El Instituto Nacional Jaime Marza, Balgue, Ometepe, Nicaragua (A local high school)

Over 900 books donated to date!

One of the proudest moments in TALICA's brief history has been with a local high school's students and staff in the village of Balgue. TALICA partnered with the staff to develop the first textbook collection and began the first research collection for both students and teachers.

It all started with a simple conversation in February 2007 between TALICA Founder, Sue Ellen Wortzel, and Noe Gonzalez, a local math teacher and life long resident of the island. They were discussing the needs of the local secondary school. It didn't take long for both to realize the most pressing need was basic textbooks and research materials that would assist in the teaching and learning of the basic requirements. Noe and the staff worked very hard to investigate the titles, costs, and places to purchase these materials. They submitted the "wish list" to TALICA through email.

When Sue Ellen returned, they went on a shopping spree in Managua. The day started at 5:00 am with a two hour bus journey to the port town of Moyagalpa to catch the 7:00 am ferry. They arrived on the main land in the port town of San Jorge at 8:15 am and were met by a taxi who drove them to Managua to purchase the books. By 2:00 pm the books were purchased, packed, and ready for the return trip.

TALICA has been able to make this journey time and time again and has purchased over 1000 textbooks and reference materials to bring the textbook/student ratio from about 30 students per book down to about one to two students per book.

Noe is ordering the books.

Through collaboration and sharing responsibility, change can begin in a blink of an eye. These books have completely changed the face of these classrooms and more are on the way with great help from the public. TALICA wants to congratulate the entire staff in El Instituto Nacional Jaime Marza. Educators like you make all the difference in the lives of your students!

The faculty and staff celebrate new books.