Six Lopez Island High School students traveled to Nicaragua this February as participants in the school’s eighth Nicaragua Service Learning Trip. Following a year of fundraising activities, Lachlan Fisher, Harrison Goodrich, Maggie Heard, Dylan Moore, Kevin O’Bryant, and Brianne Swanson traveled to Nicaragua to spend two weeks living and working with the Center for Development in Central America, just outside of Managua. The focus of the biannual trip is to participate in service projects in some of the poorest communities in the country. In addition to the work, the students take part in mini-classes about the history and culture of Nicaragua, as well as travel to a remote organic coffee cooperative, where they learn first-hand about sustainable, fair-trade coffee production.

The work assignments vary each trip, depending on the local needs at that time. This year’s group spent the majority of time working on an addition at the Nueva Vida health clinic, which involved digging holes, mixing concrete and mortar, and laying the foundation and blocks for the walls. The students also got to visit a local elementary school and work as dental hygiene assistants for an afternoon. “We worked hard, learned a lot, and came home with our eyes opened just a little bit wider, which is what this trip is all about,” said Lisa Geddes, Lopez School Spanish teacher and trip leader.

The students will share stories and photos of their travels, along with a Nicaraguan dinner, on Wednesday, April 1 starting at 5:30 in the Multi-Purpose-Room at Lopez School. Cost is $8 for ages seventeen and up; $5 for ages five through 16; and $2 for children under five.

Organizers want to thank Lopez International Student Travel Education Program (InSTEP) as well as the community, family, and friends for helping to make this trip, and others possible for Lopez students.