Dear Friends of Brookline-Quezalguaque Sister City Project,
Another year has flown by with many exciting projects completed in Quezalguaque! We thank you for your past donations and remind you that a tax-deductible contribution before the end of the year will help us continue to support this small town in Nicaragua.
- Our Clean Water Initiative continues with solar panels installed in El Pozo this year. This means 8 of the 10 water delivery stations (MABEs) have solar panels, reducing the cost of clean water to communities. Technical training by an engineer is also given to those who manage these stations. We’ve been asked for $20K to install solar panels in Boquerón, so this is one project we’re hoping to fund.
- The Health Center and Health Posts are thriving, treating numerous adults and children every day. This year, blood pressure cuffs, nebulizers, and air conditioners for the maternity area were requested, and we were able to send funds to buy all of these supplies. We also fund a fumigation campaign to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses like dengue, which has been prevalent this year.
- The Sanitation and Hygiene project to install new toilets and washbasins in rural schools continues. We have paid for new installations in 3 schools (six others having been done by our previous Spanish partner, ECODES). There are still 4 schools that need new sanitary facilities at a cost of about $4,500 each. We hope to make schools more hygienic for students and teachers alike.
- Scholarships for higher education are given to students from Quezalguaque vetted by FNE International, a non-profit that works in Nicaragua. Currently, 5 students receive $500 per year to pay for books, materials, and transportation, with one recently graduating from a medical program. The students are required to do monthly community service projects to receive the stipends.
- Pipitos, the program for children with disabilities, continues after 20+ years. The only funding they receive is from Sister City, and they manage to teach the children arts and crafts, cooking, and basic language skills. The children participate in yearly sports competitions similar to Special Olympics, which they enjoy.
- Library Roof Replacement to prevent leaks during the rainy season has been funded, thanks to the untiring efforts of Maxine Shaw, one of the founders of the Sister City Project. When Raymond Borsman passed away in 2024, Maxine solicited funds in his memory because he was the head builder of the library. She collected over $12K in contributions, and the board allocated the rest of the $20K that was needed for the roof replacement, which will begin soon.
These are only a few of our projects, but ones that take a considerable amount of money to bring to completion. We ask that you continue to be a part of our efforts to respond to the needs of the people of Quezalguaque. Clean water, healthcare, sanitary conditions, and education initiatives help lift people up and allow them live the best life possible. ¡Adelante!
Muchísimas gracias!
Carol Pineiro
President, BQSCP
To make a tax-deductible contribution, click on the Donate button at brooklinesistercity.org or send a check to BQSCP Box 114 Brookline MA 02446. Brookline-Quezalguaque Sister City Project is a tax exempt 501(c)(3) organization.
Read about Quezalguaque in Brookline.News