Hi Glimpsers!!
We are the Program Coordinators for the Matagalpa Team 1: Asha and Norman.
We are so excited to see you guys in a couple of weeks. We would like to take the time to introduce ourselves.
My name is Asha and I’m 27 years old. I’m from the Netherlands. I studied Cultural Anthropology and International Development Studies, and did a second masters in Human Geography. During my studies, I took every opportunity to go abroad for my researches and internships and spent time in South Africa, Kenya, Bolivia, and finally ended up in Nicaragua. Last year I came back to Matagalpa and found this amazing job at GG! This job is for me the perfect combination of teaching and my interest in developing issues. I really believe that we in the developed world have the responsibility to make this world a better place for everyone. And I definitely believe that we can make this world a better place. However, we can only do so if we change our own attitude and behavior. For me, Global Glimpse is the perfect way in which I can benefit to these ideals.
My name is Norman, I am 25 years old, I am from Masaya, Nicaragua, I studied Economics, I speak English, Portugues and Spanish as well, I am very excited to meet you guys in person, I have experience working with people from other cultures, I lived in Peru, Brazil, Guatemala, Salvador and Honduras and of course Nicaragua. I worked for several Medical non profit organizations from the United States in Nicaragua and throughout the region, I have been also involved in environmental projects, I am also outgoing and funny person. One of my main goals as a program coordinator for G.G is to change the way you guys see the developing world and its complexities, I really believe this is once in a lifetime opportunity.
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been working very hard setting up all activities and putting together the itinerary for the program. We are very proud of it and would like to share a part of it with you! The first full day in Matagalpa we are going to have a very nice city tour in which you will learn about the city and history of Nicaragua. At the end of the day we will climb the hill named Cerro Calvario from which you’ll have a fabulous view over the city. At “Global Business day” we will visit a chocolate factory, where we will learn about the production of organic chocolate and, of course, taste it. During “Culture day” we will meet with a group of women who will teach us how to make bracelets with seeds that grow in their community. One of the most inspirational days will be the day we’ll visit the dump, where we will have conversations with the people who live and work there. We will make several field trips to rural communities, where we are going to learn a lot about the lives of the people there, about the way they overcome the live challenges and about the work of different organizations. On one of the “Fun days” we are going to visit Norman’s city “Masaya”, where we will enjoy beautiful landscapes, buy souvenirs at a handcraft market, and climb an active volcano. This is a glimpse of what you guys are going to see and do during your trip to Matagalpa!
To get the most out of your trip, it’s important that you prepare yourselves well. If it is your first time traveling to Nicaragua, try to read something about the country and about Matagalpa like travel journals, articles, movies on YouTube, etc. You can take a look at this video of the Global Glimpse Program last year in Matagala http://vimeo.com/47038211. That way, you will know a little bit what you can expect when arriving here.
Try to be prepared for the weather conditions. The time you will be here is “invierno” or winter. This doesn’t mean that it will be cold, it means that it will rain. And if it rains, it rains! So make sure you bring a raincoat or a poncho. Despite the winter / rainy season, it will be warm. So, bring mainly light clothes with you and definitely do not forget to bring sunscreen. Another crucial thing to bring: insect repellent! Mosquitoes are active year round, day and night. There will be days that you won’t need any repellent, there will be days that you can’t get enough of it.
Then, most important thing to bring with you: your enthusiasm!
We are really looking forward to your arrival! If you have any question, please let us know! We would love to hear from you and can’t wait to see you guys in person in just a few weeks!
Norman and Asha