La Isla Foundation
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November 29, 2012
Volunteering as a Public Health Intern with La Isla Foundation for a month in Leon was an incredible experience. The staff is extremely motivated and welcoming. There is never a loss for something to do, whether it is doing work for the organization, taking a Salsa class or practicing your Spanish with one of La Isla's fantastic tutors. Finally, this organization taught me much more about the Nicaraguan culture than any textbook or traditional tour could have. I would strongly recommend volunteering with La Isla Foundation if you are staying in Leon.
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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
November 27, 2012
They say that some things are such that words do not do them justice. Such is the case with my stay in Leon with La Isla Foundation. The following however, comes as close to how I feel as I can put into words.
There is no doubt in my mind that La Isla Foundation's "raison d'être" is among the noblest of human endeavors. And that is to exist solely to serve others.
In this instance that service is a race against time trying to find a cause and possible solution or cure to the health problem plaguing a small Nicaraguan community.
Young men, in the sugar cane industry, are dying at early ages from Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). To say that this is devastating to the community should come as no surprise. Fortunately, La Isla has many dedicated volunteers who are attempting to eliminate this problem.
In addition, others are assisting by donating to the cause. There are several ways to do so. One can simply make a donation, or go there in person and experience a variety of activities suited to the adventurous soul. They include: learning Spanish and/or how to salsa; visiting Leon or other cities; visiting natural reserves or one of the several nearby volcanoes. Do these and assist La Isla and its worthy cause
In doing so, you will step into a world far different from our own. And be sure to savor the friendship of the volunteers, for such as these, saints are made.
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 26, 2012
when I walked in off the street 3 months ago looking for some volunteer work I had no idea about the chronic kidney epidemic of sugar cane cutters in chichgalpa, but I'm happy to know that there is an organisation like La Isla Foundation working to fix it. I really do feel their approach to the problem is working and will bring great results to the health, wellbeing, education and job prospects of this community. personally I have loved volunteering with the foundation an I feel the work of the volunteers does directly benefit the community. My work at the foundations has included teaching English, organising and helping sports and art with schoolkids in the community, returning test results in the community and translation. I would thoroughly recommend volunteering here, you will learn a lot,work with a fantastic commited team and meet some great people, both from the foundation abbeys communities.
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When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 26, 2012
My daughter spent her high school years developing a love of service to the under-served and a command of the Spanish language; then her college years developing interests in sustainable agriculture and public health. To complete her degree requirements she chose an internship with La Isla Foundation. The three months spent as an intern germinated a passion in her for the work of this organization and upon completion, she accepted a position on their full-time staff. My interest began by following Katie's blog and continued as I followed the links and learned more about the issues that so drive her. Her passion and her absense from home inspired her Dad and I to visit. I saw for myself the devastation that CKDu has on the sugar cane harverters, their communities and families. A young man (son, husband and father) no longer able to work - stopped by an illnes sure to be fatal. LIF is involved in demographic study and other research to determine the cause of this specific CKDu and to recommend change. Further, they are teaching the children of the community skills to enable their future employment to be in healthier occupations. LIF is also raising awareness of the issues in the larger community and world. They are advocating for a population unable to advocate for themselves. To raise some of the money needed for this mission, LIF is present in the community teaching English and Spanish, guiding tours and teaching Salsa Dance. We stayed in their hostel. They were most welcoming, instructive, passionate and fun. I am proud that my daughter works for such an important organization and would welcome the opportunity to visit LIF again.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 26, 2012
I first learned about La Isla Foundation and Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Aetiology (CKDu) while looking for public health and geographic information system volunteer opportunities abroad. That was 6 months ago and since then I have packed my bags, made my way down to Léon, and begun working with the La Isla`s public health team. Being here it is hard not to be inspired by the commitment and passion that all of the staff and volunteers have for this issue. I have also been very impressed at how multi-faceted La Isla`s approach to this issue is: it works with affected communities to provide education through english classes, computer lessons, art, and sports, it also raises awareness and promotes partnerships and collaborations between stakeholders for improved communication and research, and raises funds by offering spanish, yoga, and salsa classes to visitors. Léon has been a beautiful place to live, and La Isla, an inspiring place to work. I would recommend this organization to anyone!
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
November 25, 2012
Since forming, La Isla Foundation has been committed to addressing the epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unkown Aetiology (CKDu) in northwest Nicaragua, an epidemic at the fault lines of major global issues. By coordinating and conducting research on the ground, as well as raising awareness around the world about both the epidemic and disease, La Isla Foundation has played a fundamental role in addressing an emerging chronic disease while helping a beleaguered community. As an advocate, I have watched CKDu transition from a relatively unheard of disease to a prime-time news story in under 5 years; as a volunteer, I have witnessed first-hand the positive effect La Isla Foundation has in the local communities and those affected by CKDu; and, as a board member I strived to uphold our commitment to transparency and good governance, ensuring as much of our budget reaches those in direct need as possible.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 25, 2012
La Isla Foundation is committed not only to providing relief to the families and communities devastated by Chronic Kidney Disease, but also to understanding the systemic failures that lead to the crisis, and advocating for policy level change to end it once and for all. I have worked with several development organizations and non-profits in Central America, but never have I found one as committed to creating a model for long-term systemic level change as LIF. As a volunteer, I can say that LIF puts volunteers, interns, and students to work in meaningful ways to challenge and expand their skill set as few other organizations can. As a board member, I am proud to say that we hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency, organization and management at every level. I can attest to the dedication and commitment of each of the staff who work tirelessly for very little compensation to put as much of every dollar raised as possible back into the community. We hope that the lessons we are learning will serve as a model for addressing similar problems in the future.
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Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 25, 2012
While living and working in Leon, Nicaragua I was introduced to the CKDu epidemic while doing a video report with a journalist there. We were both so equally impressed by the dedication and strategy of the La Isla Foundation team that we decided to hand over all of our work to them to use for the cause. A year later I find myself working with LIF on a documentary film to expose the issue. The team we have is like a family and many volunteers and interns leave only to pursue further studies or work directly related to what's happening here.
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
November 21, 2012
I came to La Isla Foundation as an intern for my senior internship at Temple University. I am a Sport and Recreation Management major and I was excited to use my knowledge to gain more experience with working in community relations and with a Non-Governmental Organization. I go to the community in Chichigalpa three times a week to do sports and arts, computer classes and English lessons with the kids in Guanacastal Sur whose fathers and some mothers are most likely suffering from Chronic Kidney Disease. Aside from my community work I also created and implemented the yoga program for the organization. My supervisors felt confident in me and allowed me to run and coordinate the entire program. To be able to be creative and express myself has never been an issue with LIF. The disease is a very real and heartbreaking thing, but being able to work with amazing people makes the situation easier to cope with. I do not regret doing this experience and I will never forget the memories of not only my staff, but working to help a very important cause.
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?
Quite well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
November 20, 2012
I was so impressed with La Isla Foundation that I joined the board of directors as a volunteer member. The employees work hard, the volunteers are inspired, the cause is righteous, there is little to no waste in this organization. When I met Jason Glaser, I saw his passion and commitment to help the people in this forgotten corner of a forgotten country. The more I learn about La Isla, the more impressed I am. Doing so much for so many with so little. In short, it's what a non-profit should be!
More feedback...
Will you volunteer or donate to this organization beyond what is required of board members?
Definitely
How much of an impact do you think this organization has?
Life-changing
Will you tell others about this organization?
Definitely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
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