2009 marks year two of the development program working in 75 communities in the municipalities of Villa El Carmen, Ciudad Dario and Tipitapa. The size of the staff has grown from 23 to 38 as the Institute expands efforts to find integral responses to the most urgent needs of poor communities. Central to their work is the empowerment of individuals and communities through education, training, and community organizing. HUBS of Development is built around five interlocking themes: Health, Education, Housing Construction, Leadership Formation, and Disaster Preparation and Prevention.
HEALTH
• This year, HUBS is focusing community health efforts in Villa el Carmen, where 33 communities are receiving training in coordination with the Ministry of Health. Regular clinics are held for women where advice on preventative care and attention to chronic health problems are provided. A Community Health Network will be organized to coordinate efforts in the 33 communities.
• Two new health centers will be built for underserved communities and 10 health centers will be equipped.
• 106 “Social Medicine Outposts” throughout the county will provide access to essential medicines in poor communities.
• Health conditions will be improved for 300 women in the National Womens’ Prison
EDUCATION
• HUBS is working in 266 schools to improve the quality of education for over 25,000 students and 800 teachers.
• Educational leaders in communities receive training in pedagogy, leadership and communication skills. Access to training improves education and motivates teachers to stay in communities, becoming resources for others.
• Local Educational Teams are established in each community and become part of a Regional Education Networks.
• “Reading and Reflection Circles” help to keep retention rates high by providing students with extra academic support and strengthening skills.
• Educational materials are distributed in the schools and libraries are established when resources are available.
• “Clean Your Desk” supplies equip students for school and to supply “School Stores” which sell supplies at solidarity prices to generate funds for school-wide educational activities.
HOUSING
• In 2009, HUBS will build 184 houses and latrines in 6 communities. The first 24 houses are underway in Villa el Carmen and should be completed by April. 
• 60 homes will be completed in Waspam, on Nicaragua’s northern Atlantic Coast.
• The current cost of an Institute house is about $3600. The Nicaraguan government just announced a new program to address the pressing housing shortage in which a comparable home costs $9000, nearly three times the cost.
LEADERSHIP FORMATION AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
“People change when they become aware of the potential they hold to
transform reality.” Paulo Coehlo
• Community leaders are trained in a diagnostic process to build community development plans a in response to prioritized needs.
• Community members participate in trainings on Citizen Participation and Human Rights.
• Women participate in training on gender, empowerment and economics.
• Community associations are formed to advocate with the Institute and municipal governments for projects they need to improve their lives.
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AND PREVENTION
• Nicaragua has been identified as one of the countries in the world that will be most heavily impacted by climate change. HUBS prepare communities for disasters of growing intensity through the PREVER program.
• PREVER, in coordination with the National Civil Defense Agency, will train 37 communities in 11 municipalities to identify risks and formulate response plans.
• An emergency radio communication network will be expanded
• An emergency fund will collect donations to mobilize rapid response efforts. The Quest for Peace is part of the PREVER network and will help to mobilize resources in the event of an emergency.
