Wow! What a Trip! Having written several grants for Empowerment International, I thought I knew the programs pretty well. But it wasn't until I got to Nicaragua that I understood how truly extraordinary the organization is. The first thing you notice when you walk into the EI Center are the motivated students, studying in clusters and working on computers. In the background are another motivated bunch: EI's amazing, all-Nicaraguan staff. While the kids won my heart, the staff has my admiration for their hard work. In my prior experience working for non-profits from Cambodia to Uganda, I had never before encountered local staff truly in charge of the day to day running of their organization.
 | | Kristyn Zalota volunteered for EI as a fundraiser and visited for 2 weeks in February. She is pictured here with the
student she sponsored.During her visit, Kristyn a yoga instructor, taught the kids of Santa Ana something new.
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Anielka and her staff are self-motivated and drive all programming. They have an acute understanding of the community's problems because they are Nicaraguan and are members of the community. Their attitude toward parents seems to be "we're all in this together". They care, they listen, and they offer parents an empowering role in ensuring their kids' future through education. Anielka, a trained teacher, has extensive knowledge of pedagogy and the Nicaraguan school system. She is both strict and loving, a second mother, in whom the kids confide when they feel they cannot talk to their parents. I was struck with her  intelligence, her strength and her kindness. Margarita is effervescent, with a smile that lights up the Center. A child of the barrio Esperanza herself, she will be graduating from university psychology and is a shining example to the kids. Pamela is a calming presence at the Center. She is deeply connected to the kids, their parents and the community. She handles whatever comes up each day in a confident way. Carla, who visits the rural village of Santa Ana, is a welcome presence in a neglected community. She is compassionate, quick to laugh and very intelligent. Plus she doesn't complain about a 2 hour commute half of which is on a horse cart. I loved my time meeting Empowerment International's students and staff. It is truly an exceptional organization. The Tutoring Program: Live I knew that the tutoring program was special even before I saw it. But really, what an amazing thing EI has done. Picture tiny knots of small kids on the floor, each group led by a teen volunteer. One teen teacher makes her students laugh as she teaches not only to read but the love of reading. A man-sized secondary student in his school uniform sits with 3 small kids and patiently reviews their math. He is serious and keeps the kids focused. Kids of all ages laugh, learn and feel part of a supported community.
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