March 2026
Dear Donors,
We sincerely appreciate the generous support that you’ve given us for the almost 40 years of existence of Brookline-Quezalguaque Sister City Project. Your contributions have allowed us to cover bi-annual operational expenses in the library, health center, art classes, and Pipitos. We were also able to provide extra funds to carry out other vital projects:
- A new roof for the library
- Scholarships for 5 university students
- Equipment for the Health Center and Casa Materna
- New toilets and washbasins for elementary schools
- Solar panels for rural water systems and ongoing technical training for community monitors
However, the Nicaraguan government has continued to examine and cancel the legal status of NGOs such as Rotary Clubs, the Red Cross, Save the Children, and other social and religious organizations. We recently found out that BQSCP also came under scrutiny, and the Mayor’s Office in Quezalguaque was told that they could no longer accept funds or have any communication with us.
This was very sad news, and we waited to see if anything could be done, exploring different avenues. We had the funds to install solar power at one more rural water system, and we looked into doing it with local contractors, but found that this was also impossible.
After consulting a lawyer, we will begin the process of dissolution of BQSCP, which will take a few months. She has told us that the unused funds in our account from 2025 can be transferred to another MA non-profit with a similar mission, and the board will vote on which one(s) to donate to. We will let you know in the future when these funds have been disbursed.
If you are still interested in supporting this vital work, Newton and New Haven have Sister Cities in Nicaragua, where they fund projects similar to ours. We thank you for your past support and for your understanding in this matter.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Carol Pineiro
President BQSCP
Board Members: Eloise Biscoe, Carol Caro, Sarah Johnson (Clerk), Peter Moyer, Judy Paradis, Richard Segan, Sibyl Senters, Maxine Shaw, Joanna Sullivan, Lois Statlender, and Kea van der Ziel