My Nonprofit Reviews
falconer
Review for Empowerment International, Albuquerque, NM, USA
I have been visiting Nicaragua for five years and working with children in sustainable education projects there. Last summer I met Kathy Adams, the director, and some of her staff. After some lively discussion about socio/economic influences on education and educational philosophy, I was asked if I would give some advice to the tutors at EI who work with students with learning challenges (in the U.S. I am a special education teacher and English as a Second Language teacher. I also teach English as a Foreign Language in Nicaragua). After a visit with some students and their tutor, I found that I only needed to offer a little guidance, as what they really needed was support for the wonderful work that they were already doing. Their knowledge of the educational needs of the students, as well as their strong intuitive responses to their individual learning styles and needs were a joy to witness. I was also deeply moved by the welcome responses of the families in the communities which EI serves. Most importantly, however, is that the work that Kathy and her team does will lead these young people to a life of independence which will ultimately work towards sustaining the communities in which they live. Although EI generosity is an everyday occurrence, it is a generosity of spirit and necessary tools, not handouts which lead to dependency. EI is highly respected by the people with whom it works and by anyone who understands the true meaning of sustainable development. The future of Nicaragua is with the young people and EI is a key element in their development.
More Feedback
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
...witnessing the success of the children in the program. Many of the younger children are passing their grades in school for the first time after EIs help. They constantly work to help young people stay in school and the results are documented. Because of EI, attendance at a university is a reality for many EI students.
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
...like to add more barrios to the program. However, that would mean more staff dedicated to the program, and I would love to be part of the EI staff.
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?
Some
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
Definitely
Did your volunteer experience have an effect on you? (teaching you a new skill, or introducing new friends, etc.)
Yes. This experience gave me confidence in EI as well as inspired me to stand strong in my own convictions about the true definition of sustainable development.
How did this volunteer experience make you feel?
Humbled, compassionate, joyful, concerned and motivated.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
