155 W. 72 Street, #402
New York, NY 10023
Tel: 917-776-4246
Fax: 212-531-1921
 info@tipitapa.org

Hi Friends,

For 18 years the Dos Pueblos sister city project has been sponsoring delegations of US citizens to the Nicaraguan city of Tipitapa. By all accounts this was the most productive and exciting trip yet. And I was part of it!

Prior to our activities in Tipitapa, I had the opportunity of studying Spanish in the old colonial town of Granada. This enabled me to speak with confidence during the second week I spent in Tipitapa. Three nights at an aerobics class (with Latin salsa music) was the epitome of pleasure. And my friend, Dena, and I rode or "flew" on a volcano from tree to tree, hanging from cables while harnessed. An incredible experience as it may sound, for I must think I'm still 30 years old!

Our trip started with the lugging of almost one-half ton of Spanish language books for three and four-year-olds. Our greatest joy was to see the faces of the little children poring over something they've never had. They shared and exchanged and chatted about their new books, and were mesmerized during my reading aloud one little story in Spanish. The mothers in the preschool center were overwhelmed with joy.
We then attended the new computer school--a small building containing fifteen donated computers (from the company of one of our board member's husbands). We observed the students working on Excel, Power Point, Word and Access. This was the first graduating class. So I took the opportunity to conduct a class (in Spanish--I'm getting lots of practice) on interviewing skills, dress requirements, resume writing, etc., which these young people (many of them "street kids") had no clue about. Now they feel better prepared to search for jobs in the capital city of Managua.

Attending ceremonies for this first class of graduates was an unforgettable experience. Even the mayor of Tipitapa attended. This was a major event in this municipality. To see each graduate walk down the aisle arm in arm with their parent (some of whom had never had the opportunity to attend school!) to collect their diploma brought tears to each of us.

Let me squeeze in here that a $90 contribution could help one more student to have the opportunity to change their lives, as these graduates have. If you, or anyone you know, are interested in providing this opportunity, please send a check to Dos Pueblos, 2565 Broadway, #173, New York, NY 10025. And it's fully tax-deductible. Any amount would be appreciated!

I look forward to seeing you soon!
Con mucho amor,
Arlene Tolopko
 

	Visit our photo gallery from this trip
	Los Caleros Donna Katzin
	NICARAGUA: STEP BY STEP, STONE BY STONE Steve Siegelbaum

Dos Pueblos is a registered 501 (c) 3 organization. Cash & in-kind contributions are tax-deductible. IRS Form 990 is available at www.guidestar.org or by email request to info@tipitapa.org.