Lifting up through learning

Thank you for your continued interest and support that is changing lives for the better.

Today we share with you updates from Zoila, leader of the Learning Center in Nicaragua named, “TODO LO PUEDO EN CRISTO.”  Zoila is only one of many who exemplifies why our programs exist.

When I started with Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners, it was a source of learning for me, camaraderie, we felt like family, and that's how the entrepreneurial endeavors that made me grow in all the courses given at the office, WISCONSIN NICARAGUA, began.  They taught us to face life as empowered women. We formed a leadership role in our community, helping women get ahead.

My objective:  Promote artisanal work such as piñatas, embroidery, knitting, shawls, dresses, pants, bags, children's clothing, and piñatas.

I feel satisfied with this achievement, thanks to WISCONSIN/NICARAGUA, and also to all those who make this volunteer work possible.

Another comment from the Learning Center TAELLOR en Mateare,

“Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners has demonstrated an outstanding capacity to generate sustainable impact in Nicaragua. By promoting community development, its actions go beyond simple aid: they build cultural bridges, strengthening dignity, and personal and community development. Both volunteers and beneficiaries highlight how our lives have changed thanks to the training, crisis support, and opportunities generated.”

Thank you once again for helping these meaningful programs to continue.    

We are happy to share with you the first visit and training workshop of 2025 in April to the Learning Centers.   We traveled 400 kilometers to the Santa Rita El Rama Learning Center in the South Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region, which we reached after more than 6 hours of travel; a group of six people very enthusiastic about sharing new knowledge and reaffirming what we had learned during the years we have been involved with Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners, doing volunteer work for the Nicaraguan population.

On the first day of the Sewing workshop, participants interested in learning to sew were able to make basic patterns for women's blouses or short blazers. Using materials funded by Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners, they reinforced their knowledge of taking measurements to design and make basic patterns. The women were very happy with them because they were able to: Take measurements, design patterns, and cut patterns.  On the second day, the participants, always with the same interest in learning to sew were able to use the basic patterns of Blouse or Short Blazer with their own measurements.  They reaffirmed the knowledge on the application of the basic patterns with which the ladies were very happy because they were able to design the pieces with the patterns in fabric, cut each of the pieces of each garment and sew each their own Blazers.

On the first day of the Beauty workshop, we shared the techniques and procedures for applying keratin treatments, straightening, and cutting hair with a group of five girls. The goal is for these women to learn these trendy trends and, if they can't afford to start their own, to do so they can look beautiful on special occasion.  On the second day, the workshop consisted of an explanation of the process and techniques for cutting men's hair. The participants were very attentive and received the training, which they were very satisfied with, as it was a request they had received through the Learning Center Leader.

On the first day of the Cooking workshop, volunteer chef presented the preparation and creation of the "Baked Pork Leg" dish, at the participants' request. The materials and ingredients purchased with funding from Wisconsin Nicaragua were used.  On the second day of the cooking workshop also featured, at the participants' request, the preparation and elaboration of the "Chinese Rice" dish, always using materials and ingredients purchased with the help of the Wisconsin Nicaragua friends.  The objective of this workshop is to provide culinary knowledge for seasons and special events where the participants can undertake this field.  Two full days of work were spent, and two delicious dishes were prepared, which the participants and instructors were able to enjoy for lunch.   The participants bring their children and carry their meals, they live far away and cannot travel back and forth to their homes at that time.

As a WNP Representative and a long-time volunteer, we continued to share our love with the Learning Centers' key figures. Over the course of two days, we held jewelry-making workshops, creating earrings, bracelets, and keychains with nylon thread, with children, adolescents, and their mothers. On the first day, we made macramé bracelets and bracelets and keychains with nylon thread. On the second day we made bracelets with nylon thread and puppets with recycled socks.    

All materials purchased for the workshops were delivered to Learning Center Leader.  It is very commendable to recognize and thank the leader for welcoming us into her home and for all her attention and dedication to both the Wisconsin-Nicaragua team and each of the Participants.

Delivery of "Days for Girls" bags to some participants in the workshops, which they received with enthusiasm and admiration because, due to the characteristics of the Region, they will be very useful for them since it is not so easy to acquire sanitary pads that are offered in shopping centers in the cities at the time of their days.   They also expressed being very interested in learning how to make them and it would be excellent for them if we could carry out a workshop of this type.

It’s important to note for some of the participants it takes 2 hours to get to the Learning Center by riding horse. 

Thank you for your support that helps to make these experiences possible, very much appreciated!!  We have requests to visit other Learning Centers and provide more of these meaningful opportunties.  Total costs for this 4 day trip were $450, a great investment in helping other people learn new skills.  We invite you to donate, any amount helps us continue offering opportunity.