**Update** Due to the snow storm that has crippled the Southeastern United States (especially the airports), the delegation has been postponed, new dates TBD. This is an unfortunate turn of events, and we hope to complete the trip as soon as possible. More to come.
February 16-23, 2014
You are invited to join the Quixote Center as we visit communities in Northern Nicaragua with the Federation of Campesinos (FEDICAMP). We will also stop by Chaguatillo and visit a new housing initiative we are doing with the Institute of John XXIII.
The price for the delegation is $950 dollars, and includes all transportation, meals, translation, and housing while in Nicaragua. You are responsible for your own travel to Nicaragua. Below are more details. Contact Andrew Hochhalter for more information and to get your application [andrew@quixote.org or 301-699-0042]. Download and complete application here.
Community Development in Nicaragua
The mountainous northern region of Nicaragua is home to many small agricultural communities. The effects of global climate change are altering the landscapes and lifestyles of these communities. The intensity and pace of these effects is projected to increase in the coming years. The towns and villages of the North are also at the forefront of the country’s increasing global and trade liberalization brought about by CAFTA and increased foreign corporate investment.
Witness first hand how rural communities in Northern Nicaragua are organizing to preserve their ecological integrity, food security, and community strength in this dynamic environment. Delegates will have the opportunity to meet with Quixote Center partners at the Federation of Campesinos (FEDICAMP), an organization with local affiliates in eighteen rural communities across Nicaragua. The itinerary for this delegation (subject to change) includes:
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Community visits with local leaders in 3 member associations of FEDICAMP, including an in-depth look at the methods employed by FEDICAMP.
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Education sessions with local experts on agricultural methods and challenges, food security, and family nutrition.
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Meetings with beneficiary families, including demonstrations, presentations, and home-cooked meals!
This trip will be an excellent way to quickly become familiar with the issues ‘on the ground’ in Nicaragua as well as with the larger solidarity network here in the United States.
After the delegation, participants will be equipped to educate and inform their networks and community groups about the conditions in Nicaragua, the challenges facing the local population, and the work of our partners at FEDICAMP to empower Nicaraguans to overcome those challenges.
The trip will give delegates the tools they need to be reliable witnesses to the situation in Nicaragua, and to advocate in solidarity at home. We hope that knowledge from the trip will be turned into action at home, and Quixote Center staff will be available to assist delegates who wish to organize their friends, community associations, and faith institutions for social justice in Nicaragua.
Please contact Andrew Hochhalter (andrew@quixote.org or 301-699-0042) for more information and to complete the application to reserve a space.