A Note from Training Coordinator, Dawn Koltiska...
"Having been on several mission trips in the past, I thought my first trip to Nicaragua would be similar. I had no idea how transforming and life-changing this trip would be.
So often coming back from a developing country,
I have felt overwhelmed, guilty and sad. Nicaragua was different. I learned about JustHope, a truly community-based organization that acts as an advocate and facilitator for change WITH the community. The approach and philosophy of JustHope was not only powerful but empowering. I left feeling that there was something more I could do!
When I returned home my real challenge began - trying to find eight people with the passion, vision and understanding to go back to Nicaragua with me and work to improve the conditions for teachers and students in the schools. There was a lot of interest, but knowing that it's difficult for people to step out of their comfort zone, even for something they truly believe in, I was surprised when 10 committed and talented people volunteered: five teachers, two
psychologists, one social worker, one administrator and one librarian. With the help of many other teachers, we met weekly, preparing what we would work on with the teachers. I was pushing myself and everyone else to be "perfect," thinking we must provide "enough," while not really knowing what "perfect" or "enough" would look like. Little did I know the real learning would be mine and all the preparation in the world could not have prepared me for that.
Our first day in Chacraseca we simply observed in the classrooms. In spite of working with no resources, inconsistent attendance from students and short teaching days, these teachers were doing
nothing short of making miracles. And the children took such pride in every letter they copied from the board. Many of them had walked a mile or more to get to school in 95° temperatures, yet the entered with a smile and a hug for their teacher.
By the end of the week we had done what we set out to do -- we had worked alongside the teachers in the mornings and offered some training in the afternoons. But more importantly, we had spoken in two languages, shared common struggles and laughed and learned and worked together. We had created a partnership!
I am so energized by what we have started and now know just being there is "enough." I'm coordinating groups of educators to return in June, October and next March! It's an adventure you don't want to miss!" - Dawn
