In 1979, two dynamic women, Ellen Maurer of Verona, Wisconsin and Doña Angélica Pavón of Los Cedros, Nicaragua, had a vision. Rural Nicaraguan women were desperate for training to develop the skills that they would need to provide meaningful income
while remaining in their communities to care for their families. In 1981, Ellen and Doña Angélica secured resources from Wisconsin and volunteer trainers from Nicaragua to form a sewing center in rural Los Cedros, a small community outside of Managua.
Since then, the Sewing Centers have broadened their focus and transitioned into Learning Centers. The training offered now encompasses a wide range of vocational skills such as baking, carpentry, cosmetology, small business management, etc. Participants begin by acquiring the skills necessary to provide them with a sense of dignity, independence, and purpose. They are then afforded the opportunity to utilize a micro-lending program, enabling them to acquire the necessary equipment and supplies to initiate a small business of their own. By building upon the unique skills of the individual members of the community, the community is shaped and fortified, thereby generating further aptitudes and resources.
Thousands of Nicaraguans have thus been mentored through the establishment of the Learning Centers. With each center being coordinated by local women, they are able to cater to the individual needs of each learning center's community.
Learning Centers Mission
Each January, Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners of the Americas, Inc. hosts a Learning Centers Mission which allows Wisconsin volunteers the opportunity to travel to Nicaragua. Once there, citizens of both countries get to know each other, work to find solutions to common problems, and leverage international and local resources while providing technical training. An average of fifteen to twenty volunteers participate in the annual tour that features hands-on workshops. Translation is provided, although many find it unnecessary in the spontaneous "show and tell" environment.
If you have a commitment to service and cultural exchange, a desire to contribute, a willingness to learn, a taste for new adventure, and a need to share knowledge and expertise, then the Learning Centers Mission may be for you.
Supporting The Learning Centers
Donation ideas include:
- soldering kits, tools, and materials for small appliance repair;
- carpentry tools, supplies, and patterns;
- computer hardware and software;
- sewing machines, sergers, fabric, and sewing supplies;
- knitting, embroidery, quilting, and crocheting supplies;
- cake decorating tools;
- seeds appropriate for gardening in "tropical" Nicaragua;
- volunteer trainers in the identified areas;
- monetary donations.
All materials, supplies, and equipment donated to W/NP will enhance the quality of life for the recipients in Nicaragua, contribute to the educational improvement of community members, and support current W/NP activities.
