Contributed by Amy Wiza

Please join us in giving a warm Wisconsin welcome to to Nicaraguan guests, Dr. Ronald Blandon and Elisa Estrada, this Friday night in Stevens Point.  Drop in to say hello and/or stay for a typical WI Fish Fry.

Where:  Kristin’s Riverwalk
1140 Clark Street, Stevens Point
When:   Friday, April 18  5:00 – 8:00 pm ish

Dr. Ronald Blandon, President of the Nicaragua Partners Chapter, has been an active member since 1998.  Formerly, he held the position of Executive Director and currently is the Country Coordinator of the Farmer-to-Farmer Program in Nicaragua.  The Board in Nicaragua continues to actively monitor projects in search of human development opportunities for Nicaragua and its people, through the intercultural exchange and experience with volunteers.

The Farmer-to-Farmer program provides cultural and experience exchanges between American citizens and small to mid-size agricultural producers in Nicaragua. Through the work of the Partnership, Ronald has been successful in promoting and publicizing the philosophy and objective of Partners with Nicaraguan governmental and non-governmental institutions.  He has worked on various W/NP projects including the Learning Centers, the Youth Ambassador Program and Small Business Development.

Ronald’s efforts have also established links between higher education institutions of Nicaragua and the United States including the National Agrarian University and the University of Wisconsin.

Elisa Estrada, Executive Director of the Nicaragua Partners Chapter, has worked in community intervention with volunteers as both facilitator and field officer for the Farmer-to-Farmer Program since 2008.  She is a graduate of social work and management development, and as an active committee member, Elisa facilitates the monitoring and evaluation of projects. Elisa has collaborated in establishing contacts between Americans and NGO volunteers, producers, technicians, national cooperatives, and government agencies in Nicaragua.

She facilitates training processes in the area of primary food production and promoting the planting of family gardens.  Her work also includes national campaigns to promote consumption of milk, community campaigns to promote consumption of fruits and vegetables, and Elisa conducts community workshops on leadership and organizational strengthening.