This section of our travels has been emotionally charged to the max, something that you can only experience to appreciate.  Thanks to our Managua host, Lillian we were able to spend a couple of afternoons visiting the city dump. This is the home to 1000 people and the workplace to 1000 more.  These people make a living through sorting out the rubbish.  Infact, the rubbish that arrives at the dump has already been sifted through many times prior, so pickings can be slim.  Several organizations have initiatives for this area.  We visited a safe haven inside the dump that provides meals, assistance with school work and somewhere pleasant to be.  Lillian suggested we visit this place and just simply give the kids some fun time.  So we went up and literally just hung out and played.  It wasn´t long before we were having wheel barrow races, kicking around a ball, drawing and discovering a 1001 things you can do with dominoes.  We were unsure whether or not to take photos, however Belinda was very grateful to be quickly relieved of this conumdrum.  Only minutes after meeting everyone, Joseline (approximately 5 years old) confidently took the camera off her and began capturing dozens of photos of whatever took her fancy.   Many of the photos are really good as you can see for yourself………….
This is not an easy place to visit.  Driving through the entrance you see cows grazing on plastic, smoke and dust that swirls around and coats your body with a layer of grime, and amongst the machinery are adults and children digging for treasures they can cash in for money.  On leaving, you instantly feel relieved to be nearing a shower, clean clothes, a tranquil and safe home; which is then followed by a pang of guilt, realizing these people are deprived of these simple necessities.

We only had a brief experience there but you can learn more about various organizations trying to encourage sustainable and realistic lifestyle changes.  There´s feeding, schooling, clothing, medical and vocational training programs currently up and running.  The following two charities are groups we directly had contact with and learnt about their roles in the community.

Los Quinchos  www.losquinchos.it

Pro Nica http://www.pronica.org/
http://www.lensofvisionexpression.org/

Nica Hope    http://www.nicahope.org/main/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mfo4uen5MY&feature=related

 


Comments

Helen

Fri, 14 May 2010 22:31:21

Gulp! What you tell and show us just leaves my/our minds and senses reeling. What it must do for you when everday you have to cycle and plan and relate to yet more new people whom appear to always be the most fabulous of people. You have been so blessed. May you replenish mind, body and spirit as you continue with your epic journey.

 

Em

Mon, 17 May 2010 03:33:39

Hi Guys, It was so great talking to you on Skype on Saturday, thanks for figuring out how to do that in the middle of Nicaragua. I only just read your blog now, and while Ro mentioned a couple of things on the call, I hadn't quite understood your last fortnight and what you must be experiencing. For myself, I'm pleased to know there are people out there that do so much good work, but I don't know how they do. At some point you guys might well need a holiday and some serious R&R. The pictures Joseline took were awesome. Martin thought the Tigirillo was very cool. Once again everyone looks so lovely and have been so nice, especially with the bike breaking up. Anyway best of luck over the next leg. Have fun.

 

Lillian Hall

Mon, 17 May 2010 17:19:53

Hey Roland and Belinda, Thanks so much for writing about La Chureca and showing Joseline's photos. It was my pleasure showing you that little corner of Nicaragua though while tragic is also full of the hope and potential of those children. Safe travels, Lillian

 

Lillian Hall

Mon, 17 May 2010 17:28:43

You might also want to point folks towards the Los Quinchos website since it's Los Quinchos who runs the feeding program at the dump. ProNica gives Los Quinchos the money for all the meals, school supplies and some other things (like soccer uniforms and balls sometimes), but it Los Quinchos who hires the staff who work there, cook the meals, and work directly with the kids.
Their website in Italian, Spanish, and English is www.losquinchos.it

Thanks and keep up the good work!

 



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