"In 2005, when MPI first began work at its Nicaragua site, Greg Pasquali (Gregorio) started teaching English to several young people in the community of Cedro Galán. Two years later the English program has grown considerably, but we still love teaching to many of Greg's former students, now known as the 'Advanced English class.'

"We are constantly encouraged by this outstanding group of people. Their dedication to learning and their commitment to service both in and out of the classroom make them strong community leaders as well as kindred spirits. Energetic and fun, they are our students, friends, and people who we look up to.  We are proud to introduce or perhaps reacquaint you with some of the members of our class:

"Exequiel (black shirt, front-right in the above photo), a university student and Monte Hermon math teacher, coaches a high school baseball team with Scott and me. He also teaches business classes for our microfinance program and plays ultimate Frisbee on Sundays. Juana (to Exequiel's left) and Norman (front row, orange shirt) both work with impoverished children in Managua's municipal dump, La Chureca. Olga, a long-time MPI friend, (second row, left side, green shirt) studies law and teaches at our literacy class. Denise (not pictured) is studying to be an English teacher and currently teaches one of our beginner English classes. The students in this class range from high school students to college graduates and they show much promise for Nicaragua's future. It is with this group that we celebrate birthdays, dance, play the guitar, and hang out. They are people who affirm our efforts and share our passions to learn and to serve others."

-from current Nicaragua Program Director Chris Taylor.

WELCOME - We are proud to announce Team Manna 2007-2008.  We'll give you their stories soon; in the meantime, they are:

NICARAGUA: Erin Duncan, Geoff Stetson, Marcela Camargo, Matthew Crozier, Dane T, Julie Mills and Tessa Kramer.

 

ECUADOR: Annie Bachman, Hilary Fenet, Mark Hand, Seth Harlan, Abbie Foust, Luke Lockwood, John Newman, Zak Schwarzman and Craig Smith.

JOIN - Spots are still available on the 2007-2008 Nica team - and in this year's  summer program.  Check out the program details here, and email daniel@mannaproject.org with questions and interest.  

Second Session (limited availability) - May 26-June 15

Third Session (limited availability) - June 16-July