Nindiri is part of the Nicaraguan department of Masaya, which boasts both the nation’s densest population as well as its smallest land area. With 48,000 people living in its 17 communities, this area is known for both incredible natural beauty and extreme poverty. Masaya Volcano National Park, a popular tourist attraction, is nearby to Nindiri. This breathtaking place is home to a variety of ecosystems and a large volcanic crater.
Many of the people of Nindiri struggle to acquire basic necessities for themselves and their families. That’s why the helpful team at Bridges to Community seeks to assist these communities in furthering their development and bettering their future.
An Impoverished People With a Rich Culture
Nindiri’s blend of indigenous peoples as well as its Spanish Catholic history is apparent in its various traditions, cultural songs and dances, and exquisite arts and crafts. For example, the area residents hold a big annual celebration honoring Santa Ana, the area’s designated patron saint. Visitors are impressed by the time and effort put forth on the part of the people to prepare for this special holiday.
In contrast to this rich cultural expression, the people of Nindiri lead difficult everyday lives. This is due in part to their limited access to crucial natural resources such as clean water and adequate housing as well as the region’s few available prospects for career advancement. These problems can, in large part, be traced to the area’s unpredictable economy coupled with a number of natural disasters that have hit the region.
Ever since 2006, Nindiri has been one of the municipalities that Bridges to Community targets through our outreach volunteer service projects. We emphasize the areas of agricultural, educational, housing and health improvement.
San Joaquin: One of Nindiri’s Most Vulnerable Communities
Within the municipality of Nindiri are a number of different rural communities, such as San Joaquin. This agriculturally-based community depends largely on vegetable, peanut, and sorghum crops for their livelihood. Due to deforestation in the surrounding area, dust and heat have begun to cause health problems for the local residents.
When Bridges to Community conducted an evaluation of the community of San Joaquin back in 2016, we discovered that 80% of the homes needed major work to be brought up to decent livability standards. With skilled volunteers among our ranks, Bridges to Community could go a long way toward providing this area with improved housing.
If you go on a Bridges to Community service trip as a volunteer, you can assist us in reaching our goal of providing families with clean drinking water, installing latrines for families who don’t yet have them and constructing new homes for those who need them in the community of San Joaquin. You can even help to improve the area’s environment for years to come through our tree planting program.
San Joaquin is just one of the communities in the region of Nindiri that we here at Bridges to Community hope to benefit. Our goal is to make a lasting impression in this needy region through the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers. You can Bridges to Community for more information to find out how you can take a group down to Nicaragua to serve for a week or two in this needy country.
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