Visitor Information Guide for Sponsors
“Visits to communities are great opportunities to see development work first-hand and for sponsors and sponsored children to increase their understanding of each other.�
WELC O M E The purpose of this Visitor Guide is to provide you with some relevant information to arrange a successful visit. Be prepared to shake countless hands, kiss many cheeks, and be welcomed by friendly people. To make your visit pleasant and safe, we ask you to: Plan ahead Consider the Do’s & Don’ts Say YES to keep children safe Inform yourself about our country and cultural tips About Gifts and other tips Know Plan’s working areas in Nicaragua
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PLAN AHEAD Arrange your visit with Plan´s office in your country at least 6 weeks prior to the visit to check if the family will be available at that time since many families migrate temporarily in search of seasonal work. Ensure that you read and sign Plan´s child protection policy at Plan office in your country. Communicate any special request at this time to make the necessary arrangements. Inform if you require interpretation in other language than Spanish/English To seek an appropriate interpreter. Be advised that all visitors are subject to the laws of the country they are visiting. Report immediately if the visit has to be postponed or cancelled to inform the family and community in time. Failure of this, as you may think,may disappoint the child, family and community. Plan Nicaragua will be provide transportation from your hotel to the community of Sponsored Child.
DO’S • If you are taking any regular medicines, please bring enough supplies with you. • Understand visa requirements and register with your country embassy if needed. • Pack efficiently: Clothing should be light and comfortable. Assuming your time will be spent visiting rural areas, formal dress is not necessary while jeans and t-shirts are fine. • Consider the climate when packing: You may need sun block protection and bug spray will be also useful. • A video camera or digital cameras are recommended if compact. • Have a list of all important addresses and phone numbers; leave a copy of that list at home as well.
DONT’S • Remember to leave all valuables behind. Jewelry and expensive items are not practical in Nicaragua. • Drink bottled water preferably. Nicaragua doesn’t have the bacteria that other countries are famous for, however it is always better for the first time visitor to take precaution. Bottled water is readily available. • Don’t allow rumors about Nicaragua and it’s history to mislead you. While safety is always a concern, Nicaraguans people are friendly, curious people who are eager to share their cultural heritage.
Say YES to keep children safe Plan considers child abuse unacceptable in all circumstances and is committed to ensuring that all possible and necessary steps are taken to protect the rights of children and ensure their well being.
Child protection involves keeping children safe from the risk of harm caused by sexual, physical, emotional abuse, exploitation or neglect. We kindly ask you to observe the following:
Always go to the community accompanied by a Plan staff member. Children must not leave the community. Otherwise they might find unexpected and risky situations. Avoid extending invitations for children and family to visit your country as it may create false expectations. Do not give money or checks to the family. Donations to support a community project should be coordinated with your Plan office. Avoid exchanging addresses or hotel´s, telephone numbers, emails, or web sites with families. This helps to ensure the building of safe relationships. Protect the safety and privacy of children by not using their images on the internet without consent, or in any way in which their location could be identified or their confidentiality or dignity could be breached.
PASSPORT
Your passport must be valid for at least six months. Most visitors do not need a visa. Credit cards are broadly accepted in Managua and in all tourist centers. You can change traveler’s checks at Banks and accredited Exchange posts. You also have the opportunity to use ATM service. Nicaragua is a multi ethnic, multi cultural and multi linguistic country; nevertheless, Spanish is the official and predominant language; the Atlantic Coast has preserved their indigenous languages and speak Creole English, Misquito and Sumo languages. Climate is warm on the coasts (Pacific and Atlantic) and plains while being fresher in the mountainous regions. Rainy season encompasses May through October, and dry months run from November through April.
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The Cordoba is our official currency and denominations are 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10 Cordoba bills; there are 10, 5, 1, coins. US dollars are generally accepted throughout the entire country.
COUNTRY AND CULTURAL TIPS
The International airport Augusto C. Sandino is 20 minutes far from Managua downtown. There is a broad range of car rental services, taxis, tour operators and buses. Taxis from the airport to downtown average are about $15. Taxis inside the airport are more reliable. We recommend caution when visiting the capital and walking down the streets or taking taxis. Do not go anywhere alone; especially at the mid-night neither expose valuable jewelry. Be careful when crossing the streets and always bring with you Plan Nicaragua contact and emergency numbers. The voltage in Nicaragua is 110 V. The electrical frequency in Nicaragua is 60 Hz. Nicaragua uses the A plug. There are several private hospitals and clinics in Managua. Many private hospitals require payment in cash/credit cards before treatment. There is a network of health posts and health centers in rural areas, but their resources can be limited.
ACHIVEING AN UNFORTGETTABLE VISIT
Sometimes, visits turn into an affair where the whole community turns out! They may invite you to first stay at the school or at the community house and would like you to enjoy of warm welcome words, or traditional dances. They would also like to tell how much they have reached in their development process or may want to walk around with you to see the projects they have carried out. Sometimes they would take you directly to the child’s house. They may also be curious to know more about you, and will ask how life in your country is like. This is a perfect time to exchange aspects of both cultures and traditions. Some children may take a while to reach confidence, so be understanding and patient.
About Gifts and other tips…
If you wish to share a souvenir with your Sponsored Child please be so kind to ask to your National Office or your contact person in Nicaragua what will be the most convenience gift.
Your visit already makes the family privileged in the eyes of the other community members. Therefore it is important that when you visit you share small gifts, not only to your sponsored child but some for other around children/community. We suggest on appropriate types of gifts to the child’s age, which you can also purchase in local stores such as: • Gifts that can be shared and play with siblings and friends, or that have some educational value, are particularly welcome. Please avoid expensive or expensive looking items. • Pens, pencils, crayons, notebooks, drawing books, stickers • Small toys, a doll, a football (with a pump) skipping rope, or other things many children can play • Hair accessories for girls or T-shirts
Remember that there will probably be a lot of children in the compound welcoming you so we suggest that you bring some small things, like a few packs of balloons and candies you can give to them, so that nobody feels left out during your visit.
The best time to visit our country is from January to November (from Monday to Friday)
Need a place where you might stay? In Puerto Cabezas, RAAN Hotel Monter +(505) 2792 2669
Address: Bo Libertad Esq Opuesta al Estadio Municipal Puerto Cabezas.
Please be advised of the public holidays observed by Plan Staff HOLY WEEK Sometimes in March, sometimes in April
MAY 1 Labor Day
MAY 30TH Mother’s day
JULY 19 Sandinista Revolution Anniversary
In Madriz Hostal Rosario+(505) 272-2083
SEPTEMBER 14-15 Independence Day
DECEMBER 7-8 The Purisima, religious festivities
DECEMBER 24-25 Christmas
DECEMBER 31 New Year’s eve
Plan Nicaragua Address and contact numbers Edificio Zoyla Ubicado en el costado oeste del segundo parqueo de LAFISE. Phone numbers: +(505)-22780056; +(505)-22780060; +(505)-22780068 Managua, Nicaragua. Open from Monday through Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
You will be greatly rewarded in the communities if you are able to exchange a few words in Spanish like: Mi nombre es (My name is) ¿Cómo te llamas? (What is your name)
Address: Enitel 1c. al Este, Somoto, Nicaragua. Hotel Huacayaran +(505) 2722-2162 Address: Del INSS 2 cuadras al este, Somoto.
In Chontales Hotel La Hacienda +(505) 25121946
Address: Km 142 1/2 Carretera Al Rama. Hotel Luna +(505) 2512-4672 / +(505) 2512-1428
Hotel Los Arcangeles +(505) 2512-0847 Address: Bo Central Costado Este Catedral.
In Chinandega Hotel Los Balcones +(505) 2341-8952 / +(505) 2341 -8994
Address: Esquina de los Bancos 50 mtrs al Norte, Chinandega. http://www.hotelbalconeschinandega.com/es#page=7
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In Managua: Hotel Pantaleon +(505) 2278 -7922 to 23
Address Colegio Teresiano 1 cuadra al sur, 1/2 cuadra al oeste. http://www.donpantaleon.com/?q=en#page=7 Hotel BaltSoL +(505) 22785319 Address: Costado Sur funeraria Monte Los Olivos 4 cuadras al este. Hotel Barcelo +(505) 2280 98 10 Address: Villa Fontana, Club Terraza 300 mts. Sur, Managua https://www.barcelo.com/barcelohotels/en_us/hotels/nicaragua/managua/ hotel-barcelo-managua/offers.aspx?int=Home-CR-2016-06-B7-H322#page=7 Hotel Intercontinental Metro centro +(505)2276-8989 Address: Frente A Centro Comercial, Metrocentro. http://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/gb/en/reservation#scmisc=hea der_6c#page=7
If you need to contact someone from Plan • Freddy Romero: +(505) 840-84019 Plan Nicaragua Sponsorship Officer Mobile • Eileeng Obregon: +(505) 88546309 Plan Nicaragua Sponsorship Manager Mobile
Plan’s working areas in Nicaragua
Boaco & Chontales Area
Plan initiated its operations in Nicaragua in 1994 and currently works in five departments, one autonomous region, for a total of 27 municipalities and 306 communities.
Boaco & Chontales are located in the central part of the country. These two departments are defined by the imposing Prussian blue Amerrisque Mountain Range, part of the rocky fork of the Andes in Central America. The main economic activities of this area are cattle and dairy farms. The climate is tropical and humid in some areas, warm and dry in others, with fertile soils that encourage livestock and agriculture, main occupations of most of its inhabitants. Plan Nicaragua has been working in Chontales since 1995, and in Boaco since 2009; currently working at eleven municipalities, in more than 90 communities and with 7,000 Sponsored Children.
A summary of each working areas has been prepared for your convenience. You are welcome to learn about other working areas if you wish.
Madriz Area Madriz is situated in the mountainous northern region of Nicaragua. This department offers a variety of interesting attractions including extraordinary geological formations, petroglyphs, ancient settlements, and high-quality handicrafts made from different materials. Outside the urban center of Somoto, the main city of Madriz there is one remarkable attraction. The Somoto Canyon (Cañón de Somoto) is an enormous geological formation that stretches for over one kilometer with steep walls that flank the Coco River and that reach at certain points over 200 meters in height. Plan Nicaragua started building relationship in these rural communities since 2003. We are working in seven municipalities and have around 7000 Sponsored Children.
Chinandega Area Chinandega is located in the extreme western part of Nicaragua. This department is characterized by spectacular scenery, beautiful beaches, magnificent volcanoes, estuaries filled with mangrove forest and a multitude of relatively unexplored attractions. Chinandega is one of hottest department of Nicaragua. Plan Nicaragua is making a difference in the life of children since 1996. Currently we are working in four municipalities and 92 communities. We have more than 7, 300 Sponsored Children.
North Atlantic Coast Autonomous Region The entire region is indigenous land characterized by ethnic, cultural, and ecological diversity and most productive activities are agricultural and fishing. The population is divided in Miskito, mestizos, Creole, and Mayagna and live in territories with communal property customs. Most of the people are multilingual Creole, English, Spanish and Miskito are spoken but Miskito is predominately spoken. All the ethnic groups celebrate their autonomy, approved by Nicaragua National Assembly in September of 1987. It is a swim through a cultural ocean unlike any other in the world, a fascinating conglomeration of history in the very blood, skin, and language of the people. Plan Nicaragua has been working in this area since 2007, in 17 communities and more than 1800 sponsored children.
Children’s situation, and Plan‘s response Major gaps about rights of children and adolescents Right to an identity
Right to education, recreation and cultural activities
Underreporting of births and lack of birth certificate registration prevails.
A large number of children don’t attend primary or secondary schooling.
Right to be protected
Disaster Risk Reduction
Children and adolescents live in or are exposed to vulnerable conditions: child labor, neglect, physical abuse and violence, sexual abuse and commercial exploitation, drug addiction and delinquency.
Nicaragua is frequently exposed to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. In the majority of the cases, the poorest are most vulnerable and therefore most affected by disasters.
Right to health
Relevance and participation of children and adolescents
The quality of health services is deficient, especially in rural areas.
Participation in decision making in the family, at school and in the community has been developed in a very limited way.
Sexual and reproductive rights
Right to safe and nutritional food
Adolescents have very limited access to information, education and services related to responsible and fulfilling sexuality.
The main obstacles are linked to the disproportion in income, limiting access to food purchases or resources for food production.
Discrimination and gender inequality Females are placed in a subordinate position in relation to males. The traditional roles and stereotypes limit their potential for development.
Plan Nicaragua response through five programs Early childhood development
Sexual and reproductive rights
The program will contribute to the development of healthy children from 0 to 5 years of age in a protective, stimulating and cared for environment.
The program will help adolescents and youth, particularly those who are most vulnerable and at risk, to obtain knowledge, skills, support and access to services to which they are entitled.
Right to education
Family economic well-being
The program will focus on providing access to inclusive education, with equal opportunities and quality of education for girls, bocys, adolescents and young people.
The program will support children and adolescents and their families with the goal of improving their well-being by strengthening financial resources as well as the social and human characteristics of the family.
Right to protection It will help children and adolescents to be protected from violence, abuse and exploitation by empowering families, communities, partners and authorities with knowledge, skills and practices to promote a protective culture and environment.
In all targeted communities Plan works hand-in-hand with local leaders and a network of community volunteers. The majority of our working areas are in rural zones.