Seven Days in Nicaragua

By Mary Ann Fahl
WCCN Study Tour Participant

Seven days. Seven days to learn about the people, their culture and history, and their needs and accomplishments. Is that possible? Yes, if you are part of a Wisconsin Coordinating Council on Nicaragua (WCCN) educational tour, organized by the Executive Director, Carlos Arenas.

In addition, one learns what WCCN and the NICA Fund are doing to improve the quality of life for industrious Nicaraguans. Microfinance has been discussed in previous editions of this newsletter. Once in the country, one can see more easily how it works to improve the economic life of poor, but motivated, people, both rural and urban. The concept is so much more impressive when one hears from the recipients of the small loans just how much it means to them.

My longtime interest in WCCN has centered on the women’s empowerment projects. It is heartening to see how microfinance and feminist consciousness are harnessed together. And aspects of general education are slipped in as well. If a Nicaraguan woman accepts a small loan through a microfinance organization, she often participates in group sessions and classes to improve her self confidence as well as to increase her skills in her chosen industry, be it animal husbandry, professional baking, horticulture, or commerce such as running a furniture store (from her house).

My reason for writing this brief commentary of my impressions of the educational tour of June 2006 is to whet your appetite to go on one of the WCCN educational tours to Nicaragua. I found it a very worthwhile, as well as enjoyable, adventure. And I’m sure that you will too.