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.
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.
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 family covered the salary of sign language interpreter Claribel Gutierrez Ruiz. Dale Spoor, the chair of the Special Needs Committee, also invested considerable
On Dec. 17, a Zoom meeting was held to celebrate the graduation of five deaf students from the high school in Altagracia. Several members of the Special Needs Committee attending the meeting told the students how proud they were of their achievements and offered congratulations.
