By Nora A
originally published September 2002

Nicaragua, located in Central America, was an impoverished land even prior to hurricane Mitch. Not much smaller than New York State with a population of nearly 5 million people, Nicaragua is a former colony of Spain, and gained its independence in 1821. By 1978, governmental manipulation and corruption was so rampant that civil war broke out sweeping the Marxist Sandinista guerrillas into control. After suffering through the Sandinista regime from 1979 until 1991, Nicaragua started free market reforms in the hope of improving the country's standing as the second poorest nation in the western hemisphere, where the average family subsists on less than US$50 per month. Economic reforms were slowly showing signs of improvement when hurricane Mitch hit in 1998.

Hurricane Mitch resulted in over 3000 deaths. More than 20,000 homes were destroyed as well as opproximately 12,000 hectares of farmland. Flooding washed away an additional 25% of the country's agricultural land. The infrastructure of many areas was virtually wiped out, including roads, bridges, schools, and medical clinics. Out of this tragic situation, Der Freundeskreis Nicaragua (the Friendship Circle of Nicaragua) was created.

Several factors came together in 2001 to continue to nullify the colossal efforts being made to improve the economy. These factors include: the global recession, low coffee and sugar prices, a drought, and a new hurricane Michelle. AWC member Nora A says: "The people of Nicaragua appreciate every little bit they have in life, are happy, and friendly. They don't fight with their neighbors and they help each other. They open their homes to anyone who needs help and they will give half of their last tortilla to their guests." Receiving help continues to be a matter of survival.

Der Freundeskreis Nicaragua is a non-profit organization created by people who have a special relationship to Nicaragua. Founded after the famous hurricane Mitch in November 1998 with the original aim of helping the victims of this disaster, it has evolved into a project of ongoing support. Working through Monsignor Bernardo Hombach, Bishop of the Chontales and Rio San Juan areas, Der Freundeskreis Nicaragua ships goods to be distributed among the poor or for the benefit of programs under the direction of Bishop Hombach. These programs include:

• a hospital



• a rest home for the elderly



• a home for street children where they can learn how to read and write and learn a profession



• a home for young mothers (some as young as 10, 11, and 12 years of age)



• and a farm cooperative enabling the poor to learn to support themselves, as well as environmentally friendly methods for farming

• 30 containers have been shipped thus far: 11 in 1999, 6 in 2000, 10 in 2001, and 3 (to date) in 2002.



• One container equals 5 tons or 30 cubic meters.



• Shipment costs €2300 per container.



• Estimated combined value of shipped goods equals more than €750.000.



• Donated items which have already been shipped include: 125 special hospital beds, medical instruments, wheelchairs, medical supplies, building materials, tools, household goods, clothes, food, school supplies, and toys.



• The members of Der Freundeskreis Nicaragua donate 100% of all administrative costs.



• All donated funds are applied directly to shipping and/or serving the needs of the poor people of Nicaragua.

According to the most recent statistics (2000), 50% of the population of Nicaragua lives below poverty level. They are in need of even the most basic household items.

• Donate items from your home that are not in use: tools, summer clothes, kitchen items, toys, and school supplies for children.



• Keep our organization in mind when the need to close out an apartment or home is necessary.



• Make a donation toward the shipping costs.



• Pass the word. Tell your friends about our organization.



• Contact one of the founding members for more information.

Der Freundeskreis Nicaragua (Viva La Vida)

Founding Members:

      Peter and Nora Albrecht
      Bernard Freytag and Maria Isabel Fiedler-Freytag
      Bernd Beisker

Address: Am Bach 27a, 21217 Seevetal, Germany
Tel: (49) 040/ 768 81 75

For donations above €100 we can issue a voucher (Spendenbescheinigung) for the German tax authorities, if we know of this donation in advance.
Please send donations to:
      Dresdner Bank
      BLZ 200 80 000
      Account 0950257901
      earmarked for "Freundeskreis Nicaragua"

Contact the AWC Webteam by filling out our feedback form.