and volunteer service.