Hi! My name is Amy Leung, and I’m El Lider Del Dia for Day 4, which focused on politics. Adding on to our new found knowledge of Nicaraguan history and culture, we continued our exploration by learning about Nicaraguan politics. Of course we started the day off with a glorious breakfast of crepes, cooked by our wonderful hostel chefs.
Our first activity was a seminar on politics led by the Global Glimpse leaders. We read an article about current Nicaraguan president Daniel Ortega and his position of dominance. Although we analyzed and lightly annotated the article, it was still enjoyable, enlightening, and not at all school-like. Next, we went up a hill called Cerro El Calvario where we met Doña Sonia, a Sandinista ex-guerilla fighter, who told us her inspiring life story. She was wrongly accused of being a girl in the Sandinista Army, which ironically led her to flee and become a part of the rebellion against Samoza. At one point, she began tearing up, and this moment deeply touched many of us.
We then explored Cerro El Calvario. There was a wonderful view upon a hill overlooking the beautiful city of Matagalpa with its pink-red roofs and luscious green plants everywhere.
After returning home and having a delicious lunch of tortilla, meat, potatoes, and salad, the program coordinators introduced topics to us to prepare us for tomorrow. First we were introduced to the basics of teaching English as a foreign language. Starting tomorrow, we will be teaching the same group of Matagalpans English on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. The program coordinators went over some cultural differences with Nicaraguan students (some of which we had observed yesterday while shadowing a student) and gave us an in-depth booklet to help us. We also learned that for our Community Action Project (CAP), we would be partnering with the organization “Mujeres Del Plomo,” the people who taught us how to make bracelets on Culture Day.
Note: Some students did not attend the activities and are therefore not pictured because they were feeling a little under the weather. However, after resting, they are feeling better now and will be able to continue experiencing the trip firsthand.
Thank you for the great blog! You all have a good time!
Selena we miss you! Take care Glimpsers!
Thanks, Amy, and each one of you for taking the effort to write this blog and post some photos. It’s informational and does feel like taking us there with you. Appreciated! Keep happy exploring!
I am so excited to hear about the energy of this group and to follow along with y’all’s journey… but first: MY BUDDY MATT!!!! How are you enjoying Nicaragua without me? Are the EC kids treating you well? I know Khando and Becky can be a handful, so just let me know. Oh! And I’m sorry I missed seeing the dance moves for your crown as ELDD.
Back to what I was saying, it sounds like today was both highly educational and impactful… which I hope will continue to be a theme. I wish you all the best on your English lessons tomorrow- overplan, build relationships, and relax. 😉
Ps: Khando and Becky- love you both so much and am loving the pics! Stay hydrated and keep the urine light!
We really enjoy reading all the blogs. The pictures of the happy faces are also great to see. Glad to have this as our daily routine. Sending our love from 3500 miles away to you, Amy. 🙂
Sounds like another amazing day! Have fun teaching English tomorrow! I cracked up with the Urine comment from Helen. She’s right, keep on drinking! Becky we miss you & love seeing your smiling face with all the other glimpsers. The photos & blogs are great!
What a beautiful setting and great photos! These blogs make my day and I look forward to them every day!!!
Natasha, Steph and Riley missed you at the parade:-)