After many years of work, coffee grown on Ometepe is now recognized as a distinct type because of the environment where it is grown. The "denomination of origin" — similar to the way wine and cheese marketing is restricted to specific geographic areas — is intended to boost marketing efforts.
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.
Alexa Sinclair will be the Sister Islands Association's new Volunteer Office Assistant on Ometepe beginning in December.
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.
When the Sister Islands’ staff on Ometepe visited Bainbridge in December, one of the highlights was a warm reconnection of old friends: Keith and Jane Wentworth and Karla Varela.
Dora, Karla, and Santiago arrived on Bainbridge to cold temperatures and occasionally down pouring rain but a very warm welcome. As the following photos demonstrate, they had a full and joyous two weeks doing the business of BOSIA committees and participating in Bainbridge holiday traditions. Scroll down to read Dora's reflections on the trip. MayonrKol Medina, with Barbara Saur, gives delegates an
If you live on Bainbridge Island, you should have received a red envelope in the mail recently. It's your invitation to support the Sister Islands Association and 102 other local nonprofits through One Call for All. Accept the invitation by clicking here.
As 2019 draws to a close, the Sister Islands Association is planning two delegations — one involving our office staff, the other for Ometepe teachers who instruct students in English.
Three second-graders from Ordway Elementary School — Kaia Robb-Goldberg, Magda Ruffo-Hill, and Abby Corns — guided by office manager Lauren Melville, organized a Wintergram fundraiser for Ordway's sister school in La Concepcion, Ometepe. The effort raised $286 which will purchase books and supplies for the La Concepcion school library. In addition, teachers Susan Gace and Denise Melton-Todd arranged for December's Scholastic Book Fair
