2009 community projects
In 2009, the Sister Islands Association and communities on Ometepe collaborated on projects ranging from latrine repair to providing funding for musical instrument restoration and purchases at 36 island schools.
2000
With an office staff now firmly rooted in Altagracia, BOSIA projects and delegation proliferated: “Geek” delegations worked on bringing free e-mail to the office and local schools. Teenaged “Hep Cats” swung their partners to salsa and taught swing dance to
1999
With several delegations each year and increasingly more projects to keep track of, the Board decided to open an office on Ometepe. Dorita Gutierrez Traña was hired as office coordinator and she was aided in the logistics of getting set
1998
Inspired by the Sister Islands’ model of cooperation, Carlos Mairena of Balgue organized his community to collect donations for northern Nicaraguan victims of Hurricane Mitch. BOSIA supported Balgue’s efforts, supplying money for transportation while the community generously shared 2,300 pounds
1997
Expanding the focus beyond water systems, BOSIA supported Rosario Paisano’s workshops empowering Ometepe women through education about contraception, AIDS, domestic violence and other topics. New types of partnerships began to develop. For example, contractor Steve Deines led a small delegation
1996
Long-term volunteers chose to experience Ometepe in all her seasons and possibilities. Jim Starrs spent 7 months teaching English in Balgue’s high school. Jim insisted that his volunteering not deprive a Nicaraguan of a job. The community, in turn,