1 person found this review helpful
Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners
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October 17, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
One of the exciting ongoing programs of the Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners is Firefighters United. Several Nicaraguan firefighters have visited Wisconsin and we would like to start firefighter tours to help Wisconsin firefighters visit Nicaragua. Through this program, since 2000, 24 firetrucks and 12 ambulances have been shipped to Nicaragua. Hundreds of sets of firefighting coats, pants, boots, helmets along with hose, breathing apparatus and other eqipment have been donated by fire departments in Wisconsin. As a volunteer firefighter it is rewarding to see this equipment being used in Nicaragua and to watch as new stations are started across the country.
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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
1 person found this review helpful
October 11, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners is a marvelous organization because of what it does to improve the lives of folks both in Wisconsin and Nicaragua. The exchange of culture, friendship and material aid enriches us all. The real backbone of the organization is the people in it, both in Nicaragua and in Wisconsin. From the directors, and office staffs to the many volunteers and donors , we work together . If this body of people, both in Nicaragua and Wisconsin was not so committed to learning new ideas to improve their lives and to share their ideas WNP would not flourish. So, in conclusion, the two way nature of the program and the commitment of the people in it are what makes it work and makes it great.
On a personal level, I have traveled to Nicaragua a number of times and have hosted Nicaraguans in my home. Each time was a blessing and an opportunity to deepen friendships and cultural awareness. Then when we meet again in the opposite country the welcoming smiles warm the heart. It is the best “high” one ever has.
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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?
2011
October 10, 2012
As a health care administrator, I was shocked when I heard about patients sharing beds and having no privacy. We were able to ship hospital beds, privacy curtains and an ambulance assist this struggling hospital. We were also able to send a group of paramedics to provide training to local volunteers. Our small group continues to offer limited health care to a small mountain village once a year. We learned from one of the women from this village, who was visiting our group, that she needed a surgical mesh to repair an abdominal hernia that could become life threatening. In order for her to have the surgery, she had to provide the mesh. We were able to obtain the mesh from one of the local hospitals and she was able to have the surgery when she returned to Nicaragua. Several retired teachers have organized a scholarship fund to provide educational opportunities to children from this mountain village. A few students have pursued training in nursing after graduating from high school. My wife has been treasurer of our group since it's inception in 1992. We both continue to be highly supportive of Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners and have met many wonderful people from this country over the years.
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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
October 4, 2012
One of my goals in retirement was to travel to Nicaragua to do good deeds with Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners. My experience there was everything I had hoped for and more, and I am about to return for the 8th year in a row! What makes this organization so special? A group of vibrant, dedicated volunteers who do everything possible to make life better for those they meet (or have been linked with) in Nicaragua. Fund-raisers, donations, and projects in Wisconsin are used to create greater opportunities for employment, education, and income for the Nicaraguan people. The people in Nicaragua also have input into the goals for their community and the projects undertaken, and by working TOGETHER, positive change has occured. I have particularly enjoyed working with the children and seeing them grow into responsible contributing adults. I support a scholarship program (through WNP) that allows Nica youngsters to continue their studies past sixth grade. Working on planning, establishing, and providing books for a lending library for a small mountain-top community to use has been a rewarding opportunity as well. Sharing songs, dances, and crafts with the children keeps me busy in Nicaragua and allows their parents uninterrupted time to attend workshops as part of WNP projects. It has been a win/win situation for all involved!
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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
October 4, 2012
Since first traveling to Nicaragua as a representative of W/NP the direction of my life has changed. This organization provides an opportunity to give the Nicaraguans education and skills which leads to hope and sustainability in their lives. For US volunteers to give of themselves is a win-win situation for all involved.
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
October 4, 2012
Being a member of WNP has been nothing short of life changing for me.This organization is run by the most energetic, passionate, and dedicated people I have had the privilege to meet. I have been part of a small group of people who have traveled to Nicaragua yearly to work with a small mountain community that we have literally "adopted". In the 5 years I have been traveling we have worked on scholarships for students, water filtration, building playground equipment, a learning center, a lending library and refurbishing the school and Health building. I have been most actively involved in conducting leadership training for the youth and working with the Woman's Group. I have helped teach the women sewing and crafting skills to help them personally as well as enabling them to sell some of their products. Recently , 2 particular moments brought me to tears. After driving up the mountain to say good-bye we pulled up to the learning center to find men, women, and children working on a variety of projects with the music blaring and smiles on everyone's face - what progress! Last year when we were able to pay the women for the jewelry they were making they were overwhelmed and said it was the first time in their lives they had ever been paid for anything they had done. LIFE CHANGING for all of us!
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
October 3, 2012
Wiconsin-Nicaragua Partners is organized and managed from Stevens Point to allow all the partner cities to develop their own programs, funding projects, local Nicaragua projects and support activities such as collecting and shipping materials, supplies etc that are needed in each of the partner cities. The overall leadership is vital to provide input from each partner city leadership including the local Nicaragua leaders and to collect and ship the tons of supplies needed in each area. It allows for an appreciation of the big picture and the requirements of the government and villages as well as locally lead and implemented projects. The progress among the families of Las Lagunas is only a single example of the good that a small, well organized and committed group can accomplish with year round planning and onsite visits 1-2 x a year. Education through scholarships has allowed many students to progress from grade 6-high school and others to receive vocational and university education. Many villagers learn and produce crafts in the learning center and library. The health clinic is becoming a reality. The village has a baseball team, new projects in planting, agriculture, water quality and many others are in planning stages. This is a top organization with the power to bring change person to person while respecting the autonomy of the village and country.
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
October 2, 2012
Wisconsin Nicaragua Partners is a great organization. The partner city concepts is a great way for people to connect between countries in a personal way. Yes, we do many things to assist the people in poverty in Nicaragua, but there is also a focus on developing a two-way relationship and helping them create strengths were the Nicaraguan people can do things for themselves to build up their communities and their nation. I traveled with the group several years ago, and it was a life-changing experience. The work they do really has a positive impact on people's lives - for both the Nicaraguans and for us.
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?
2012
1 person found this review helpful
October 2, 2012
1 person found this review helpful
I am so impressed with WNP. I first became involved several years ago after hearing a member give a passionate account of the work WNP does. After traveling to Nicaragua with the group, I could see firsthand the fruits of their labor over the years. I saw children with no means of furthering there education, supported in their community school and finally graduating in professions of nursing, pharmacy and law. With hopes they will bring back there education to the community. I saw learning centers, and lending libraries in poor villages where women came and were taught skills that will help them support themselves, buy a little extra food, and maybe a little better health care. Maybe some day someone in the village will be able to buy a car to use for medical emergencies. I saw so many books, chairs and clothes packed up from here and sent. A smiling community baseball team playing in a cow pasture, wearing donated baseball hats, and t shirts. All with smiles on their faces. And so much more.
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?
Likely
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
September 30, 2012
For the past several years I have been traveling to Nicaragua but it was in 2009 that a wonderful experience happened on the Isle of Ometepe. It was in Merida that we met two beautiful children which changed everything for us. We ship to the village of Merida and Esquipulas gaylords of material. Incuding: items for the learning center, school supplies, stuffed animals, toys, bikes this is just but a few of the items. The e-mails sent to us are breath taking for instance one girl said this is the only Christmas present I ever got. Now the Learning center the ladies are making items and selling, one note came it is the first time in my life that I had a little money to buy my children a gift. Yes, we are making a difference in lots of lives.
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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