In 1999, a group of 15 people from several United Methodist Churches traveled to Nicaragua to help villagers repair some of the damage from Hurricane Mitch. We were overwhelmed with the needs of the people and felt we had to do something more. Thus, an NGO (Non-governmental organization) was established in Nicaragua called NIRDA (NIcaraguan Rural Development Agency).

Our main efforts are to facilitate education in the three isolated villages where we worked and got to know the people. Because the government does not provide for the last two years of high school in rural areas, we have taken on the responsibility of hiring two certified teachers and providing supplies and textbooks for students. We now have 53 graduates!

Though we have had representatives from the United States at each graduation, we would very much like to take teams down to work in the villages and experience Nicaragua. An essential ingredient is the on-going relationship that we have with the village people. These communities are very appreciative of any assistance. If you have any inclination for basic construction, water quality improvement, health care, or teaching handcrafts, academic subjects, Vacation Bible School, sewing, music or if you simply enjoy making new friends, you would be welcomed. It is not necessary (though helpful) to have knowledge of Spanish.

There are many other ways to help, as well.

1. Recycle aluminum, cell phones, or printer cartridges
(items may be dropped off at St. Paul's Church).

2. Help with other fund raisers through the year.

3. Help establish the organization as non-profit in the USA.

4. Make a monetary contributions (checks can be made out to NIRDA)

5. Pray for teachers, students and NIRDA leadership.

Contact the church office for more information.