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sfbigcelt

October 28, 2012

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1 previous review
February 19, 2011

I am just home from a week long working trip to Nicaragua. Our small brigade of four worked in a village of 469 people, called Casas Viejas, up in the mountains to the west of Ciudad Dario. We helpe... more

October 28, 2012

I have gone to Nicaragua to work with this group twice now, and both experiences have been so positive, I hope I can go again. The operation is based on the 'Habitat model,' with local communities coming up with projects to provide water (wells), hygiene (latrines and handwashing stations), and community improvement (clothes washing stations & smoke-reducing ovens). A secondary focus is on reforestation. Rural communities (mostly poor) come up with the plan, a commitment to a % of the cost, and provide most of the sweat equity. Work brigades travel to Nicaragua with chaperones and interpreters, and assist in the building of projects, as they learn of Nicaraguan customs, food, and life. The first trip, I helped build latrines and a hand-washing station for a school which had no facilities before we came. This year, I helped build clothes-washing stations and a bathing cubicle for another village. I have told many people that my two trips have been the most important thing I have done in my 58 years.

More feedback...

Would you volunteer for this group again?

Definitely

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

Life-changing

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Very Well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2012

February 19, 2011

I am just home from a week long working trip to Nicaragua. Our small brigade of four worked in a village of 469 people, called Casas Viejas, up in the mountains to the west of Ciudad Dario. We helped install 3 latrines and a hand washing station for the village elementary school. Before, the children had to walk home to use the latrine and wash their hands, taking away class time. The kids LOVE to learn, and they hated missing any class time. El Porvenir gives the gift of better health through better sanitation. Families in small villages like Casas Viejas usually earn less than $5/day, so better health means less money spent on medicines.

A major reason I support El Porvenir is that the work projects are community-driven. The local people come up with a project and a plan, and must commit to labor and a % of the project's cost. This creates a buy-in of ownership and pride in the project. It's not about 'wealthy' Americans swooping in to 'rescue' Nicaraguans.
Our chaperones/translators were great, and worked right along with us. This NGO is a wonderful way to meet the local people, and make their lives better for generations. I hope I can go on another work brigade next year. I can NOT think of a better use of my vacation time.

Photos

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Seeing children excited that they would no longer have to miss any learning time due to having to walk home to use a latrine.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I have known El Porvenir's work for about 10 years, and I can't think of anything I have seen that I would change.

Carol Atwell - charity reviews, charity ratings, best charities, best nonprofits, search nonprofits

Carol Atwell

February 19, 2012

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1 previous review
February 16, 2011

November 2010 my husband and I spent 10 days on a latrine brigade in El Sauce with El Porvenir. it was the BEST service project I have ever been on. Well organized, safe, efficient, friendly. We wo... more

February 19, 2012

This was my second trip to Nicaragua with El Porvenir. We brought a friend with us. It is a fabulous opportunity to work with a grass roots organization providing life saving WATER!!!! A lot of hard work, a lot of fun! We will go back next year.

More feedback...

Would you volunteer for this group again?

Definitely

For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?

Life-changing

Did the organization use your time wisely?

Very Well

Would you recommend this group to a friend?

Definitely

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2011

February 16, 2011

November 2010 my husband and I spent 10 days on a latrine brigade in El Sauce with El Porvenir. it was the BEST service project I have ever been on. Well organized, safe, efficient, friendly. We worked hard, laughed a lot, and made new friends. And, we put in 13 latrines! A hand up, not a hand out. That's what I experienced. Carol Atwell

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

By participating in a brigade to build latrines in Puente Ocho, Nicaragua

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I have no idea.

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Chris

February 28, 2011

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Review from Guidestar
February 28, 2011

I have been involved with El Porvenir since 1995, and have served on its board since 1999. I'm a teacher now, but I was trained in economic geography and rural development, and I have lived, worked and/or done research in a number of Latin American countries, including Nicaragua. El Porvenir is without a doubt one of the most effective organizations of its kind that I have encountered, thanks to its self-help methodology, integrated approach, incredibly dedicated staff and focus on results. The many U.S. high school students I have taken to work on EP projects have seen that amazing things are accomplished when local residents are enabled to better their communities. Most of my students report that the experience has changed their lives. In working with villagers and hearing their stories firsthand, they invariably conclude that EP is the "real deal."

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

the many water, sanitation, and reforestation projects that I have worked on or visited over the past 16 years; in the tangible improvements (wells, latrines, trees, etc.) that my eyes can see and my hands can touch; and most importantly in the stories the beneficiaries/participants (village residents) tell of how these projects have improved their lives.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

expand to other regions of Nicaragua, and perhaps someday to other countries in the region.

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garcialori

February 28, 2011

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Review from Guidestar
February 28, 2011

Although it is small, El Porvenir is very effective. Each person that I have met on staff truly has a heart for the work that they do. Incredible organizations have incredible staff, board and volunteers. El Porvenir is incredible and the work that they do changes lives.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Hearing the personal stories of those whose lives were impacted by El Porvenir.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Of course, I wish that they had more funding to help them meet their goals even faster.

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joey bosco

February 28, 2011

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Review from Guidestar
February 28, 2011

I learned of the effectiveness of this group and began contributing I went on one of the work group to learn the respect they have earned in Nic and with supportors. The are a committed org with very low admin costs resulting in more projects completed. Education in all phases of their work is impressive, sanitation, reforestation etc.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

trips with their popular work groups which are very well managed

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I would help fundraising

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RobG

February 28, 2011

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Review from Guidestar
February 28, 2011

I volunteered with El Porvenir in 2001 was thoroughly impressed with the whole experience. It was great to get my hands dirty and feel a sense of camaraderie with the people I was working with - both Nicaraguan and American. The organization does great work and I am very happy that I was able to be associated with it.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

my outlook on life and my appreciation for all that I have.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

not.

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lilolladi

February 27, 2011

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Review from Guidestar
February 27, 2011

The gift of clean water cannot be over appreciated for impoverished communities in Nicaragua. I support El Porvenir's vision and recognition of their niche to support with their expertise and expanding within the abilities and financial support available. El Porvenir works with the community to define their needs and meet them. Truly unique in the non-profit field.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Several communities in Nicaragua. I lived in Guatemala and Southern Mexico and am not aware of any similar programs.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

love to see broader financial support

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Polly

February 27, 2011

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Review from Guidestar
February 27, 2011

I have been associated with El Hogar since its founding, have visited projects in Nicaragua, and have seen the marked positive impact their clean water projects have made for the people in the villages of Nicaragua. All non-profits should do such a stellar job, particularly in their involvement of the people being served by these cooperative projects.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

both my work as a long-time donor, as well as with the United Methodist Church, which supports El Porvenir through its Board of Global Ministries

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Expand its donor and volunteer base even further

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kaykayrunner

February 27, 2011

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February 27, 2011

Tell your story here and help others understand this charity. I helped construct the interior walls and top of a large tank for runoff waterl, dug by hand in hard packed clay, by two women in Boaca Viejo, Nicaragua. I helped their community build a lavandero, where they will be able to use clean well water for bathing and doing laundry. I learned new skills such as mixing concrete, cutting rebar, pouring concrete and applying mortar. I was able to work hard, side by side with the families who will be using the lavandero and feel that this experience gave me far more than I was able to give.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

This has been one of the most heartwarming experiences of my life. I was able to do meaningful work for appreciative, hard working people, learn new skills and forge friendships that will last forever.

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

Start the work sooner after arrival in Nicaragua.

More feedback...

What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?

I would have liked to start the work sooner on arrival in Nicaragua.

Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)

I learned many new skills and made many new friends, both in the rural community, in my group and with El Porvenir staff members.

How did this volunteer experience make you feel?

Fabulously lucky.

When was your last experience with this nonprofit?

2011

emily - charity reviews, charity ratings, best charities, best nonprofits, search nonprofits

emily

February 26, 2011

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Review from Guidestar
February 26, 2011

When others ask me what models they should study regarding community development in other countries, I tell them El Porvenir. They have the wisdom, the skill, the talent, the access to people with the technical knowledge and the country-based knowledge to figure out the best strategies that are going to have the most impact and lead to sustainable change. And, most important of all, they are truly "ground up" -- working with the community from beginning to end, responding to them, training them, being by their side, and avoiding solutions or decisions imposed or cooked up by "outsiders". The study/volunteer trip was an unforgettable experience.

The Great!

I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...

Nicaragua

Ways to make it better...

If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...

I just want to them to be able to raise more money to have even deeper and wider impact in Nicaragua.

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