 Nicaragua Project Wintrhop University.
Project Summer - 2008
The Rocha Project began in 2007, when a small group of Winthrop University faculty and students went to Quirraguas mountains of Nicaragua to help with an archeological dig through the Costa Rican Nonprofit, Reto Juvenil International
The project was to help with an archaeological excavation in the rural area of the Quirraguas Mountains of Nicaragua. This area is home to the Rocha community, a war-torn community of about 300 people. The group discovered that the needs were great in this area of the country, for example it lacked electricity and paved roads and the children did not have access to schooling. The group responded to the local people who told them about needing a school with an offer to build a two-room school building.
New partnerships were formed between Winthrop faculty, Reto Juvenil Internacional (Costa Rican non-profit), ANIDES (Nicaraguan non-profit) and the major of Rocha. Locally, a plan was discussed to broaden access to education, assess nutritional needs, and develop eco-tourism through the establishment of a rural archeological museum. At Winthrop, a course was developed to connect this experience to recent Nicaraguan history, understanding how today’s local communities are impacted by the civil war of the late 1900s.
Since the initial project, additional projects/coursework have been developed in Rocha to improve sanitation practices, diversify food production and consumption, and assist with an archaeological dig. A needs-assessment for the community, through the Winthrop University Department of Social Work, will be conducted this year. Groups of students will be able to participate in the projects for three to five consecutive years as part of a history/ service- learning course. With permission from the Nutrition Department, undergraduate and graduate nutrition students will educate the Rocha population on agricultural diversification and nutrition.
These projects will help the community of Rocha create a more sustainable community as well as enrich the cultural exchange between students from the United States and citizens of Nicaragua.
 The Winthrop School:
The "Winthrop School" is complete and families in the community of Rocha are preparing to send their children to school this year! The school was funded by generous donors and built by the Rocha community. A dedication ceremony took place in May of 2008. Community members surprised staff and students by naming the school "The Winthrop School". Winthrop students and faculty, Reto, ANIDES,
community members and the Winthrop School teacher attended the celebration. Thanks to everyone who contributed to this very special school!
Summer 2008
8 students participated in the May 2008 summer service learning course in Nicaragua. Service learning projects included an archaeological excavation, nutrition education and research, and a dental clinic. Rocha members received free dental care, including cleanings and tooth extractions. The need for additional dental care is great.
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