The Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Islands Association builds bridges of friendship between Bainbridge Island in Washington State and Ometepe, Nicaragua
For more than 30 years, we have constructed schools and water systems together, learned each others’ languages and customs, and been welcomed into each others’ homes.
Much has changed since 1986, when Kim Esterberg first set foot on Ometepe in search of a sister island and Moyogalpa Mayor Diego Martinez told Kim that what Ometepe needed most was respect. What has not changed is the vision of a long-term, sustainable relationship—a mutually beneficial partnership of equals. This mutuality of respect is what we hold true to as we continue on into our second quarter-century.
Join us on October 15th!
The 2021 annual meeting, via Zoom
Even though we missed the usual hugs, catching up with amigos and shared meals, the second online BOSIA Annual Meeting , on Nov. 9, was a success. We heard reports from all of the committees, including the Library Committee, Projects Committee and Scholarship Committee. Things are still a little slower than normal due to the unusual year, but we are still working to foster friendships and connections between our two islands.
Adios to Amigos of Si a la Vida
Political instability in Nicaragua, combined with Covid difficulties and travel restrictions, led to the emotionally difficult yet rational decision to close the last international funding source for the Si a la Vida program, which began as a program to help homeless boys in Nicaragua and had close ties to the Sister Islands Association.