2010 Annual ReportGreetings from the Chair
For almost twenty years, Interfaith Service to Latin America (ISLA) has worked to establish and promote sustainable medical, educational, and construction programs to benefit the people of Jalapa, Nicaragua. Collaborative relationships with health care providers, advocacy groups, local teachers, school administrators, and city representatives have resulted in lasting relationships aimed at better matching community needs with ISLA’s resources.
In FY2010 a total of 50 volunteers traveled to Jalapa during the four trips offered in October, January, March and June. This year in addition to the students from St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota who traveled with ISLA in January, a group of students in the nursing program from Lewis-Clark State College, Lewiston, Idaho, traveled with ISLA in March to Jalapa. Both groups continued to collect data to help determine the medical and educational needs of the area.
One need became apparent when it was determined that 35 percent of the children suffer from asthma probably caused by un-ventilated stoves. Thus has begun the Stove Project with installation in homes of venting from stoves to an outside chimney. The success of the project is measured by the fact that there is a backlog of people who would like one of these stoves.
In January, the ISLA construction team re-roofed two public schools - working side-by-side with local parents and townspeople to accomplish this task.
ISLA continues to support students with books, fees and a uniform. These students are held accountable for their academic performance and must mentor younger students. WE are now supporting over 120 students at the high school level and over 20 students at the post-secondary level.
We are proud of the dedication and commitment of all our volunteers and supporters who helped to make this year’s programs a great success. Thank you!
Peace,
Lu Lindstrom