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.
Auction a great success!
As we celebrate 35 years of friendship between our two islands, we thank supporters who contributed more than $17,000 to our virtual celebration, silent auction and fundraising appeal on May 13. Student board members, Dora Makosky and Keenaan Stratman played key roles, as did board members Robin Supplee, Carol Carley and Amanda Witt. Anthony Oddo was emcee .
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.
Congratulations, Graduates!
We are very excited to share the news that for the first time ever, five deaf students are graduating from high school thanks in part to help they received from the Sister Islands Association. A generous donation from a Bainbridge