Here Come the Pulseras

From time to time, BECA gets visitors.

A couple of weeks ago, three U.S. University students -- Thomas, Margaret, and Chris -- showed up at our office.

They are part of . . .The Pulsera Project! I know, I know, it sounds like they are involved in some kind of wacky science experiment, but it is far from that.

Pulsera means "bracelet" in Spanish.

Many of you have seen these bracelets around. They are handmade woven bracelets. It so happens that Nicaraguans are expert pulsera makers.

The Pulsera Project group came up with a nifty idea. They buy pulseras from Nicaraguan artisans and disadvantaged youth. They buy them for a buck and then ship them off to the United States where University students and groups sell them for five bucks.

The profits are funnelled back to community projects here in Nicaragua. The real mission is to promote the importance of public service to young Americans and create awareness of international social causes.

Consider the following:
Gringo student sees pulsera >
           Gringo student asks about pulsera origin >
                     Gringo student learns more about Nicaragua >
                                Gringo student becomes involved selling pulseras to others.
Repeat.

The real keeners come to visit Nicaragua and see for themselves what is really going on. (Enter Chris, Thomas, Margaret and others.)

It's a simple concept. And that is why I like it so much.