El Porvenir
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February 19, 2011
Although my El Porvenir experience was years ago, I recall it vividly. The trip was so well organized by the El Porvenir staff that the brigade volunteers were able to concentrate on completing worthwhile work while getting to know Nicaragua and its wonderful people. I came away feeling that my time and money were well spent and I had been able to make a difference.
Eight members of our church were part of a larger brigade that worked on lavenderos, dug a dry well and planted trees. Five members of the brigade were young people who were kept too busy to be bored and enjoyed an experience they will always remember.
I had been to Nicaragua previously with another organization. The trip was poorly run, but it did show us that clean water is a critical need in Nicaragua. On our return from that trip, we searched for an organization to address that need and feel blessed to have found El Porvenir. Our experience on our El Porvenir trip showed us that, indeed, this organization knows how to get the job done!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I met with several members of the El Porvenir staff during their trips to the NY metro areas. After hearing their presentations, I decided it was time to go. My church worked with El Porvenir to organize a trip for eight of us, including four young people. Since the worktrip, I have kept up with El Porvenir through their newsletter and other promotional material.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I have a hard time coming up with ways El Porvenir could reduce costs or be more effective. I do wish there was an easy way for it to become better known, but I know that is difficult, especially with tight budgets.
February 18, 2011
Our group of 4 volunteers assisted the work crew, local men working for free as part of the Casas Viejas community. All supplies and construction designs were provided by El Porvenir. The women and children pitched in as necessary, cooking, digging, carrying. With the support of the whole community this project was completed in a week, and culminated with a fiesta celebration attended by all including music, dancing, poetry, speeches and the children's dance of the pinata.
As a whole the village is happy, constructive, self-sustaining and non-political, though very poor when it comes to money and possessions. It's unfortunate that the government doesn't supply the basics of health and education for its people, but that's where El Porvenir kicks in. I'm secure in knowing that my time and money go to the people that need it when supporting El Porvenir, and its grass-roots goals of supplying the most important necessities in life - water and sanitation.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
The results of El Porvenir's work are massive for such a small group, 20 years in existence and 1000's of projects completed, bringing wells and sanitation to those in need.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would cry the news far and wide, especially on the internet, that El Porvenir has got it right. Let the donors and volunteers alike come see and participate in the wonderful work being done. May other countries copy the plan and may it expand world wide.
February 18, 2011
I've been to Nicaragua twice with El Porvenir and plan on returning again next year. The work they do there is amazing and I'm proud to be a supporter. El Porvenir gives great support to the work brigades, monitoring the food and water as well as supplying the best interpetors. We learned about the country's polictical and economical developement, we did some sightseeing and worked very hard. It's a beautiful country and Nica's are beautiful people who are very welcoming. I've been very pleased with my experiences with the organization and the country.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
seeing a job well done and very happy people gaining something we take for granted (i.e. a safe bathroom or bathing area)
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I'm not sure. I feel most of the bugs seem to be worked out.
February 17, 2011
Six of us from our church Volunteers in Mission group travelled to Nicaragua and worked with El Porvenir in the La Reina District along with 6 others. We received a very good oversight of the Nicaraguan politics and the history and goals of El Porvenir before travelling to our work site.
I feel that helping the Nicaraguans gain use of clean water, and learning about sanitation is the very beginning for them to have easier and more productive lives. I like the fact that the people need to ask for help, and actively participate in all projects, and actually take leadership and therefore ownership of all projects.
Our experience was one with great organization, wonderful interpreters and facilitators and warm, caring people.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
viewing neighborhoods where wells and latrines had made life better for the inhabitants, and I saw the pride the community took in their accomplishments. Several times I have made small donations to this organization, because I believe in the quality of the work which they do and enable.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I think that they have done an amazing amount of good in a relatively short time-span...don't know how they can improve.
February 17, 2011
I know of El Porvenir from before it was born. In 1987 I volunteered in Nicaragua with Habitat for Humanity where I met Carole Harper. I volunteered with her again in 1089. since then, we have kept in touch and for that reason I know of the fine work of El Porvenir. I know she has retired from the organization and that she was confident she left it in good hands. I have received the newsletters over the years as well, both paper version and now by email. I have been in the communities where lives have been enriched by the water. I have returned to Nicaragua almost every year since the late 80's. I'm a Canadian so I have not been on a brigade, but I am aware of the positive contributions to the fabric of a country which is dear to me.
Sincerely meant,
Cheryl Lightowlers
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
stories told in newsletter
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
make it easier for Canadians to participate
February 17, 2011
My work with organizations in Nicaragua allowed me to meet staff of El Porvenir about five years ago as we compared notes on efforts to bring water to the tiny houses of families living along a ridge served by a seven mile long mud/dust road. Most impressive was the staff’s personal dedication to the families they served. This was not some huge organization which swooped in and threw money at a project to help the “poor people in some impoverished land.”
Just a year ago my impressions were enhanced when I spent two days filming El Porvenir projects, on site in Nicaragua. I spent days riding with the project directors who worked directly with the families. They encouraged the people to tell their own stories of the changes in their lives.
They did not just have new latrines; they understood the detailed interaction of sanitation and its effects on the health, especially the health of their children. Not only the women, but also the men, understood the importance of stoves that used less firewood and even more important kept smoke from filling the house. We heard the thanks of women who washed clothes in a simple concrete sink near a well, instead of on a rock in a stream where they also bathed. Bath houses provided privacy close to the source of water and handled the run-off water without pollution.
They understood the importance of replanting trees to protect the land and the water supply and water allowed these tiny trees to flourish.
The sense of community evident in the villages where water systems now provided a faucet at each house, demonstrated the results of their work together to do the planning, the work involved in the self-help project, the classes in health and sanitation, and most of all the pride in their accomplishment.
El Porvenir has internalized all of the best practices of working with impoverished communities to achieve basic goals of heath and cooperation.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I personally visited thier projects in Nicaragua, visiting with their staff members and many families with which they work. I saw the water systems, replanted forests, bath and laundry facitities and latrines. I experienced the sense of community shared by the families who cooperated in the actual labor necessary to impliment the projects.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I can not think of any changes, except to somehow allow more people to know about the effectiveness of thier work.
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?
A lot
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?
2010
February 17, 2011
I volunteered with El Porvenir in Nicaragua in October of 2009. This was one of the best volunteer experiences I've ever had. Their programs are so well thought-out and sustainable--I really felt I was having nothing but a positive effect on the lives of the wonderful people we worked with.
They involve the local community in selecting and building the projects. All the equipment (e.g. latrines and manual pumps) can be easily maintained by the locals with the training they receive from EP. They not only provide clean water but also help identify and attack the causes of the water supply problems such as deforestation and lack of basic sanitation. New directions include tree-planting, providing super-efficient cookstoves, and environmental training for both adults and school children. They are constantly looking for better ways to do things.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
In Nicaragua the people I worked with now have access to clean water and sanitation facilities. Their children are much less likely to die in infancy of waterborne diseases. More children have time to go to school now that they don't have to haul water and gather wood all day. Once in school they learn about how to care for their environment.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I can't think of anything I would do to change the organization--I was terribly impressed with them.
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
What one change could this group make that would improve your volunteer experience?
can't think of anything
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Met some wonderful people
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
wanting to do more!
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2009
February 17, 2011
hi i am wilbert and the best experience i ever had is when i met El porvenir i never thought that the labor of el porvenir was so great full
and now i am part of this beautifull NGO. I have seen poor very poor people that don´t have safe drink water and the problem of sanitation, i sed my self o god i have never thought that exist this problem. what can i do to help these people, because i don´t have money and i am not rich enough but now i am working with El porvenir I´M the driver, I also work in logistic area and try to apply all my knowledge to help in whatever that i can help.
this is my way to help and put my grain of sand.
in this charitable work.
thank you for let me tale my experience with el porvenir and remenber
the communities need your grain of sand.
wilbert Acevedo
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
YES
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
JUST FOR INPROVEMENT
February 17, 2011
I had the honor to be able to go to EP two times already with other members of my Church, I am blessed enough to get to go this year also.
I feel what I give is nothing compare to what the people give to us. Its not only about the work it's also about getting to know new friends and learning about theirs lives. MK Clovis CA.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I think its a great organization.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I would not chance anything.
February 17, 2011
I have been on two work trips, in 2005 and 2009. Accommodations are basic in a very poor country like Nicaragua, but we were always well-fed and safely housed. Volunteers assist in building wells, latrines, or wash stations. Handyman skills are not required, and all tools and supplies are provided. I find the work to be enjoyable and personally rewarding. The groups I've been on were very friendly and enjoyed socializing at the hotel each evening. We work hard and accomplish a lot in just a week. A couple of additional days are spent sightseeing and doing cultural excursions. These too are fun and enlightening. I've seen the sea, lakes, volcanos, markets, museums, and more. I strongly support El Porvenir and have become a regular donor and board member as well.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've seen how grateful and enthusiastic the Nicaragua community members are about getting assistance in obtaining a lined well, latrines, and wash stations. They put in hundreds of hours of physical labor to help their own communities, and they sincerely appreciate the assistance of visitors. I've heard community members talk about the dignity of finally having a solid, lined latrine to use, rather than going behind a bush or risking a rickety and smelly old latrine.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
spread the word more!
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