Proyecto Las Mujeres Saludables: The Healthy Woman Project

During TALICA's October mission, TALICA Director, Sue Ellen Wortzel, along with international volunteer Aimee Skrzekut of Chicago, spearheaded a partnership with Jenny Diaz, the local village nurse of Balgue, Nicaragua.  Starting January 2010, they will be designing the first ever medical collection of books and health information that will be housed in the clinic and accessible to the public. With the use of TALICA sponsored materials, Nurse Diaz's new learning programs and lecture series will teach young girls and women ways to maintain a healthy mind, body and spirit.  This project will build community and provide sisterhood among women, so they manage issues together.  Crucial issues facing teenage girls and women are:

• How to maintain open dialogue between young girls, their mothers, and community mentors to reduce teen births 
  
• Improving overall reproductive health
  
• Securing adequate prenatal care that will lead to healthier babies at birth.

TALICA Merit Scholar's Program

TALICA's oldest partnered-school is turning out academic scholars. To date, TALICA has provided nearly 1000 textbooks to the National Institute Jaime Marza in Balgue, Nicaragua.  Local educators, parents, and students are taking advantage of new opportunities and they need our assistance. More and more students are qualifying to compete among Nicaragua's brightest students from all parts the country in academic competitions in science, math, and Spanish.  TALICA is preparing to set up a scholarship fund that will assist these students with the costs of off-island transportation and accommodations while they actively compete.  We invite you to look ahead with us as we follow these amazing students who are breaking out of the cycle of extreme poverty and into a world where more choices await.  We are very proud to be a part of their journey.  **Read on for more information about The National Institute Jaime Marza.