About the Service Trip

The St. Mary's College of Maryland's Nicaragua Service trip exists in partnership with Libreria Puertas Del Saber (Community Library "Doors to Knowledge") in Limon-2 Nicaragua. Puertas Del Saber works in partnership with the Foundation for Sustainable Development (FSD). The relationship was established through Cristy Tono (SMCM Class of 2014) through her internship with FSD. Seeing the need in the community prompted the creation of the SMCM Annual Service Trip to Nicaragua with the Raices Hispanas Club. We are striving to continue the relationship with the Library and the community of Limon-2. The Service trip is intended to be accessible and an alternative to study abroad experiences which tend to be more expensive. It is also completely student led with the support of Office of International Education and Student Activities, therefore, we rely on fundraising and donations to make the trip a reality. 

What We've Done in the Past:

During the summer of 2013, St. Mary's students to help clean up the community and inform local residents about environmental practices. The students participated in projects such as filling old tires with trash to make an outdoor bench, creating stairs for the local playground, and painting a community mural. Additionally, students were able to immerse in cultural experiences. 

During the summer of 2014, students studied environmental literature in both the English and Spanish languages before the trip and taught it in both languages to the children of the Library Puertas del Saber. The students also composed and produced a play a long with the children of the community using the literature. Collaboratively, props and costumes made from recycled materials. The production was on Nicaragua’s National Mother's Day where family and community members of the children attended. 

Summer 2015 Trip!

For this summer's trip, eight students will be traveling to Limon-2. We are currently working on developing literacy lesson plans in the contexts of environmental sustainability and love of reading. Additionally, we will work with four local public schools on similar lesson plans focusing on literacy. Other activities will include supporting English classes in the library, supporting economic empowerment of local women with the start up of a handmade jewelry business, participating in local community trash clean ups and cultural immersions in the community. 

WE ARE HOPING TO BE ABLE TO FUND ARIFARE EXPENSES, STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO COVER ALL OTHER COSTS. 
AIRFAIRE: $550
$550 x 8 = $4,400 GOAL!

Thank you for your support! We are excited to be able to make this trip a reality!