A lot of what this class does is force us to be critical of service learning trips and organizations. It makes us take a step back and ask if what we are doing is actually helpful; it also reinforces the idea that we aren't there to teach or save anyone because this would mean we are somehow above/better than them. However, this does not mean that we can't find ways to lend a hand-we simply must do so consciously. Guest speaker Michael Boudreau of Compas de Nicaragua came to our class to share his experiences in Nicaragua and with this organization.
Compas de Nicaragua (translates to Friends of Nicaragua) is a service learning organization centered in La Primavera, Nicaragua. It began with a small group of people visiting Nicaragua each year to do community service work; however since then has grown and now includes programs for women in La Primavera (Women in Action or WIA) as well as a community center. Compas de Nicaragua now also partners with schools and other groups to offer service trips and promote cross cultural exchange.
Boudreau story really fascinated me because he wasn't just involved in the program, but he lived it. The first time Boudreau went to Nicaragua he didn't even know Spanish. Yet, he didn't let this stop him from interacting with the people and after coming and going several times he eventually picked it up. Furthermore, he fell in love with La Primavera and what Compas de Nicaragua was doing so he decided to live in Nicaragua help solidify the organizations presence and outcomes.
What I really admire about Boudreau's story is how dedicated he was to these people and how he really felt as though he was making some sort of difference. More importantly, his decision to move and live in Nicaragua shows just how much trips such as these also help the volunteers. Additionally, it shows how just because the locals might have less materially, it does not mean that there way of life is less than ours. I believe Boudreau's experience also exemplifies the importance of cross cultural exchange and how service organizations such as Compas de Nicaragua and Bridges to Community, are important because it allows for these exchanges.
One important thing Boudreau told us was that it is important to realize that Nicaragua isn't poor, but rather impoverished. Meaning that other countries such as the U.S. have made them poor through things such as imperialism and other forms of exploitation. Because of this I believe that it is even more of our responsibility to help them become self-sustained so that this cannot happen again.
To Learn More About Compas de Nicaragua Visit: http://compas1.org/