Pag

e1

Pag

e1

North Country Mission

of Hope

Mission Information Manual

Sr. Debbie Blow, O.P., Executive Director

3452 Rt 22, Peru, NY 12972

Office Phone: 518-643-5572 Cell Phone: 518-570-5443

dshope2@charter.net

www.ncmissionofhope.org

Pag

e2

Thank you for your interest and support of the Mission of Hope. We hope this manual will provide some basic information. This manual is not a replacement for the training sessions provided prior to a trip but to assist in providing background information and guidance that will make your trip less stressful and more enjoyable. This manual provides several sections of information that can be used as a quick reference prior to your trip or while “on the ground” in Nicaragua. Please remember to bring this manual with you on your trip. Manual Sections Pages

Introduction…………………………………………………… 3

Terms…………………………………………………………….. 4 – 5

Nicaragua Information……………………………………. 6 – 8

Nicasa ……………………………………………………………. 9 – 14

Medical Requirements…………………………………… 15 – 16

Work Sites Schools………………………………………………. 17 – 21 Orphanages……………………………………….. 22 – 23 Hospitals/Nursing Homes/Clinics..……… 24 –26 Safehouses…………………………………………. 27 Other………………………………………………….. 28

Mission Tasks Materials Management………………………. 29 - 30 Home Shelters……………………………………. 31 – 33 Rice and Beans, ECO, etc…………………….. 34

Spanish Phrases…………………………………………….. 35 - 36

Safety Manual………………………………………………… 37 - 39

Pag

e3

INTRODUCTION

The Mission of Hope was co-founded by Yamilette Flores, Evelyn McGill and Sr. Deborah Blow, OP in 1998. The founding of the Mission was in direct response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch to the country of Nicaragua and in particular, to the village of Chiquilistagua. The Mission of Hope is managed by the Executive Director, Sr. Debbie, along with the Leadership Team, which consists of the President, the Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary and the extended leadership of twelve additional board members and “ex officio” members Sr. Stephanie Frenette, OP and Yamilette Flores. Six additional people chair special committees for ECO, medical, community development, grants, etc. As of the summer of 2016, 65 Mission trips have occurred with almost 1700 individual volunteers having traveled on Mission trips. Our Mission Statement aptly describes the heart and purpose of the Mission of Hope:

“As a spiritually based humanitarian organization, the North Country Mission of Hope is committed to fostering hope and empowering relationships with the people of Nicaragua through sustainable programs in education, healthcare, community development and ecological sustainability.”

Pag

e4

TERMS

Throughout the manual you will find some terms that you may be unfamiliar with. The entire list is provided during training, but those relevant to this manual are outlined here.

Point Person - A point person is a missioner appointed by the Executive Director, in consultation with the Leadership Board, to be the onsite task coordinator for a specific area and/or project during the Mission trip. Each task designation will have a point person. Responsibilities: The Point Person will be charged with working with the task leaders assigned to daily projects. He/she will meet with the Task Leader assigned to the daily task prior to the commencement of the task and provide him/her with an overview and review safety protocol. The Point Person will also provide the Task Leader with a supply list, any paperwork, onsite contact information, first aid kit and cell phone. At end of the task (mid-day or end of the day) the Point Person is to meet with the Task Leader, insure all the paperwork has been completed, materials and supplies have been cleaned and returned to where they belong. If any supplies were taken from the first aid kit, it needs to be reported to Medical for replenishment. Any problems or concerns relayed to the Point Person should be documented and provided to onsite Leadership for review and action.

Task Leader - A Task Leader is assigned onsite by the project assignment team to lead a specific daily task. Responsibilities: Task Leader is to meet with the Point Person to review the task, review safety protocol and receive a supply list, any paperwork, onsite contact information, first aid kit and cell phone. The Leader will not necessarily participate in the project itself, but will rather provide general oversight of the project, insure the safe use of tools and equipment, and insure the missioners are not acting in an unsafe manner. Task Leaders are to coordinate with the onsite contact to insure the task is being completed in accordance with the previously agreed parameters. The task leader is also the person to define what level of contact the team will have with the locals at the site. At the end of their tasks, Leaders need to insure all materials and equipment are cleaned and returned to the designated area, and that all paperwork is completed. They are to return the paperwork to the Point Person and review the task. Leaders are to report any problems or concerns directly to the Point Person, who will document them and bring them to a leadership person.

Nicasa – The informal name given to our compound, which includes the dorms and clinic, located in the village of Chiquilistagua southwest of the city of Managua. The address is referred to as KLM 13 1/2 Carretera Vieja a Leon, Managua which translates to KM 13 1/2 Old Road to Leon, Managua which means it is 13 ½ kilometers from the city center on the Old Road to Leon.

ANF = American Nicaraguan Foundation- location of where our CMMB shipments go near Mateare.

Barrio - a region or district within a village or location in Nicaragua. One example is Barrio Solano which is a part of Nejapa and Chiquilistagua.

CARITAS - Catholic Charities International, located in Managua, handles our MOHtown shipments and HIV orphan program

CHIQUILISTAGUA = the name of the village outside Managua where our projects were initiated and from where we go out to do our Mission work. Pronunciation - Chic Key Lees Stog Gua. We assist a school, church, and do community projects here as well as sponsor children for education in the school. CMMB = Catholic Medical Mission Board- donates and ships medicines and medical equipment and supplies to ANF for the Mission

Pag

e5

COLEGIO NINO JESUS DE PRAGA = School in Chiquilistagua, operated by Carmelite nuns which is the location of the local Church we attend on Sundays and the original location of NiCasa and the MOH Clinic. We sponsor students at this school and provide our feeding program to students Pre-K through Grade 2.

CORDOBA = This is the name of the money used in Nicaragua….the official currency. One American dollar is about 27.50 Nicaraguan cordobas. ECO = A Mission program which focuses on ecological, environmental, nutritional, educational and community developments. The focus is on sustainable projects that can assist in self-empowerment solutions to hunger and disease, etc. FOOD PROGRAM = Children Feeding Children Program is an MOH sponsored program which provides elementary school age children one nutritious balanced meal a day. This is now part of our expanded food program due to food grants from Stop Hunger Now and Feed My Starving Children HOME SHELTERS = one room shelters that are constructed by teams of Mission volunteers and local Nicaraguans. Each shelter costs around $650 and these funds are obtained via specific donations to the Mission of Hope. JUNTA = Term used to describe the local council of leaders in Chiquilistagua. Includes one representative from each barrio , Magaly, and Mauricio.

LA CHURECA = Name of the village at the Managua city dump, where more than 1500 live in horrible living conditions. We provide healthcare, food and other support to this area as needed. There is also a school here in La Chureca.

MANNA PROJECT = Young volunteers from United States spend time in Nicaragua assisting in various barrios

MIES – the acronym for Mision Esperanza in Spanish and the official name of our organization in Nicaragua.

MINSA = Ministry of Health for Nicaragua – Ministerio de Salud MOH = North Country Mission of Hope founded by the 3 Co-Founders, Sr. Debbie Blow,OP, Yamilette Flores and Eve McGill.

MOMBACHO = mountain area with lush cloud rainforest, coffee plantations and is a volcano.

MORINGA TREE PROJECT = This is directly related to our ECO efforts and is a tree with numerous valuable resources for nutrition and healthcare.

NICA = Abbreviation for Nicaragua- eg., Nica time

Pag

e6

Pag

e6

NICARAGUA Information

Nicaragua, officially the Republic of Nicaragua , is the largest country in the Central American isthmus, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The country's physical geography divides it into three major zones: Pacific lowlands; wet, cooler central highlands; and the Caribbean lowlands. On the Pacific side of the country are the two largest fresh water lakes in Central America: Lake Managua and Lake Nicaragua. Nicaragua achieved its independence from Spain in 1821. Since its independence, Nicaragua has undergone periods of political unrest, military intervention by the United States, dictatorship, and fiscal crisis—the most notable causes that led to the Nicaraguan Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. Prior to the revolution, Nicaragua was one of Central America's wealthiest and most developed countries. The revolutionary conflict, paired with a 1972 earthquake, reversed the country's prior economic standing. The population of Nicaragua, approximately 6 million, is multiethnic. Roughly a quarter of the population lives in the capital city, Managua; it is the second-largest city in Central America. Nicaragua is a unitary republic. For administrative purposes it is divided into 15 departments (departamentos) and two self-governing regions (autonomous communities) based on the Spanish model. The departments are then

subdivided into 153 municipios (municipalities).

Pag

e7

Pag

e7

Nicaragua has always been a predominantly agricultural country. On the Pacific side, coffee and cotton are by far the most important commercial crops. Beginning in the 1960s, shrimp became big business on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The main shrimping centers on the Pacific coast are Corinto and San Juan del Sur. Fishing boats on the Caribbean side bring shrimp as well as lobsters into processing plants at Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields, and Laguna de Perlas. Nicaragua, the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Hemisphere, has widespread underemployment and poverty. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) has been in effect since April 2006 and has expanded export opportunities for many agricultural and manufactured goods. Textiles and apparel account for nearly 60% of Nicaragua's exports. Religion is a significant part of the culture of Nicaragua and is referred to in the constitution. Religious freedom, which has been guaranteed since 1939, and religious tolerance are promoted by both the Nicaraguan government and the constitution. Nicaragua has no official religion. Catholic Bishops are expected to lend their authority to important state occasions, and their pronouncements on national issues are closely followed. They can also be called upon to mediate between contending parties at moments of political crisis. Current religious makeup is: Roman Catholic 58.5%, Protestant 23.2% (Evangelical 21.6%, Moravian 1.6%), Jehovah's Witnesses 0.9%, other 1.7%, none 15.7% (2005 census). Baseball is the most popular sport played in Nicaragua. Although some professional Nicaraguan baseball teams have folded in the recent past, Nicaragua enjoys a strong tradition of American-style Baseball. Boxing is the second most popular sport in Nicaragua. Recently, football (Soccer) has gained popularity, especially with the younger population.

Pag

e8

The majority of the Mission sites are in the Managua area or southwestern portion of the country.

The pin in the lower left corner shows the location of Nicasa and the airplane in the upper right corner is the Managua International Airport. The bus will travel through the city using one of several routes allowing you to see many of the local landmarks in the city of Managua on your way to Nicasa. Barrios in which we commonly serve: Buena Vista Cedro Galan Chiquilistagua Cuajachillo Filo de Cuajachillo Monteverde Nejapa-Milagros Planetarium Reventon San Luis Solano

Pag

e9

NICASA From the beginning of the Mission of Hope in 1998 until 2010, our volunteers were

quartered at the Mission House located at Niño de Jesus de Praga School. In 2007, the Leadership Team met, and decided that there was no sustainability in our continued use of the mission house at the school, and that we would need to acquire a facility of our own to secure our future as a Mission. We were offered a grant by the George and Shirley Moore Foundation, and began construction in 2009 around the corner from the Niño School. The first Mission group to use it was in February of 2011. We decided to call our home NiCasa, a play on words between “Nicaragua” and “mi casa” which means “my house” in Spanish. As of 2015, the Carmelite Sisters who staff Nino School now live at the former Mission House.

Public Section

There are two parts to NiCasa- the public section and the private section. When you first enter the compound, you are in the public section. The public section is open to members of the local community of Chiquilistagua for a certain time period each day that we are there on Mission. To your left is a small shack for the guards. Our facility is guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even when we aren’t there. It is also secured by a tall gate, concrete wall that encircles the entire property and guard dogs. Next to the guard shack is our storage facility, this building is used to store the contents of the containers shipped until they can be fully dispersed. To your right, you will see the pavilion area where we meet for morning and evening prayer and sharing/informational meetings while on Mission. We also hold several community events here, such as our sponsorship gift distribution event, water filter classes, and our community health fair. It is also the waiting area for patients going to our clinic.

You will see also the front area of the building to our compound which is open to the

public. There are two restrooms and a clinic area. Four days a week, the clinic of general health is open to the community (our clinic is open in other locations on the other weekdays). It is staffed by a doctor from CARITAS (a worldwide Catholic organization that provides various aspects of health care in Nicaragua) and another doctor who provides services in Women’s Health and Psychological Services. We make a donation to this organization for the services of their doctor. The two rooms to the far left and far right serve as offices for Mauricio and Magaly.

Entrance to NiCasa Offices and Clinic

Pag

e10

Guard House Pavilion

Storage Facility Water Tower

Clinic Guard Dog

Pag

e11

Private section

If you keep walking to the right side of the compound you will be able to turn left around the corner to enter the private portion of our compound. You will enter the breezeway in the middle of several of our rooms. To your left is a back entrance to the clinic area. Straight ahead is our office and “Home Depot” room. Inside, in the center and on the right side of this room, you will find all the necessary tools we will need for our projects such as painting, home shelters, etc. Make sure you return all objects where you find them! To the left side of the room mentioned above is our office, where coordination of all of the arrangements for day-to-day activity such as rides, etc. This is also where the laptop is located, which is used to send blogs of our daily happenings to family back home. Here is also where you will turn in your cameras each night for uploading to flash drives so that everyone can have each others’ pictures. This is also where daily assigned project leaders will pick up necessary paperwork for their task (data compilation forms, home shelter sheets, etc.), first aid kits and a cell phone. In the breezeway is a whiteboard for daily tasks assignments. Adjacent to the “Home Depot” and Office is the male dorm room, bathrooms and showers. Bathrooms have specific instructions you need to be aware of to maintain the health of our travelers. The plumbing systems in Nicaragua are quite different from those back home! Everyone is scheduled for bathroom/dorm duty at least once during mission. The beds are all bunk beds. Across the breezeway are the women’s dorm room, bathrooms and showers and the kitchen. The kitchen consists of an area behind a bar where food is actually prepared and there is also an area for dining. Everyone will be on all-day kitchen duty one time while on Mission. During this shift, your job is to prepare the food, serve it, clean up afterwards, and to make sure everyone’s hands are sanitized upon entering the kitchen. Full instructions are also posted in this area.

At the very back of the building behind the women’s dorm are two rooms known as the “Moore Suites.” They can be used to house a long term mission volunteer and one is handicap accessible. Behind the men’s dorm is a small exterior kitchen that is used by two Nicaraguan women we hire to cook dinner. Behind the entire building are clothes lines to hang wet clothes. There are also several trees in the back and along the sides. This is where we test several of our ECO projects. Our guards are responsible for growing several types of trees on our compound, including a fruit tree garden and a section of Moringa trees. The area in the back of our facility is the memorial garden and reflection space.

Walkway to private area Breezeway to back yard

Pag

e12

Kitchen Dorm

Home Depot Nora’s Kitchen

Moringa Trees View From the Water Tower

Pag

e13

NiCasa Staff

Mauricio Flores Cuadra - Administrator Magaly Velasquez – Assist. Administrator

Nora Flores - Cook Rosa Acosta – Cook Victoria- Laundry Lady

Payo Rocha - Guard Oscar Ubeda - Driver Marta Leiva - Clinic Receptionist

Francisio Vallejos (Chico) Chico Velasquez – Guard Contractor Herman Rocha – Guard

Pag

e14

Jairo - Driver

Pag

e15

Pre Mission Medical Requirements

During mission you will be traveling to and around Nicaragua which has a different environment and health care system then is normal in the United States. Because of this, there are some precautions that need to be taken prior to travel to help keep everyone healthy. These medical requirements were covered in the training sessions but are listed here as a reminder of the requirements.

Required Vaccinations and Medicines:

1. Tetanus (within the previous 10 years) 2. Hepatitis A and B (booster required within 2 years if only one dose received) 3. Typhoid Fever: recommend the oral brand “Vivotiv,”. Your health care provider can give you a

prescription for the vaccine which consists of 4 capsules to take three weeks prior to travel. 4. Malaria Prophylaxis: Ask your health care provider for a prescription for malaria preventative medication; follow dosage as prescribed. Personal Medications: Please indicate on the personal healthcare form your regular and as needed medications. Your doctor may also give you a prescription for antibiotics, antinauseants, etc to bring with you just in case. Before starting any non regular medication please advise the healthcare team of your condition. Along with the medical requirements for traveling, there are some health and medical concerns to be aware of while on mission. To keep the entire group healthy all medical situations on mission must be reported to the medical point person as soon as possible. Even minor illnesses or injuries that you would normally handle yourself need to be reported because they may put other travelers at risk. Below is the infection control policy that has been adopted for all mission travelers in an effort to keep everyone safe.

POLICY FOR INFECTION CONTROL

Procedures for Missioners The following procedures are designed to prevent and/or limit the spread of serious infectious disease amongst missioners and must be adhered to during Mission trips.

1) Decontamination: Foremost, frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers is mandatory. In particular, washing and/or hand sanitizing throughout the day is crucial after bathroom use, sneezing or coughing, and direct contact with others, including such things as yard play with children. Missioners are expected to wash their hands immediately upon returning to the compound from outside sites. In addition, a member of the kitchen crew will ensure that everyone entering the dining area will re-apply hand sanitizer.

2) Disinfection: The bathroom cleaning procedures will be explained and will be prominently

posted on site. These include use of water & bleach solution and wearing gloves for cleaning duty. Similarly, the posted kitchen procedures are effective, and include sanitizing personal water bottles and disinfecting food service items.

Pag

e16

3) Respiratory Hygiene: Missioners are reminded to cough and sneeze into their sleeves and not their hands. In the sleeping quarters, if needed, beds will be made up so that missioners sleep head to toe in an alternating fashion to limit the spread of respiratory pathogens.

4) Use of masks: In the event of a serious respiratory infection, missioners who are coughing

may be instructed to wear masks. Personnel assisting or cleaning in any isolation rooms will also be required to wear masks. Unless advised by the medical team, individuals should not independently decide to wear masks to protect themselves.

5) Isolation: Missioners who become ill with certain infections may be isolated when

necessary, at the discretion of the Medical Team leader or the trip leader. Isolation will typically remain in place until 24 hours after fever or symptoms have subsided, or as long as the Medical Team deems necessary.

6) Exclusion: In rare circumstances, an ill missioner may need to be sent home for medical

reasons. In the event of a missioner’s non-compliance with medical recommendations, the trip leadership will have the authority to send that individual home at his/her own extra expense.

7) Notification of Public Health Authorities: As required by the public health authorities of

the missioner’s country of origin, a report of the medical situation and public health follow-up will occur as per established recommendations.

Pag

e17

WORK SITES In Nicaragua

SCHOOLS

Colegio Niño Jesus de Praga (Chiquilistagua) School in Chiquilistagua, operated by Carmelite nuns…is also the location of church.

Chiquilistagua Public School (CPS) (Chiquilistagua) Located 'across the street' on the Old Leon Road, this public school was opened in 2009-10. We currently sponsor students at this school and are involved in repairs making the classrooms habitable

Madre del Divino Pastor (Nejapa) A barrio adjacent to Chiquilistagua where the Mother of the Divine Son school & church are located. We sponsor students at this school and provide our feeding program for students Pre-K through Grade 2. We also hold weekly clinic hours at this location.

Church & Courtyard located at Colegio Nino Jesus de Praga

Entrance to Chiquilistagua Public School

San Luis Escuela (San Luis) Educates children in Pre K through secondary

Pag

e18

Additional Schools being served:

Cristo Viene Escuela (Filos de Cuajachillo)

Hospitaleth Escuela - (Marvin Marin)

Fray Jesus de Pamplona (Cuajachillo No.2)

Pedro Davila Carpio Escuela (Cedro Galan)

Pag

e19

El Reventon Escuela (Reventon)

San Antonio Escuela (Filos de Cuajachillo)

Colegio Hilario Sanchez (Cedro Galan)

Corazon de Jesus Escuela (Solano)

Pag

e20

Colegio Publico La Esperanza (Trinidad Central)

PreEscolar Communitario Christiano Monte Verde (Monte Verde)

PreEscolar Galilea-Paloma Blanca – (Monte Verde)

Colegio Maria Mora

Pag

e21

Colegio Pablo Neruda (Nejapa)

Colegio Casita Azul

Colegio Publico La Trinidad

Pag

e22

ORPHANAGES (OHP)

Hogar De Proteccion "El Pajarito Azul" In 1983, a center for assistance to children and young adults with physical and mental disabilities was created. In 1994, this center was privatized but kept receiving some help from the government. The patients at this facility range from newborn to 20 years old, which have been abandon or their families cannot take care of them due to lack of resources. Physical Therapy/Clinic on site.

Crib Room at Pajarito Azul

Main sign at EL Pajarito Azul

Orphanage Farm This is part of the orphanage up between Jinotepe and Diriamba. This is an organic farm that the nuns have developed to grow their own foods and raise livestock and no longer needs mission services.

Angels of Hope Orphanage in El Crucero – operated by Sisters of the Divine Face of Crucified Christ; they wear the wine-red colored habits. This is the very first orphanage the Mission began assisting in 1998. It is for children over the age of 5. Clinic on site.

Hogar Juan Pablo II aka Casa Cuna – House of Cribs – Operated by the Sisters of the Divine Face of Crucified Christ. This is an infant/toddler orphanage located in a very poor section of Managua.

Pag

e23

Entryway to main building at Pajarto Azul Farm

Pajarito Azul Finca (Farm) A working residential farm, located in Jinotepe, where we provide ecological enhancements such as water catchment systems, water tank, tools and rainwear for the workers. A missioner also provided a much-needed horse and cart in February of 2012.

Hogar San Fernando –operated by the Sister of the Divine Face of Crucified Christ and is located in the northern part of Nicaragua, close to the Honduras border. It is about a five hour drive north on Highway 1 from Nicasa. The orphanage is located in the center of town, with a non-descript door leading into a small complex made up of a central building with sleeping quarters for Sor Daisy the nun in charge and the 12 – 15 children that live there. There are neat bedrooms with bunk beds and cribs lined up against the wall, small bathroom areas and a kitchen area with non-working or decrepit tools. Also a large open and airy central court yard with a long table for the children and nuns to eat together. Despite the fact that the facility is old - with the usual chicken or two walking through it - it is clean and orderly. The Mission has done extensive renovations at this orphanage.

Juigalpa – also located in northern Nica and operated by the Sisters of Divine Face of the Christ Crucified Christ

Pag

e24

HOSPITALS/NURSING HOMES/CLINICS

San Jose Hospital Hospital located in Diriamba where we have provided medical equipment, much from the Air Base Hospital when it was closed. We also repair and paint as directed by Sr. Vilma,the Administrator. The Sisters of San Jose (dressed in white) operate this hospital.

Manolo Morales Hospital formerly Robert Calderon Hospital

This hospital was added to the Mission of Hope list of hospitals receiving services in May of 2015

Main entrance to San Jose Hospital

Chinendaga (Hospital) A hospital where Sr. Ligia was the Administrator and to which we have been sending most of our hospital equipment and supplies as it is in the poorest department of the country. This building was demolished so services are no longer needed.

Masaya Nursing Home This nursing home is operated by the San Jose Sisters as in Diriamba.

Pag

e25

Manolo Morales Hospital, Hospital Escuela Roberto Calderon Guiterrez is located in the heart of Managua, Nicaragua. It is a public, as opposed to private, hospital. It serves the poorest of the poor, those who cannot afford insurance or the cost of the private hospitals. It has over 400 beds and services all ages, men, women and children. Services cover all degrees and types of illnesses, including ICU and CCU. There are approximately 40-42 patients per unit, being cared for by 2 nurses. Patients must bring their own linens, supplies stand medications. Families do personal care and provide food. The hospital, while being old and in disrepair, is kept as clean as possible. The staff is very proud of the exceptional care they give with the little they have.

Hospital Docente Materno Infantil Dr. Fernando Velez Paiz The construction of this hospital started back in 1944, and it was never used until the city of Managua got hit by an earthquake in December 1972. Since the main hospital was destroyed by the earthquake, the medical group talked to the government and on December 27th, 1972 it started to get attention. Even though it was damaged by the earthquake, it was the only hospital available. Since then the building has been demolished.

Other clinics served: Pajarito Azul Clinic – see page 21 El Crucero Orphanage Clinic – see page 21 Caritas de Managua Clinics

Front Entrance to Children’s Hospital

Patient Room at Children’s Hospital

Our Lady of Guadalupe Clinic This clinic serves the poor in Managua. This clinic, once functioned from two very tiny rooms, but is now undergoing renovations and expansion due to a grant.

Pag

e26

National Dermatology Center

Many decades ago, the National Dermatology Center was known as “Leprocomio,” a place to treat patients with Leprosy (today known as Hansen’s disease). At the time, people feared the disease, and medicine was not advanced enough to understand that it was less contagious than other diseases, like the flu. Patients were isolated and marginalized from society. As a result, a group of Nicaraguan doctors and members of the Nicaraguan Red Cross decided to create a place for patients to live and receive quality healthcare. In the middle of a field on the outskirts of Managua, they built small houses surrounding a cafeteria, a staff dormitory, exam rooms and a laboratory. Over the years, the Leprocomio expanded its care to treat other skin diseases common in Nicaragua. Today, the Leprocomio is the country’s only hospital specializing in skin care, and is formally known as the National Dermatology Center. The hospital now has a dermatology procedure room, operating room (for plastic surgery), emergency room, and convalescent ward where eight dermatologists (helped currently by four medical residents of dermatology) provide free healthcare for its patients. The hospital provides regular care from 7am through 3pm, Monday to Friday, and admits skin-related emergency care 24 hours per day. Medical staffs take care of inpatients admitted from the emergency room or the exam rooms and of the few Hansen’s patients (16 of them now) that continue to reside at the center due to lack of family support and unemployment. Although the center receives funding from the national government, its staff and resources are insufficient to meet the needs and demands of the population.

Hallway at Dermatology Center Patient Care at Dermatology

Center

Pag

e27

SAFEHOUSES

Managua Safehouse

Mission of Hope is assisting in renovating or constructing safehouses throughout other regions of Nica to include Managua, Leon, and Casa da Visa.

Casa de Vida

A safe house in Managua for young girls and women who were/are victims of rape, abuse, abandonment, or etc. They stay there before delivery of their child and may stay on afterwards, as needed. Casa de Vida is no longer in need of the mission’s services.

Leon Safehouse

Pag

e28

OTHER

Serviam Sisters (Sr. Karla Marie) San Rafael and Granada Serve the poorest of the poor and wear dark brown habits. Mission of Hope repairs and assists at their living facility.

La Chureca Name of the village at the Managua city dump, where more than 1500 live in horrible living conditions. We provide healthcare, food and other support to this area as needed. There is also a school here in La Chureca.

Mateare A refugee village formed outside Managua, with displaced refugees from a fishing village, during Hurricane Mitch. From 1998-2010, we provided clinic care, building repairs, school supplies, etc. As of 2010, the village transitioned into another phase and we are no longer assisting at this time.

Monte Verde A very poor area nearby Chiquilistagua where we have constructed a chapel, shelters, etc

Juan Pablo II Fundacion The Women’s Health Facility was a former abandoned hotel in Managua’s poorest section. It is operated by Johana and Guillermo Pedroni.

Pag

e29

Mission Tasks

Materials Management Role in Nicaragua The objective of Materials Management, when in Nicaragua, is to assist Magaly and Mauricio in distribution of Mission of Hope container contents. The purpose of the Materials Management is to determine final destinations and arrange delivery of medical supplies, school supplies, clothes, tools, ECO goods and sustainability goods, and requested items. All documents and paperwork for containers are prepared by Sr. Debbie and Suzanne Charette with help from MOHtown. The documents are sent Fed-Ex to Caritas and Mauricio to process in Nica. . Boxes need to be sorted according to the list of destinations used at MOHtown. For boxes designated #3 (NiCasa), final destinations will be determined on site. This can change from day to day, depending upon what the mission encounters. Destinations can be recommended by Sr. Debbie, Leadership personnel or point person. After the boxes have been organized, each will be labeled with its final destination. If the destination is changed, it will be noted on paperwork. The Point Person /Task Leader will notify MOH work crews ahead of time for possible delivery of boxes or items. When possible, the crews will take boxes to designated sites. Some large or bulky items may need to be delivered on a separate trip. Sometimes the recipient of the boxes is notified to pick them up. Boxes with school supplies and health fair supplies will be brought to a designated area at NiCasa to be processed as needed. Please note: #1 boxes are usually left with Caritas before large Mission group arrives. It is the responsibility of Caritas to deliver #1 items. Any boxes or items missing should be noted as NOT LOCATED. The Point Person will inventory all boxes and items left at NiCasa at the end of the mission. Ex: in storage or waiting for pick up. This information will be recorded on the shipment paperwork. Suitcase sorting is another duty of each individual mission. Medicine and special requests are packed in MOH suitcases – often just before departure from Plattsburgh. Paperwork will be included in the suitcases. It will have items listed and their destinations. Contents of each suitcase must be sorted, boxed, and delivered to the proper destinations in the same manner as pre-filled boxes. Materials Management keeps a list of requests for items that are needed in Nicaragua. Once back home, Materials Management will try to locate the requested items and prepare them for the next shipment. Materials Management is a very tedious, but very important task. Often boxes have been opened by Customs, ANF, or other missioners and contents may be disrupted or missing. There may be many decisions to be made in Nicaragua as to where things need to go. There will be significant paperwork to be recorded. This will allow the mission to follow up on donations and determine that boxes and items were delivered to what destinations.

Pag

e30

P

age3

0

MOH Town

Office Weighing Packing

Shipment Day

Pag

e31

Home Shelters ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS MATERIALS LIST: LUMBER: 2x4x11.5' 23 EACH

2x4x14' 4 EACH TIN PANELS: 6-FT 21 EACH (One becomes the door)

12-FT 7 EACH NAILS: 4"WOOD: 1 BOX

ROOFING: 1 BOX TOOLS: MANDATORY SAFETY ITEMS: HAMMERS, 4 EACH CLEAR LENS SAFETY GLASSES SAW, 2 EACH WORK GLOVES SHOVELS, 2 EACH POST HOLE DIGGER, 1 EACH SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS: The builders of the shelters will primarily be native Nicaraguans. We can assist them in a limited capacity, e.g. helping move building materials, cutting lumber, and nailing up metal sheeting to the shelter sides. We need to be aware of the following hazards and protect ourselves accordingly: 1. Handling sheet metal roofing-always wear leather palmed gloves to prevent cuts. 2. Lifting and handling lumber - use safe lifting technique to prevent back injury and wear gloves to prevent slivers and abrasions. 3. Sawing lumber - use gloves to prevent cuts. Unless a person is experienced with a SkilSaw, do not operate any power saw. 4. Nailing sheet metal to studs - use gloves to prevent metal cuts. Work cautiously to prevent hammer blows to thumb, fingers, and hand. Use eye protection to prevent metal shards or chips from entering eyes. 5. Do not climb on roof to assist work crew. 6. Be observant of small children and keep them away from the construction activity. 7. Be aware of and avoid contact with barbed wire, low hanging electrical wires, stinging insects, spiders, snakes, dogs on the worksite. ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:

1. CONCRETE FOUNDATION SHOULD BE IN PLACE UPON ARRIVAL AND SHOULD BE APPROXIMATELY 11.5-FT x 10.5-ft 2. If the foundation is not identical to the diagram provided to the family when the pickup the materials, let the Nicaraguan Crew Chief know that you will need to move on to the next construction site; inform the Magaly of which home could not be built that day. She will make a decision on how to proceed after discussion with Leadership and Mauricio, our on-site Administrator.

2. DIG POST HOLES -2.5-FT DEEP , INSTALL POSTS, BACKFILL WITH SOIL. 3. ATTACH SIDE RAILS IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:

a. ATTACH BOTTOM RAIL AROUND PERIMETER b. ATTACH MIDDLE RAIL AROUND PERIMETER (~3-FT ABOVE BOTTOM RAIL) c. ATTACH TOP RAIL AROUND PERIMETER (~3-FT ABOVE BOTTOM RAIL) d. ATTACH ROOF JOIST HANGER ALONG FRONT AS SHOWN.

4. INSTALL ROOF JOISTS (6 EACH) SPACED AT ~3-FT. 5. INSTALL ROOF PURLINS (4 EACH) SPACED AT ~3-FT +. 6. INSTALL TIN SIDING. USE 12-FT LENGTHS FOR ROOF AND 6-FT LENGTHS FOR SIDING. OVERLAP

1 FULL CORRUGATION AT SEAMS. USE 9 ROOFING NAILS PER PANEL AS SHOWN

Pag

e32

28

Pag

e33

Pag

e34

Rice &Beans This is an ongoing project with volunteers going out in the barrios with a local Nicaraguan representative to deliver two small bags of rice and one bag of beans to the poorest families. It is also done at other locations as funds/donations allow, such as Pajarito Azul, etc. This outreach also provides a direct contact within the barrios to observe medical issues, etc.

Bed, Bath & Beyond Daily cleaning & maintenance of the Nicasa dorms/bathrooms and living facilities.

Water filter training

Memorial Garden Located in the back right corner of Nicasa property- The purpose is to create a contemplative space for missioners while also providing memorials for past missioners who are deceased. Tasks include painting, preparation of garden areas as determined by the committee.

Kitchen Duty Assist in preparing breakfast & lunch meals for your fellow missioners. Also responsible for sterilizing drinking bottles on a daily basis.

ECO The Mission helps to create and maintain community gardens, rocket stoves and water filters, and educate about moringa trees, recycling, and other ecological issues.

Pag

e35

Spanish Phrases

Discúlpeme (or permítame) ¿me puede ayudar por favor? Estoy perdido (for a male) Estoy

perdida (for a female)

Excuse me, can you help me please? I am lost.

Yo no hablo español

I don't speak Spanish

Estoy trabajando con la Misión Esperanza

I am working with the Mission of Hope

Soy un(a) voluntario(a) de Misión Esperanza

I am volunteering for Mission of Hope

Estamos ubicados en el Km. 13 ½ de la Carretera Vieja a León, Managua

We are located at Klm. 14 Old Road to Leon, Managua

Por favor, ¿me puedes mostrar cómo llegar a este lugar?

Can you please show me how to get back there?

¿Tiene usted un teléfono que pueda usar?

Do you have a telephone that I can use?

Me separé (or Me alejé) de mi grupo.

I was separated from my group

Estoy bien (or Me siento bien), gracias

I am good, thank you.

No me siento bien

I don’t feel good

Necesito un médico

I need a doctor

Por favor

Please

Gracias

Thank you

De nada

You’re welcome

Buenos días

Good morning

Pag

e36

Buenas tardes

Good afternoon

Buenas noches

Good night

¡Buen provecho!

Enjoy your food!

Necesito ir al baño

I need to go to the bathroom

Me gusta su nombre

I like your name

Me gusta(n) su(s) _________ blusa, camisa, traje, zapatos, cabello, etc

I like your ________ blouse, shirt, dress, shoes, hair, etc

¡Hace calor!

It’s hot!

Hace frío

It’s cold

Está lloviendo

It’s raining

Me gusta…

I like…

No me gusta….

I don’t like…

¿Cuántos años tienes?

How old are you?

¿Cuántos hermanos y hermanas tienes?

How many brothers and sisters do you have?

Pag

e37

MISSIONER and VOLUNTEER SAFETY MANUAL

CONTENTS Introduction to Mission Safety Key Safety Staff Missioner Responsibilities Safety Standards Hazard Control Safety Training Incident Reporting and Investigation

INTRODUCTION

We, the Leadership Team of the North Country Mission of Hope, are committed to providing you a safe and healthy environment as you take part in the Mission’s activities. This applies to the Mission environments in the United States and Nicaragua and while in transit between the two nations. We will do our utmost to ensure your safety and welfare. It is our responsibility to develop and monitor procedures to detect and eliminate hazards, to provide training in safe work practices, and to establish and enforce rules that ensure you have a safe and healthy Mission experience. This is going to be one of the highlights of your life and we do not want an injury or illness to damage that experience. In return, we ask that you take safety seriously not only for yourself but for fellow Missioners as well as for the Nicaraguans you will meet. This means that you must agree to learning and following safe procedures in whatever task you are assigned. KEY SAFETY STAFF

Leadership Team – the team approves and administers the Mission of Hope Safety Program. Executive Director – our Director implements the program and holds us accountable. Medical Leader – directs pre-travel and in country medical activities. Safety Coordinator – develops and coordinates the program and provides training. Point Person – in Nicaragua this person makes sure safety is considered his/her project. Project Leader – in Nicaragua this is an adult Missioner who leads a work team.

MISSIONER RESPONSIBILITIES

You have two fundamental safety responsibilities:

To learn and follow the MOH Safety Standards – this means that you must attend safety talks in preparation for your trip and while you are in Nicaragua. We will give you the information you need to help you protect yourself from a wide variety of hazards. You must take this information to heart and adhere to the safety standards.

To assist others in hazard control or abatement – inevitably you will encounter unsafe or hazardous conditions. When you do, you must alert others. Start with the Project Leader or Point Person. Make sure your fellow Missioners know about the situation. And, lastly, help us to correct or eliminate the hazardous condition.

Pag

e38

SAFETY STANDARDS

These are our general safety standards. Consider them the basic rules for being safe in Nicaragua. Each Mission is different and safety issues we may not have anticipated will arise. When they do, our standards may be adjusted or improved. If you have any questions or concerns about these standards, please contact any one of the Key Safety Staff listed above. 1. All injuries, incidents, and unsafe conditions must be reported to the Project Leader. (No matter how small

or insignificant you may think it is…little scrapes and splinters can lead to serious, life threatening infection if not given first aid medical attention.)

2. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn and used as specified in the Task Hazard Analysis or as directed by the Project Leader.

3. All Missioners will follow good housekeeping practices. 4. Defective tools and equipment will be reported to the Project Leader and replaced as necessary. 5. Smoking will be restricted to a designated area in the compound. 6. Missioners must know and be able to respond to an emergency evacuation order. 7. Safety devices and tool/machine guards will be intact and use. 8. Vehicle passengers will each wear the seatbelt. 9. Missioners will ride to and from projects and other Mission activities inside the transport vehicle. 10. Missioners will not touch, play with, or tease wild or domestic animals. 11. There must be a designated adult leader accompanying all off compound activities.

HAZARD CONTROL Transporting and supervising Missioners who participate in a variety of work projects requires a high level of vigilance to prevent injury and illness. Hazards can be identified in three ways. The first way is random observation whereby someone sees and reports an unsafe condition. The second means is to look for hazards by inspecting the living or work areas for specific hazards. The third way is by analyzing the hazards of a task before we start it. We do this by performing a Task Hazard Analysis (THA). This is the most effective to identify and control hazards. You will likely encounter some of the following hazards:

Electrical – exposure to or installation of electrical equipment or wiring. For example, many home shelter erection sites will be found with exposed electrical wiring that the people have strung from current-bearing transmission lines to their houses.

Chemical – exposure to cleaning materials, certain paints and thinners, etc. that could cause harm by inhalation, ingestion, contact, etc.

Transportation – exposure to native vehicular traffic to and from project worksites. Construction – exposure to materials and tools used to construct home shelters. For example, the

roofing and siding material of a home shelter is corrugated metal which has extremely sharp edges if handled improperly. Also, the wood used to construct the shelters is very dense and heavy. Proper lifting technique must be followed to avoid potentially serious back strain and crushing injuries if dropped on hands or feet.

Health – exposure to conditions and circumstances associated with third world country conditions. For example, many people in the barrios Missioners visit use rusted barbed wire as clothes line. This is a health hazard for infection. Also, there are many dogs that are not inoculated for Rabies and their bite can result in severe infection. Or, the drinking of water or home prepared drinks at a worksite may result in parasitic infection.

Task Hazard Analysis (THA) is a structured way to identify the hazards associated with a specific task. There is a Mission format for conducting analysis and we maintain a binder of all THA’s and blank forms in the Mission Office in Nicaragua. It is the Project Leader’s responsibility to review the THA’s for the work project he/she is supervising and for going over the safe procedure information before doing the work. The THA identifies the personal protective equipment needed for the task and the Project Leader makes sure all workers have it and know how to use it before they work.

Pag

e39

SAFETY TRAINING To prepare you for your Mission, we will conduct safety training at each of the pre-travel meetings and while you are in Nicaragua. Topics will include but not be limited to:

Lifting Technique Violence Prevention/Response (harassment, bullying, domestic) First Aid Blood Borne Pathogens Water Safety (drinking) Fire Extinguisher Operation Personal Protective Equipment (hand, eye, skin protection) Use of Tools (ladders, saws, knives, hammers, weed whackers, machete, etc.) Wildlife (dogs, snakes, spiders, flying insects, horses, oxen, birds, etc.) Emergency Evacuation Procedures

INCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION The first and most important Mission Safety Standard is to report all incidents and injuries no matter how small or insignificant they may seem to you. You must report incidents and injuries to your Project Leader first but to any other Key Safety Staff available. This person will first take care of your immediate needs such as first aid and then document the incident on the designated MOH form. Whenever there is an incident in which a Missioner is seriously injured or harmed mentally or physically, an investigation of the incident must be conducted. A serious injury is defined as one in which a Missioner requires medical attention beyond first aid measures. Examples include lacerations requiring sutures, administration of prescription medication, broken bones and the like. Mission leaders will exercise careful, conservative judgment in seeking medical intervention in-country. The purpose of investigating incidents is to find the way to prevent future incidents not to fix blame on any individual. However, if the investigation determines that a Missioner deliberately violated or ignored safety standards, he/she will be held accountable, even to be dismissed from the Mission.

Pag

e40

EMERGENCY CONTACTS

Sister Debbie – 518-570-5443

Magic Jack on Compound – 518-772-3479

Mauricio Flores Cuadra – 8462-2148

Magaly Velasquez – 8756-4376

US Embassy - 2252-7100

NICASA Address:

Klm 14, Carretera Vieja a Leon Chiquilistagua, Managua, Nicaragua

Join Us On

Revised Feb 2018