November, 2004

Friends,

The past three months have been hectic but successful. We are past the formative stage, have been approved by the Nicaraguan government as a foreign foundation, and are now beginning the programs that will make a difference in the people of Zapatera’s lives. Much of my time has been spent soliciting advice and making contacts; I want to thank the more than fifteen organizations that have been willing to share their experiences and help us to get off the ground! Here is an update on where we are:

After an extensive search utilizing references primarily from other NGO’s, we hired Marķa Auxiliadora, an attorney and experienced rural community development professional, as our Director for Nicaragua. She will be based in Granada and has already begun coordinating all of our activities on the island.

We have now completed four visits to the island. Narcy visited in June on our first fact-finding mission, Marķa and I spent a day on Zapatera in October, and Marķa has visited thrice more since. We are trying to meet as many families as possible (people tend to be spread out around the perimeter of the island), complete a census, and nail down the logistics of our action plan.

Action Plan

We are working with the Ministry of Education to increase in the number of teachers allocated to the island next year. We plan to provide the resources for the communities to prepare a daily meal for the schoolchildren. There is manifest malnutrition on the island, and by offering a simple meal with milk each day we will be providing both nutrition and an incentive for parents to send the children to school.

CWF is providing uniforms including shoes, for the school children, in addition to that the students will receive the necessary ‘basic’ school supplies to which they so much lack of such as backpacks, pens, pencils, notebooks, dictionaries etc.

Since the island’s terrain is difficult to navigate on foot, we will be subsidizing a motorboat-based transportation system and fuel. This will allow many of the families who live most remotely to send their children to school each day and have them return at night.

Two locations on the island will be outfitted with solar panels sufficient to operate several appliances (including a refrigerator) and charge batteries that can be used in homes. Locals will be trained in the use and maintenance of solar energy technology. 2-way radios will be supplied to many families to allow for emergency communications.

A doctor will be hired to live on the island. In addition to administering examinations and treatment, the doctor will train community health workers throughout the island. Children’s Wellness Fund is working with the American Nicaraguan Foundation to supply medical supplies.

To promote sustainable economic development, we will offer micro-loans to families wishing to begin businesses (such as the raising of chickens).

CWF will work with the people in Zapatera to help them construct or repair homes and community buildings (such as schools or homes for teachers).

Last, but not least, in January 2005, CWF will host holiday parties that will bring toys to all the boys and girls of Zapatera, and there will be games and food in the celebration of Three Kings Day.