Nicaragua, 2009

Outreach International works in partnership with those who want civil societies, where their voices are heard, where community action can occur, and where friendships can begin. That happened recently in Masaya, Nicaragua. 

Monitored by Outreach International facilitator Bavardo in Nicaragua, three new facilitators - Juan, Beatriz and Luz began their training for the El Llanito and Los Álvarez communities. After learning the Participatory Human Development Process, they visited families using a strategy of “asking for water.” This broke the ice to ask casual questions about family photos, the family’s garden, and the community. Residents opened up to share personal problems, community issues, and their experiences with other funding institutions.

As soon as the facilitators were accepted, they brought families together to talk, and began integration of the issues in which the community was working. This work of Outreach International builds a structure to ensure participatory democracy and effective local governance the process of developing a civil society. And something more basic: friendship.

The facilitators were transferred to another village, but when they returned to visit the communities where they began their work, they felt satisfaction when families asked, "Where have you been? When will you return?” In the beginning, the facilitator asked questions to begin a friendship; now the families asked questions to know about the facilitators. Without a doubt, the facilitators are happy when returning to these communities knowing that these families care for them.