From Luke Putnam, MPI Chair and co-founder: 

Dear Manna Family,

It is with great joy that I take this moment on behalf of MPI's Board of Directors to share with you some exciting news that is taking place on the administrative level - this month in Nicaragua, we welcome long-time friend and fellow service worker, Amira Tahir, as the new Country Director. We could not be more grateful to have such an accomplished and caring individual step into such a critical role for MPI, and we are thrilled knowing that MPI Nicaragua and the organization as a whole will benefit greatly from all she has to offer!

We are equally excited to share that our current Nicaragua Country Director, co-Founder and Board member, Lori Scharffenberg, will be transitioning into a new MPI role, the Executive Director. As such, Lori will be dedicated to supporting our US and Country Directors as well as our domestic and international volunteers to ensure MPI's growing presence and positive impact both in the States and abroad.

This is indeed an exciting time for MPI and for all of those involved as we continue to take significant steps forward and fuel the fire for 'communities serving communities'. 

From Amira Tahir, new MPI Nicaragua Country Director:

I am so excited about joining the Manna team here in Nicaragua. I was asked to write a little bit of my background to introduce myself to you all.  After graduating from Baylor with a degree in Sociology, I moved to Nicaragua with the plan of working for one year in an orphanage located about an hour south of Managua.

Seven years later, I am still here. :) I worked in the orphanage for two years and since then have had several different jobs in the private sector.  I appreciated those opportunities, but over the past 6 months, I was hoping for something more similar to the work I originally moved down here to do.

When I was first approached regarding working with Manna Project, I was immediately excited about the possibility of a return to my original dream: making a difference in Nicaragua. After having lived here for seven years, I have an incredible amount of love for the country and its people. Couple that with helping others discover their passions and use their talents, and it makes this the perfect opportunity. 

I am thrilled to be working alongside Lori and the rest of MPI.  If there is anything I can I can ever help you with, please don't hesitate to contact me, 

Saludos,

Amira Tahir

 

BLOGS -  Stay up to date with MPI's Program Director blogs and the new VISAGE Nicaragua blog.   

Team Ecuador's blogs   -   Team Nica's blogs

 

VIDEO -  For your viewing pleasure, MPI's YouTube page. 

 

JUNE 14 -  Round Two of Summer Volunteers arrive this Saturday. Today we thank our first round of volunteers for their time and enthusiasm. Safe travels home and we hope you return soon!

 

JULY 11 -  2008-2009 Program Directors arrive in Managua and Quito to begin language training and program turnover.