3A Blog — poverty

After a turbulent plane ride, collecting bags, and getting through customs we were finally on our way. Sunshine and humidity met us as we stepped outside into the city of Managua, Nicaragua. As we piled into the truck, we got our first sharp look at the poverty in Nicaragua. Shanty towns turned into lush mountainside as we continued our journey.  Our 4×4 truck climbed the mountain, crossed rivers, and avoided deep ruts as we drove to the co-op of Las Nubes near Matagalpa, Nicaragua. Friendly smiles and hugs filled the language barrier and greeted us as people gathered for a co-op meeting. Everyone huddled in the meeting...

Nicaragua is the largest country in the Central American Isthmus. It’s also the poorest country in Central America. Years of political instability and war created massive poverty. With a population of six million, the country is very diverse, with a multiethnic population including Africans, Europeans, Asians and native tribes from the Mosquito Coast. Though Spanish is the national language, many speak English or other indigenous languages. As a developing country, Nicaragua struggles with both political and economic issues and as a result deals with a high level of poverty and underemployment.We visited Nicaragua last summer to learn about the culture...

Meet the women of Las Nubes We recently returned from an amazing trip to Nicaragua where we met with a number of coffee farmers, toured co-ops, coffee mills, and began building some amazing relationships. The photo above is from the community of Las Nubes, in the mountains north of Matagalpa. This community has formed a small co-op of coffee farmers, run by the women you see in the photo. They produce some amazing coffee, and we’re excited to be bringing you a limited supply of coffee from small producers such as Las Nubes. We anticipate this coffee being available in...

Our latest post from guest author and Ugandan journalist, Sarah Tumwebaze, tells the story of the water crisis in Ndejje, Uganda. This story reminds us of the importance of follow-up on past well/borehole projects, as well as the severe need for borehole rehabilitation throughout Uganda. A bunch of children between the age of four and ten run down the steep path that leads to Nakatigi well. They are in a rush to get water and be on their way back home because it’s only an hour to lunch and they have to take the water in time for the preparation...

She is willing to face all kinds of hardships so that her sons can go to school Sarah Tumwebaze It’s a cold and wet morning. Most people are wearing jackets and covered shoes. As I walk towards the community hall at Wabigalo, hands in my jacket pockets, I see an elderly lady, she is dressed in a long maroon dress with cotton, netted shoes on her feet. I ask myself whether she is not feeling the biting coldness. But I just let it pass. When she sees me, she starts walking towards me and when she gets closer, she starts...