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.
Want to join the 2024 student delegation to Ometepe? Apply now!
Students in grades 10-12 are invited to apply to join the 30th student delegation to Ometepe, Nicaragua June 26 – July 10, 2024. Immerse yourself in a Spanish-speaking culture while living with a host family. Contribute to Ometepe through a hands-on community project and build friendships with sister island residents.
To learn more and apply, please click here.
Congratulations, Francisco!
Francisco Antonio Hernández, who coordinates all of the Sister Islands Association's programs for the special needs community on Ometepe, is shown as he prepared to defended his master's thesis about the Sister Islands' work with the deaf community on Ometepe. He scored 90% — a reason to celebrate.
Girl Scouts sell Café Oro
Barbara Saur had the honor of being the first customer at the Bainbridge Farmer's market to buy Café Oro from Girl Scout Troop 44331. Selling coffee made more sense than selling Girl Scout cookies, the troop decided.