Day One

The sun kissed our skin as we took our first steps out of the airport. Palm trees waved hello as the wind pushed up against their leaves. The color green dominated the skyline as different forms of greenery lined the roads. Buildings painted the town with vibrant colors. The smell of the air was strangely reminiscent of Nigeria. But this time I was in Nicaragua (Managua specifically) with a purpose. We immediately got started with our day; we visited a non-profit called Fabretto. Working to empower both children and their parents through training ranging from education to health to business, Fabretto is a laudable organization to say the least. I was especially impressed with the fact that while educating and enriching children through programming, Fabretto also enriches and improves the lives of their parents through financial literacy and business training programs. Indeed, the service Fabretto gives to the community goes full circle. But it didn't stop there. Fabretto also assists women in rural Nicaragua sell handmade goods (baskets and jewelry) from pinewood that they scavenge in their communities by expanding their market. 

After gaining insight from Jennifer (Fabretto's coordinator in Managua), we went to Nica HOPE. Nica HOPE, one of Fabretto's co-ops works with people living near the trash dump in Managua. The co-op helps these people earn an income by selling products made from recycled items found in the dump. Beautiful bracelets made from aluminum soda can tops, purses made from intricately woven chip bags, and earrings made of rolled magazine paper were just a few of the amazing items sold through Nica HOPE. I gladly spent money there because I knew just the impact even one dollar had on the community. As I reflect, I am awed at just how innovative, tenacious, pioneering the people involved with Fabretto are. I think the name "Nica HOPE" is very fitting; for in a world marked by trials and tribulations, these people have the audacity to hope. 

Love, 

Chinyere U. 

We FINALLY met our borrowers

It was our third day. Less than 72 hours in Nicaragua and I do not want to leave. Nicaragua brought all Fellows together. We are a family now. Oh, and Dr. Sama and Linda. They are outstanding, amazing, fabulous. They have the passion, energy and faith in all of us and everything we do here. They have faith in GLOBE. So do I. Nosotros somos familia (not sure if I spelled it right but that is what I say all the time).

Nicaragua opened my eyes on poverty, and poverty alleviation. My mind opened to what the world really is. The world is not America. We are only a majority. The majority of people leave in the developing countries. They live in rural areas with no or little infrastructure, lack of access to resources and running water, lack of access to health care and nutritious foods. That was the world is. We all have to realize that. I am not saying we all should quit our jobs and move to Nicaragua, Kenya, Vietnam, and Malaysia and change the world. What I am saying is that we all can take a moment and think about our lives. Think about what we have, what we really need and how we can make a small change in the world.

I was looking forward to today's day. I really wanted to meet our borrowers. Meet people whom we help and whose lives we change. It was an amazing experience to see them smiling. All of our borrowers were very grateful for giving them the loan and opportunity to raise themselves up from poverty. All the borrowers shared their amazing stories which were very inspirational. I was also very excited to meet Daughters of Charity who make GLOBE program possible because they are the one who links us to the borrowers.

Today I am sharing with you pictures from our visit to Supply Hope, a micro-franchise organization that does great things and empowers people. We visited their franchises and meet the owners of the small markets that sell healthy foods.

Moreover, I would love to share with you pictures of our meeting with Daughters and borrowers, as well as visits at some of the borrowers' houses and businesses. \

>