On Wednesday, our class had a discussion with members from Los Hijos de Maíz and Compas de Nicaragua. Through our conversation we heard first-hand the hardships that many Nicaraguans face every single day. One specific moment that stood out to me was when one of the girls described her daily routine: she would get up in the morning and not eat breakfast before school, and when she finished school, she would arrived at home, where there would be no food left. While I felt this situation would dishearten anyone, Ana, one of the leaders of Compas de Nicaragua, discussed how there may be a shortage of food, water, and proper shelter for many Nicaraguans, but happiness abounds. Ana went on to say that while American’s may have many material items, these objects cannot fill the emotional void in their lives.

Additionally, I feel that I came away from the conversation with more appreciation for everything I have in my life. For many of the members we talked with, 3 meals a day is considered a luxury; for me, and many of my fellow classmates, we would consider luxuries items like a car or television. This was just one instance that showed how unrealistic the American lifestyle is compared to that of third-world countries.

The next day, Thursday, I was able to attend the dance performance by Los Hijos de Maíz. The dancing was spectacular and it was evident that the dancers had put a significant amount of time into rehearsing for their performance; moreover, the dresses they wore were breathtaking. While the dancing and costumes were amazing, what stood out most about the performance was the way the dancers carried themselves. From start to finish, each dancer seemed to be having the time of his or her life; smiling the whole way through; moving with an energy spurred by bliss; and at each applause pride swept across their faces.

An image from a performance by Los Hijos de Maíz

Additionally, the video about Compas de Nicaragua that played during the break between dances was also very informative. The organization, which began 14 years ago, has made an incredible impact on the woman and families it serves. The video showcased their soy food program, micro-lending, the Women in Action center, and bio-gas systems. In class we have discussed Compas de Nicaragua and the conditions many Nicaraguans live in, but the video offered words and images of these people. Overall, the show was entertaining and a great way to inform Americans about Nicaragua and Compas de Nicaragua.

Lastly, as the year has moved along we have learned about several other organizations, the Fabretto Foundation and Bridges to Community. In learning about these two organizations specifically, and in discussing service work in general, our class has often touched on the morality of service work. Many projects attempt to provide short-term solutions, such as building latrines, while others strive to establish a long-term relationship with communities in order to foster growth and change.

The Fabretto Foundation and Bridges to Community are of the latter type. As the Fabretto Foundation states on its website, “Fabretto has been building relationships within the Nicaraguan urban and rural communities served in order to provide hope and a better future to the children and youth in need.” Similarly, in our discussion with Paula from Bridges, their organization attempts to establish a long-term relationship with the communities they aid. I personally feel this is the most effective way to provide aid; it is far more important to work with a community to reach a solution rather than simply build one for them.