Projects
The following list of projects are organized by our three main goals, Maternal and Infant Health, Teenage Pregnancy Prevention, and HIV/AIDS Prevention. We have also included a Other category to highlight projects that do not fit into these three goals.
Projects are noted as completed or currently in progress. Some of these projects require hours of planning and are recurrent on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, while others may be one-time events.
Projects are noted as completed or currently in progress. Some of these projects require hours of planning and are recurrent on a daily, weekly or monthly basis, while others may be one-time events.
MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH |
Curriculum for Teaching Women in the Maternity Houses
Completed
May 2015-June 2015
Collaborators:
Casa de la Mujer, Casa Materna, Casa Materna Maurita, and MINSA
Objectives:
Create a basic curriculum for local midwives to use in giving daily non-formal education trainings to the pregnant women, and those recently post-partum in the maternity houses.
Description:
Currently of the three maternity houses in our community, they each have drastically varying levels of interaction with the pregnant women residing at their facility. Most often the women have very little entertainment or activities while residing during their last 1-3 weeks of pregnancy, or initial days of post-partum at the maternity houses. During this time, a midwife resides at each of the facilities to help with the basic needs of the women. Curriculum was developed for the midwives to follow at each of the maternity houses to engage and provide basic health education to the pregnant women and those who recently gave birth residing at their facility. One significant factor influencing the creation of such a curriculum is that several of the midwives and many of the women are illiterate and therefore can only perform trainings with mostly pictographic or hands-on materials. Curriculum is based on pictographic educational flip charts provided by the Ministry of Health (MINSA).
Completed
May 2015-June 2015
Collaborators:
Casa de la Mujer, Casa Materna, Casa Materna Maurita, and MINSA
Objectives:
Create a basic curriculum for local midwives to use in giving daily non-formal education trainings to the pregnant women, and those recently post-partum in the maternity houses.
Description:
Currently of the three maternity houses in our community, they each have drastically varying levels of interaction with the pregnant women residing at their facility. Most often the women have very little entertainment or activities while residing during their last 1-3 weeks of pregnancy, or initial days of post-partum at the maternity houses. During this time, a midwife resides at each of the facilities to help with the basic needs of the women. Curriculum was developed for the midwives to follow at each of the maternity houses to engage and provide basic health education to the pregnant women and those who recently gave birth residing at their facility. One significant factor influencing the creation of such a curriculum is that several of the midwives and many of the women are illiterate and therefore can only perform trainings with mostly pictographic or hands-on materials. Curriculum is based on pictographic educational flip charts provided by the Ministry of Health (MINSA).
Midwife/Health Promoter Training
Completed
May 2014-November 2015
Collaborators:
Nicaraguan Ministry of Health (MINSA), Casa de la Mujer, Casa Materna, Casa Materna Maurita
Objectives:
Train midwives in the urban and rural communities to be better equipped for managing the health care needs of their community.
Description:
Divided into small training groups, more than 180 midwives/health promoters in the community participated in five training sessions, 1-3 days each learning about the basic right of a baby, warning signs in the mother during pregnancy, birth, and post partum periods, warning signs in the recently born child, general nutrition, breastfeeding, and family planning. Upon completion of the five training session, midwives/health promoters receive a permit from the Ministry of Health which allows them to be present for the birth of children at the hospital upon request of the mother. This practice ensures the safety of both mother and child during the birthing process, while also respecting local traditions.
Completed
May 2014-November 2015
Collaborators:
Nicaraguan Ministry of Health (MINSA), Casa de la Mujer, Casa Materna, Casa Materna Maurita
Objectives:
Train midwives in the urban and rural communities to be better equipped for managing the health care needs of their community.
Description:
Divided into small training groups, more than 180 midwives/health promoters in the community participated in five training sessions, 1-3 days each learning about the basic right of a baby, warning signs in the mother during pregnancy, birth, and post partum periods, warning signs in the recently born child, general nutrition, breastfeeding, and family planning. Upon completion of the five training session, midwives/health promoters receive a permit from the Ministry of Health which allows them to be present for the birth of children at the hospital upon request of the mother. This practice ensures the safety of both mother and child during the birthing process, while also respecting local traditions.
Training Midwives to give Educational Sessions to Pregnant Women
Completed
June 2015-September 2015
Collaborators:
MINSA, Casa de la Mujer, Casa Materna, Casa Materna Maurita
Objectives:
To further equip trained midwives to replicate information learned to pregnant women staying in the maternity houses.
Description:
Midwives assigned to each maternity house were further trained on an individual basis to conduct short, daily educational sessions with pregnant women at the maternity houses. We developed a monthly training guide that states the topic for the day and which training graphic to use for the session. For example, on the 16th of every month the midwives teach a short session on the criteria for exclusive breastfeeding, which is found on page five of the flipchart. The midwives submit the report of all the trainings they conducted during their oversight at the maternity home at the end of their shift, usually a two-week period. This activity has truly been a success! The midwives are able to share the knowledge they learned and stay sharp on important topics; the expectant mothers learn about pertinent topics to pregnancy and infant care, engage in stimulating discussions and have found a better use of their free time; lastly the Ministry of Health can demonstrate the success of training midwives through the reports they submit. On a daily basis, roughly 30 pregnant women in my community receive these trainings and engage in conversations about their health and that of their children. These sessions are led by a trained community member who has also gained the trust of these expectant mothers, making the messages taught that much more well received.
Completed
June 2015-September 2015
Collaborators:
MINSA, Casa de la Mujer, Casa Materna, Casa Materna Maurita
Objectives:
To further equip trained midwives to replicate information learned to pregnant women staying in the maternity houses.
Description:
Midwives assigned to each maternity house were further trained on an individual basis to conduct short, daily educational sessions with pregnant women at the maternity houses. We developed a monthly training guide that states the topic for the day and which training graphic to use for the session. For example, on the 16th of every month the midwives teach a short session on the criteria for exclusive breastfeeding, which is found on page five of the flipchart. The midwives submit the report of all the trainings they conducted during their oversight at the maternity home at the end of their shift, usually a two-week period. This activity has truly been a success! The midwives are able to share the knowledge they learned and stay sharp on important topics; the expectant mothers learn about pertinent topics to pregnancy and infant care, engage in stimulating discussions and have found a better use of their free time; lastly the Ministry of Health can demonstrate the success of training midwives through the reports they submit. On a daily basis, roughly 30 pregnant women in my community receive these trainings and engage in conversations about their health and that of their children. These sessions are led by a trained community member who has also gained the trust of these expectant mothers, making the messages taught that much more well received.
Midwife Literacy Course
Completed
September 2014-November 2014
Collaborators:
Casa Materna
Objectives:
Strengthen the literacy ability of existing rural midwives who demonstrate a low literacy level.
Description:
A two month class consisting of weekly 2 hour sessions. Each week 4-5 letters in the alphabet are covered utilizing Spanish literacy materials. At the end of the class, each participant received a certificate of completion. A pre/post test was used to determine progress.
Completed
September 2014-November 2014
Collaborators:
Casa Materna
Objectives:
Strengthen the literacy ability of existing rural midwives who demonstrate a low literacy level.
Description:
A two month class consisting of weekly 2 hour sessions. Each week 4-5 letters in the alphabet are covered utilizing Spanish literacy materials. At the end of the class, each participant received a certificate of completion. A pre/post test was used to determine progress.
Comprehensive Nutritional Project at Maternity House
Completed
April 2015-October 2015
Collaborators:
Casa Materna, MINSA
Objectives:
To increase nutritional access and education of staff and pregnant women at maternity house.
Description:
Through a Small Projects Assistance (SPA) grant, we were able to strengthen the maternity house with an improved stove and oven, a nutritional mural, a renovated laundry area, and a garden. With the support of nine Volunteers and three women from the maternity home, the first improved stove in Nueva Guinea was built in a day and half! Volunteers from all sectors assisted with the construction of this oven. The women at the maternity home have been observed using the stove on a daily basis to cook countless tortillas, never ending beans, veggies to accompany their meals, and occasionally meat. A group of seven constructed the oven in a day. The staff at the maternity home has made pizzas, breads, and other pastries in the oven. The improved stove and oven have increased their productivity, decreased their use of firewood, reduced environmental impact, and improved their overall health. Along with the stove and oven, we also painted a large nutritional mural in the main gathering room at the maternity home. The mural emphasizes the need to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into the daily diet. The trained midwives use the mural as an educational resource to teach the pregnant women. We also constructed a new and improved covered laundry area for the pregnant women, making it easier to dry their clothes during the rainy days. Lastly, a large vegetable and herb garden was built on the premises. The produce is used for home remedies, as well as to increase the nutrition of the pregnant women.
Completed
April 2015-October 2015
Collaborators:
Casa Materna, MINSA
Objectives:
To increase nutritional access and education of staff and pregnant women at maternity house.
Description:
Through a Small Projects Assistance (SPA) grant, we were able to strengthen the maternity house with an improved stove and oven, a nutritional mural, a renovated laundry area, and a garden. With the support of nine Volunteers and three women from the maternity home, the first improved stove in Nueva Guinea was built in a day and half! Volunteers from all sectors assisted with the construction of this oven. The women at the maternity home have been observed using the stove on a daily basis to cook countless tortillas, never ending beans, veggies to accompany their meals, and occasionally meat. A group of seven constructed the oven in a day. The staff at the maternity home has made pizzas, breads, and other pastries in the oven. The improved stove and oven have increased their productivity, decreased their use of firewood, reduced environmental impact, and improved their overall health. Along with the stove and oven, we also painted a large nutritional mural in the main gathering room at the maternity home. The mural emphasizes the need to incorporate more fruits and vegetables into the daily diet. The trained midwives use the mural as an educational resource to teach the pregnant women. We also constructed a new and improved covered laundry area for the pregnant women, making it easier to dry their clothes during the rainy days. Lastly, a large vegetable and herb garden was built on the premises. The produce is used for home remedies, as well as to increase the nutrition of the pregnant women.
TEENAGE PREGNANCY PREVENTION
Condom Campaign
Ongoing
Collaborators:
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education
Objectives:
To increase access of free condoms to youth.
Description:
Youth are provided with access to free condoms through one nurse at the hospital. Youth often find it difficult to access these condoms. For instance, the nurse is not present or she happens to be their aunt or their moms friend. With the support of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, it was agreed to make condoms available at high schools and other various youth friendly locations. A slogan and logo were developed with input from youth leaders, school counselors were trained, a MOU was written up, and youth were informed of the available condoms.
Ongoing
Collaborators:
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education
Objectives:
To increase access of free condoms to youth.
Description:
Youth are provided with access to free condoms through one nurse at the hospital. Youth often find it difficult to access these condoms. For instance, the nurse is not present or she happens to be their aunt or their moms friend. With the support of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, it was agreed to make condoms available at high schools and other various youth friendly locations. A slogan and logo were developed with input from youth leaders, school counselors were trained, a MOU was written up, and youth were informed of the available condoms.
Yoga Self-Esteem Class
Completed
September 2014-November 2014
Collaborators:
Casa Municipal de los Adolecentes y Jovenes (CAMAJ)
Objectives:
Improve self-esteem in female youth in order to enable a better decision-making ability.
Description:
One month class, consisting of four sessions, with a maximum of five female youth participants per class. Each session consisted of a 30-minute beginner/gentle yoga practice, followed by a 30 minute self esteem based activity. At the end of the four sessions, one of the female youth was chosen to co-facilitate the following month class with five new female youth.
Completed
September 2014-November 2014
Collaborators:
Casa Municipal de los Adolecentes y Jovenes (CAMAJ)
Objectives:
Improve self-esteem in female youth in order to enable a better decision-making ability.
Description:
One month class, consisting of four sessions, with a maximum of five female youth participants per class. Each session consisted of a 30-minute beginner/gentle yoga practice, followed by a 30 minute self esteem based activity. At the end of the four sessions, one of the female youth was chosen to co-facilitate the following month class with five new female youth.
Radio RAAS Live Weekly Health Radio Show
Completed
September 2014-October 2014
Collaborators:
AJIP, Radio RAAS 96.9FM
Objectives:
Teach a large population of mostly rural youth through media on pertinent health issues.
Description:
Weekly radio show discussing pertinent health topics such as the state of teenage pregnancy in youth, contraceptive methods: their efficacy and myths, the correlation between teenage pregnancy and widespread community poverty.
Completed
September 2014-October 2014
Collaborators:
AJIP, Radio RAAS 96.9FM
Objectives:
Teach a large population of mostly rural youth through media on pertinent health issues.
Description:
Weekly radio show discussing pertinent health topics such as the state of teenage pregnancy in youth, contraceptive methods: their efficacy and myths, the correlation between teenage pregnancy and widespread community poverty.
Youth Leadership Training
Completed
September 2014-December 2014
Collaborators:
Casa de la Mujer
Objectives:
Train youth leaders in six communities in our municipality.
Educate and equip youth leaders regarding methods of being an effective educator and facilitator of non-formal education trainings in their own community.
Description:
Youth of six different communities gatherd together on a monthly basis for a total of four six-hour trainings. Participants are youth who have desire to be effective leaders within their communities. Topics addressed in the coursework includes: communication, leaderships styles, public speaking, effective group facilitation, contraceptive methods, HIV/AIDS prevention, and self esteem/decision making. Youth replicated health workshops to their peers in their respective rural communities.
Completed
September 2014-December 2014
Collaborators:
Casa de la Mujer
Objectives:
Train youth leaders in six communities in our municipality.
Educate and equip youth leaders regarding methods of being an effective educator and facilitator of non-formal education trainings in their own community.
Description:
Youth of six different communities gatherd together on a monthly basis for a total of four six-hour trainings. Participants are youth who have desire to be effective leaders within their communities. Topics addressed in the coursework includes: communication, leaderships styles, public speaking, effective group facilitation, contraceptive methods, HIV/AIDS prevention, and self esteem/decision making. Youth replicated health workshops to their peers in their respective rural communities.
Health Promoter Class
Completed
September 2014-December 2014
Collaborators:
Casa Municipal de los Adolecentes y Jovenes (CAMAJ)
Objectives:
Train youth in being peer health educators.
Train youth to facilitate basic health trainings within school settings.
Description:
Youth from our city gathered together for a 1½ hour class once a week for three months to be trained on various health topics pertinent to their health as well as leadership skills. Key topics included sexual health, teenage pregnancy, healthy lifestyles, decision making, and how to develop a lesson plan using non formal education techniques. Youth replicated health topics in respective high schools.
Completed
September 2014-December 2014
Collaborators:
Casa Municipal de los Adolecentes y Jovenes (CAMAJ)
Objectives:
Train youth in being peer health educators.
Train youth to facilitate basic health trainings within school settings.
Description:
Youth from our city gathered together for a 1½ hour class once a week for three months to be trained on various health topics pertinent to their health as well as leadership skills. Key topics included sexual health, teenage pregnancy, healthy lifestyles, decision making, and how to develop a lesson plan using non formal education techniques. Youth replicated health topics in respective high schools.
Youth Drawing Class
Completed
October 2014-November 2014
Collaborators:
Casa Municipal de los Adolecentes y Jovenes (CAMAJ)
Objectives:
Teach youth boys general drawing skills.
Teach youth boys to use drawing as a means of healthy expression.
Utilize general drawing topics to explore self-examination of personal values and beliefs.
Description:
Weekly course designed to couple technical drawing skills with training individuals to explore the use of art as a means of health expression and their values of mutual respect. Each week emphasized a technical drawing skill with an in class assignment, followed by a homework assignment that explored means of healthy expression and introspection.
Completed
October 2014-November 2014
Collaborators:
Casa Municipal de los Adolecentes y Jovenes (CAMAJ)
Objectives:
Teach youth boys general drawing skills.
Teach youth boys to use drawing as a means of healthy expression.
Utilize general drawing topics to explore self-examination of personal values and beliefs.
Description:
Weekly course designed to couple technical drawing skills with training individuals to explore the use of art as a means of health expression and their values of mutual respect. Each week emphasized a technical drawing skill with an in class assignment, followed by a homework assignment that explored means of healthy expression and introspection.
Rural Community Education
Completed
January-August 2015
Collaborators:
MINSA, Casa de la Mujer
Objectives:
Educate youth and community health volunteers in the rural communities that may not have regular access to health education.
Description:
The Ministry of Health and Casa de la Mujer visit rural communities in the health pots and high schools to train the youth and adult leaders of that community on general health topics. Topics include sexually transmitted diseases, HIV prevention, teenage pregnancy prevention, nutrition, chronic illnesses, and danger signs in a newborn.
Completed
January-August 2015
Collaborators:
MINSA, Casa de la Mujer
Objectives:
Educate youth and community health volunteers in the rural communities that may not have regular access to health education.
Description:
The Ministry of Health and Casa de la Mujer visit rural communities in the health pots and high schools to train the youth and adult leaders of that community on general health topics. Topics include sexually transmitted diseases, HIV prevention, teenage pregnancy prevention, nutrition, chronic illnesses, and danger signs in a newborn.
Health Education in Public High Schools
In Progress
Ongoing
Collaborators:
MINSA, Instituto Ruben Diario, Colegio Salinas, CAMAJ
Objectives:
Educate youth in high schools regarding pertinent health topics in order to encourage healthy lifestyles.
Description:
Grouped as a single project, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health (MINSA) regularly provides health education in the high schools to the youth. While staffing makes this a difficult goal to achieve, in collaboration with MINSA we are able to perform basic health classes in various second through fifth year high school classrooms. To further the level of rapport with the students and reinforce the education learned in our Youth Health Promoter class, we additionally partner with the health promoters to co-facilitate the courses. This further adds an element of peer educators, sustainability, and behavior change in the community.
In Progress
Ongoing
Collaborators:
MINSA, Instituto Ruben Diario, Colegio Salinas, CAMAJ
Objectives:
Educate youth in high schools regarding pertinent health topics in order to encourage healthy lifestyles.
Description:
Grouped as a single project, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health (MINSA) regularly provides health education in the high schools to the youth. While staffing makes this a difficult goal to achieve, in collaboration with MINSA we are able to perform basic health classes in various second through fifth year high school classrooms. To further the level of rapport with the students and reinforce the education learned in our Youth Health Promoter class, we additionally partner with the health promoters to co-facilitate the courses. This further adds an element of peer educators, sustainability, and behavior change in the community.
HIV/AIDS PREVENTION |
|
HIV/AIDS Professional Training
Completed
March 2015
Collaborators:
Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health
Objectives:
Educate high school counselors and principles in HIV prevention to equip them to carry out the lesson plans in a classroom setting.
Description:
In coordination with the Ministry of Education Caressa planned and oversaw a two day conference on HIV funded by the Presidents Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). A total of 80 secondary teachers, school counselors, and directors from Nueva Guinea, Muelle de los Bueyes, and Rama participated in a two-day conference on HIV training for the school setting. Four PCV’s co facilitated the following sessions with national counterparts in groups of 20 participants: modern contraceptive methods, effective communication, self-care, HIV Prevention, teaching parents, non-formal education techniques, condom use and negotiation, and stigma and discrimination. The teachers were then observed applying the information and educational techniques in the classroom setting.
Completed
March 2015
Collaborators:
Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health
Objectives:
Educate high school counselors and principles in HIV prevention to equip them to carry out the lesson plans in a classroom setting.
Description:
In coordination with the Ministry of Education Caressa planned and oversaw a two day conference on HIV funded by the Presidents Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). A total of 80 secondary teachers, school counselors, and directors from Nueva Guinea, Muelle de los Bueyes, and Rama participated in a two-day conference on HIV training for the school setting. Four PCV’s co facilitated the following sessions with national counterparts in groups of 20 participants: modern contraceptive methods, effective communication, self-care, HIV Prevention, teaching parents, non-formal education techniques, condom use and negotiation, and stigma and discrimination. The teachers were then observed applying the information and educational techniques in the classroom setting.
Condom Campaign
Ongoing
Collaborators:
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education
Objectives:
To increase access of free condoms to youth.
Description:
Youth are provided with access to free condoms through one nurse at the hospital. Youth often find it difficult to access these condoms. For instance, the nurse is not present or she happens to be their aunt or their moms friend. With the support of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, it was agreed to make condoms available at high schools and other various youth friendly locations. A slogan and logo were developed with input from youth leaders, school counselors were trained, a MOU was written up, and youth were informed of the available condoms.
Ongoing
Collaborators:
Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education
Objectives:
To increase access of free condoms to youth.
Description:
Youth are provided with access to free condoms through one nurse at the hospital. Youth often find it difficult to access these condoms. For instance, the nurse is not present or she happens to be their aunt or their moms friend. With the support of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education, it was agreed to make condoms available at high schools and other various youth friendly locations. A slogan and logo were developed with input from youth leaders, school counselors were trained, a MOU was written up, and youth were informed of the available condoms.
World AIDS Day
Completed
November-December 1, 2014 and November-December 1, 2015
Collaborators:
MINSA
Objectives:
To increase the knowledge of HIV prevention and decrease HIV stigma and discrimination through the commemoration of World AIDS day.
Description:
Leading up to December 1st, we conducted various HIV/AIDS trainings to community health promoters at the health posts in several rural and urban health posts throughout the month of November.
December 1st was commemorated through a fair event. The fair consisted of marches, information murals, short informational talks, condom demonstrations, competitions, and HIV rapid tests with pre/post counseling.
Completed
November-December 1, 2014 and November-December 1, 2015
Collaborators:
MINSA
Objectives:
To increase the knowledge of HIV prevention and decrease HIV stigma and discrimination through the commemoration of World AIDS day.
Description:
Leading up to December 1st, we conducted various HIV/AIDS trainings to community health promoters at the health posts in several rural and urban health posts throughout the month of November.
December 1st was commemorated through a fair event. The fair consisted of marches, information murals, short informational talks, condom demonstrations, competitions, and HIV rapid tests with pre/post counseling.
HIV Task Force, Chair
Ongoing
December 2014-Present
As Chair and National Projects Coordinator of the HIV/AIDS Task Force Caressa manages and delegates Task Force committee members roles and responsibilities, oversees the planning, management, and implementation of four PEPFAR funded National Projects, collaborates with Health Sector staff to generate VAST funded projects, develops training resources, and provides HIV/AIDS trainings to all volunteer sectors during Pre Service Training and In Service Trainings.
Ongoing
December 2014-Present
As Chair and National Projects Coordinator of the HIV/AIDS Task Force Caressa manages and delegates Task Force committee members roles and responsibilities, oversees the planning, management, and implementation of four PEPFAR funded National Projects, collaborates with Health Sector staff to generate VAST funded projects, develops training resources, and provides HIV/AIDS trainings to all volunteer sectors during Pre Service Training and In Service Trainings.
OTHER
Gender and Development (GAD), Co-Chair
Ongoing
December 2014-Present
One of two chairs of the Peace Corps Nicaragua’s Gender and Development committee, Tim has sought to incorporate the youth boy’s gender equality camp for sustainability purposes to be overseen by this committee. Additionally, he facilitated the process of the committee’s development of their vision and mission statements, things that did not previously exist. Now, the committee manages three national camps, provides gender equality specific trainings to incoming trainees, and facilitates and develops materials for use of all the Nicaraguan PCVs.
Ongoing
December 2014-Present
One of two chairs of the Peace Corps Nicaragua’s Gender and Development committee, Tim has sought to incorporate the youth boy’s gender equality camp for sustainability purposes to be overseen by this committee. Additionally, he facilitated the process of the committee’s development of their vision and mission statements, things that did not previously exist. Now, the committee manages three national camps, provides gender equality specific trainings to incoming trainees, and facilitates and develops materials for use of all the Nicaraguan PCVs.
Vocational/University Fairs
Completed
June 2015-October 2015
Collaborators:
Ministry of Education and six major universities
Objectives:
To strengthen the ability of high school students in making decisions for their future.
Description:
Caressa collaborated with the Ministry of Education upon their request to plan and host three sequential career fairs for 170 high school students. First fair addressed goal setting, personal values, and decision-making. The second fair covered interview skills, aptitude test, and a professional panel. The third and final fair was a university fair, where six universities presented their admission requirements, process, and available degrees to over 170 high school students.
Completed
June 2015-October 2015
Collaborators:
Ministry of Education and six major universities
Objectives:
To strengthen the ability of high school students in making decisions for their future.
Description:
Caressa collaborated with the Ministry of Education upon their request to plan and host three sequential career fairs for 170 high school students. First fair addressed goal setting, personal values, and decision-making. The second fair covered interview skills, aptitude test, and a professional panel. The third and final fair was a university fair, where six universities presented their admission requirements, process, and available degrees to over 170 high school students.
Community Surveying
Completed
June-July 2014
Conducted 100 random community surveys regarding HIV/AIDS knowledge and domestic violence. In preparation for the survey, we interviewed 10 community leaders on a broad array of topics. We created the survey questions based on the information gathered through the interviews. The survey process had several functions; community integration, establishment of our role as Peace Corps Volunteers, and gained knowledge on community health topics. Information gathered from the surveys was presented to MINSA counterparts and used to guide initial projects.
Completed
June-July 2014
Conducted 100 random community surveys regarding HIV/AIDS knowledge and domestic violence. In preparation for the survey, we interviewed 10 community leaders on a broad array of topics. We created the survey questions based on the information gathered through the interviews. The survey process had several functions; community integration, establishment of our role as Peace Corps Volunteers, and gained knowledge on community health topics. Information gathered from the surveys was presented to MINSA counterparts and used to guide initial projects.
Youth Camps
Ongoing
Both Tim and Caressa have participated in several youth camps, fulfilling various roles from overall planner/grant writer, camp director, counselor, and session facilitators.
Tim and Caressa had the privilege to plan the first boys gender equality camp in Nicaragua. Now considered in the genre of Peace Corps “BRO” camps, this camp uses an adapted Evidenced Based Practice curriculum, Promundo’s Program M, to educate youth boys on key subjects for gender equality. These include, gender and sex, sexuality, fatherhood, problem resolution, positive means of communication, and violence. The first event hosted 45 youth attendees with seven national counterparts and seven Peace Corps Volunteers facilitating the event, and second event is being actively planned and will likely happen in March of 2016.
Ongoing
Both Tim and Caressa have participated in several youth camps, fulfilling various roles from overall planner/grant writer, camp director, counselor, and session facilitators.
Tim and Caressa had the privilege to plan the first boys gender equality camp in Nicaragua. Now considered in the genre of Peace Corps “BRO” camps, this camp uses an adapted Evidenced Based Practice curriculum, Promundo’s Program M, to educate youth boys on key subjects for gender equality. These include, gender and sex, sexuality, fatherhood, problem resolution, positive means of communication, and violence. The first event hosted 45 youth attendees with seven national counterparts and seven Peace Corps Volunteers facilitating the event, and second event is being actively planned and will likely happen in March of 2016.
Development of digital graphic materials and logos to be used by NGOs, Nicaraguan Ministry of Health, Peace Corps staff, and other PCVs
Observing the consistent need that a limiting element for health volunteers and national health promoters is the lack of quality visual materials, the development of Nicaraguan culturally sensitive quality graphic materials has been created and used by many current and future Peace Corps and Nicaraguan health promoter volunteers. These have been developed into a coloring book format, allowing for a diverse use varying from pregnant women in the maternity houses, to Peace Corps volunteers coloring, cutting out, and laminating drawings for their training use. Additionally, the graphic design skill has been used to help develop more than 5 logo identities for various Peace Corps functions and committees.
Observing the consistent need that a limiting element for health volunteers and national health promoters is the lack of quality visual materials, the development of Nicaraguan culturally sensitive quality graphic materials has been created and used by many current and future Peace Corps and Nicaraguan health promoter volunteers. These have been developed into a coloring book format, allowing for a diverse use varying from pregnant women in the maternity houses, to Peace Corps volunteers coloring, cutting out, and laminating drawings for their training use. Additionally, the graphic design skill has been used to help develop more than 5 logo identities for various Peace Corps functions and committees.
Practicum Week Organizer and Host
Completed
April 2015
During the three initial months of training, Peace Corps Trainees are required to participate in a week long training in a current Volunteers site. For Health Trainees this consists of giving educational workshops in a variety of settings on a variety of topics. We had the honor of being asked to host a group of seven Trainees for this week long training. Organizing this event entailed extensive collaboration with local counterparts, as well as oversight of all logistical planning. During the intense training, the seven Trainees gave a total of 30 educational sessions on basic nutrition, contraceptive methods, and HIV prevention in hospitals, health posts, high schools, maternity houses, community center, and a pool hall.
Completed
April 2015
During the three initial months of training, Peace Corps Trainees are required to participate in a week long training in a current Volunteers site. For Health Trainees this consists of giving educational workshops in a variety of settings on a variety of topics. We had the honor of being asked to host a group of seven Trainees for this week long training. Organizing this event entailed extensive collaboration with local counterparts, as well as oversight of all logistical planning. During the intense training, the seven Trainees gave a total of 30 educational sessions on basic nutrition, contraceptive methods, and HIV prevention in hospitals, health posts, high schools, maternity houses, community center, and a pool hall.
Training to Health Sector Peace Corps Trainees
Completed
March-May 2015
Supported Health Sector staff by providing formal training to Peace Corps Trainees.
Completed
March-May 2015
Supported Health Sector staff by providing formal training to Peace Corps Trainees.
English Conference
Completed
November 2014
Were asked to support the second annual English Teachers Conference of the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast by teaching English teachers and university English students on modern contraceptive methods.
Completed
November 2014
Were asked to support the second annual English Teachers Conference of the Nicaraguan Caribbean Coast by teaching English teachers and university English students on modern contraceptive methods.
Community Mapping
Completed
May 2014-August 2014
Collaborators:
Local Business Owners, Local Community Leaders
Objectives:
Provide basic web-based mapping of the community for general use online.
Learn the basic geographic layout and offerings of local businesses and tourism in the area.
Description:
In our site, there was previously no publicly accessible map of the community online. This project incorporated placing an accurate map of the community online allowing for locals to further update and change their map as desired. Further, to integrate into the community, the process of the map was a great opportunity to meet local business owners and what their business offers to the community. and local leaders and the key important features they value for their community map.
Completed
May 2014-August 2014
Collaborators:
Local Business Owners, Local Community Leaders
Objectives:
Provide basic web-based mapping of the community for general use online.
Learn the basic geographic layout and offerings of local businesses and tourism in the area.
Description:
In our site, there was previously no publicly accessible map of the community online. This project incorporated placing an accurate map of the community online allowing for locals to further update and change their map as desired. Further, to integrate into the community, the process of the map was a great opportunity to meet local business owners and what their business offers to the community. and local leaders and the key important features they value for their community map.