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Nicaragua Thrills – See for yourself!

  |   #girleffect, Art, Business, business development, community programs, Design, education, events, girls, healthcare, investor spotlight, Music, news, nicaragua, non-profit, nonprofit, nutrition, organization, partnership trip, Photography, public health, report from the field, socent, social enterprise, social entrepreneurship, social good, spark, spark ventures, travel, Uncategorized, women's empowerment

When people ask us about Spark Ventures’ business driven philanthropy model or the impact this model has on hundreds of children in Nicaragua and Zambia, we often find ourselves saying at some point in the conversation: “Come and see for yourself!” Last week we had such a trip. Our travelers wanted to see for themselves how a local community center in Leon, Nicaragua provides education, nutrition, and health care to children and how Spark is working hard to support this organization in a sustainable way. The people on our trip were none other than three board members of Spark, namely Kathleen, Kathy, and Nick. Nick’s wife Robbin and their daughters, Amanda and Dana, also made the journey to learn more about Spark’s work. Below is an impression of what they experienced firsthand and how they found out that Nicaragua thrills!

Kathleen and Rich admiring the view of Lake Managua and several Volcanoes in the distance

Kathleen and Rich admiring the view of Lake Managua and several Volcanoes in the distance

A warm welcome at Las Tias for Rich and our other travelers

A warm welcome at Las Tias for Rich and our other travelers

What’s a warm welcome without a traditional dance?

English class, Amanda handing out a few worksheets

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A portrait of Amanda, one of our travelers

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Nick and Amanda greeting the children

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Robbin preparing origami sheets for the children

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Nick participating in a game of Twister; provided by Kathy

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Lunchtime, but not before everyone has washed their hands. Kathy helping out

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A hearty lunch

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After lunch all kids wash their own plates and cups

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Toothbrushes and toothpaste lie ready for the kids to brush their teeth after lunch

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Lunchtime for our travelers at Las Tias, from left to right: Kathy, Lucy, Robbin, Nick and Dana

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After a rewarding day, dinner at the beach

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Sunset on the Pacific Ocean

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Dinner with the staff of Las Tias and the trip participants

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Selfie time!

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Rainbow Loom for the children, provided by Kathy

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Two new Rainbow Loom bracelets for Eugenia, provided by Kathy

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Dana with one of her new friends

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Farewell hugs for Nick, Amanda and all our travelers

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Catedral de Ascención in Leon, Nicaragua; the second largest cathedral in Central America

Group photo on top of the cathedral

Group photo on top of the cathedral

 

Interested in traveling with Spark this year? Check out our upcoming trips!