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[Graduation Requirement] [Service Site Links] [Active Service Sites] [Knights in Service] [Nicaragua Summer Service]
Background
on the mission
 The
mission is the Notre Dame Nicaraguan
Health and Education Program, and you would be working with Special Families of
Saint Julie Billiart of the Diocese of Matagalpa. It is a community of families
who have handicapped children. We serve over 2000 families in the neighborhoods
of Matagalpa and in outlying rural communities.
What will Summit be
doing at the mission?
In consultation with a Physical Therapist, the 15 students
going on the trip have designed a therapeutic playground. Playground
elements were selected according to their therapeutic value and our ability to
build them with the resources available to us. The elements are being
sponsored by various upper school advisements. These advisements will
raise the money for their specific element and then we will purchase the items
in Nicaragua to both help their economy while also ensuring playground upkeep
(as necessary repair parts will be available).
Where will we stay?
We will be staying in
the home of the Sisters of Notre Dame deNamur who are living in Matagalpa.
What about food?
A light breakfast can be
picked up at the cafe and art center. There is a yogurt and cheese factory as
well. Noon meal is provided and is the main meal of the day. We will have
evening meal together at Casa Materna where we will prepare our own food and
invite different guests to join us.
How
can we contact the Mission?
Address
APDO 162
Del centro Girasol 2.5 al sur.
Matagalpa Nicaragua
Phone Numbers
Office Phone #: 011-505-772-6030 (9 to 5 pm)
Volunteer Coordinator’s Home Phone #: 011-505-772-2391
Preparation Meetings (Parents are asked to attend
at least one preparation meeting):
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December 6 (Monday):
During Activity Period
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| January 6 (Thursday):
7:15AM-8:00AM |
| February 6 (Sunday):
10:30-12:00 |
| March 6 (Sunday):
10:30-12:00 |
| April 6 (Wednesday):
7:45AM |
| May 6 (Friday): Activity
Period |
| June 10 (Friday):
12:30-2:30 Final
Meeting |
What to bring
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travelers checks
(at least $50.00 no more than $200.00)
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passport/money
belt
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medications (in
original bottles with labels)
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mosquito net
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bedding - sheets (fitted and top) as well as blankets or sleeping bag
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pillow
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backpack
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clothing for working in the
tropics. Please no short shorts, low cut tops or tank tops.
Comfortable, but modest.
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personal hygiene products:
soap, shampoo, deodorant, towel, toothbrush, toothpaste, feminine products,
razor.
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bug spray
(Cutter's or Deep Woods Off) mosquito net (available at a discount store).
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spending money
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reading materials
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church clothes, dresses or
skirts for women, dress slacks for men.
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sunscreen,
sunglasses and hat. Please take this seriously!
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water bottle to refill each day
with purified water
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shoes-2 pairs, ones you can
walk well in and won't mind getting dirty.
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PASSPORT!
WHAT NOT TO BRING
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anything illegal
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anything you would not want to
lose
Dress
Code
SHORTS
Shorts may be worn while traveling
to and from your destination, work site, motel grounds and on beach day.
Exceptions may be made as special opportunities arise and it is determined by
leadership that shorts would be the proper attire Shorts must meet the host
countries standard, that is appropriate in length, modest in fit, no cut offs
and NO SHORT SHORTS!
T-SHIRTS/ TOPS
Please no tank-tops and nothing
that is sleeveless. Remember the heat. You need shirts that are loose fit and
modest. fact pack some of your older shirts and give them away before you leave.
HATS
Hats may be worn outside as
protection from the sun. Certain symbols/messages
are NOT acceptable. Ask if you are not sure. (Note: they
may be easily misplaced or lost).
SHOES
Comfortable walking shoes are vital. A spare pair is also recommended. No dress
shoes are needed. Tennis shoes are wonderful.
PACKING
DON'T over pack. You have one suitcase to pack all your belongings in and
one suitecase in which to pack supplies for our project. Each suitcase
MUST NOT weigh over 70 lbs. You will not need a different set of
clothing for each day. Also, it will be "HOT". Choose your clothes accordingly.
Lightweight cotton and wrinkle free will be your best choices. We suggest that
you pack a sweater or light jacket as the mountain areas can be cool in the
evenings.
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