Today we slept in a little bit later (7:30am instead of 7am) and had a delicious breakfast, which included glorious grapefruit juice! Then we leaned about the international monetary fund and DR-CAFTA. During this session we defined neoliberalism as a general word that encompasses “the free market” competition and a level playing field, but as we looked into the reality of the situation, it was clear that the playing field is not level. DR-CAFTA stands for Dominican Republic and Central American Free Trade Agreement. It created free trade zones where companies can renegotiate the standards and regulations that their companies need to follow – for example, tariffs, subsidies, and quotas. Unfortunately, this tends to benefit the big players in the system and hinders the small producers. This concept lead to our activity called the “Power Flower.” We brainstormed various identities and which ones are generally privileged. Then, we reflected on our own identities and how we can be more mindful about our own privileges and how we treat others.
Next, we headed to a buffet in the city for lunch. A buffet is a bit different here. It means a restaurant where there are lots of food options, but you need to pay for each item you choose. Afterward, we went to Esperanza en Accion, which translated means Hope in Action. This is the place where Yamileth works. Here we heard more about the Fair Trade store from Yamileth and then had the opportunity to buy some goods too – there were woven bags, beaded jewelry, paintings, stone carvings, pottery, and braided baskets. Also, it was a beautiful area with a big courtyard filled with vibrant flowers, mango trees, and the sounds of various animals.
Our last meeting was at the private University of Nicaragua with two women from Jesuit Migrant Services, which works with family members of migrants and returned migrants. We learned about the different types of migrations: circular, pendular, interregional, voluntary, and forced. Circular migration is leaving and returning frequently to your home country. For example, coming home for the holidays. Pendular migration is when the migrants would travel to a different country for a season and then return after the harvest season was over. Interregional migration is within Central America. Voluntary migration is when the migrants leave their home country by choice, usually looking for better living conditions. Forced migration occurs in situations when the environment causes people to lose their home, if they are internally displaced, or if they are refugees. During the presentation, I learned about how disproportionate the age of the population in Central American countries are – about 40% being below age 18. Also, I was shocked by the extent of violence that migrants face and the fact that the government does not make an effort to create a system through which people can safely migrate, but rather it creates stricter rules that prevent successful migration. This was particularly saddening due to the fact that many migrants are leaving as a result of unhealthy living conditions ranging from abuse to inadequate resources to meet their basic needs. Following this information packed session, we got some fresh air at a park nearby called Luis Alfonso. It was named after an eleven year old boy that was killed by the National Guard.
After a busy day we were all ready to get back to the hostel and have dinner. Dinner provided us with delicious sustenance and then we ended the night with a mini concert from Nineth and her daughter playing the guitar and the mombo, which is similar to a xylophone. We enjoyed the traditional Nicaraguan folklore music and also browsed her hand painted goods including cards, bookmarks, jewelry, wood crosses, and keychains.
It was a great day and definitely tired us out. We are handling the heat, but boy is it an adjustment!
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Gabrielle and Mele
>>> Hi mommy! I am doing well and embracing all the new experiences. Give Louie a big hug for me! I love you!
* Hi mom and nen! I love you! Whoo!