@RSVP

Is it just me or is it that no one replies to e-mails anymore?

People just don't get back to you.

Or even acknowledge receipt!

Why?

• Is the social etiquette different for electronic communication?
• Is it the sheer informality of the medium?
• Or is it a larger sign of our latest modernity?

(I hope it's not the latter. I'd prefer to opt out.)

One thing that I have always tried to impress upon the BECA staff is the importance of acknowledging all communications. Including e-mails.

And they do!

But they must really be wondering why so few respond in kind.

Well, what is it? Why don't you respond to e-mails?

I promise to get back to you.

A Tico Christmas

It looks like I'll be spending this Christmas in Costa Rica.

I came across the following brochure in a Costa Rican bank.

Scotiabank Costa Rica Brochure (December 2013)

Rough translation: "Costa Ricans are famous for their saving habits."

Oh really? I would never have guessed that. But it got me to thinking . . .

What would Canadians consider themselves famous for?

And Nicaraguans too?

With respect to Canada, I would say for being polite. And maybe a little bit boring.

Now in the second case . . . well, I would have to ask. But after six years -- if I had to choose one word -- I would say decent. Nicaraguans are a very decent people.

Not said lightly.

It's how I describe a man I know. A man I happen to admire greatly.

My father.

2013: The Beauty and the Beast

This video captures some of BECA's finest moments of the past twelve months.

Very much to celebrate!




But . . . it doesn't tell the whole story.

Of my six years in Nicaragua, 2013 goes down as my most challenging to date.

Frankly, 2013 was a beast.

Where do I begin? My pet project (Project Call Center) was shuttered, BECA experienced lower than expected student participation in our weekend social projects, the ex-director of BECA started legal proceedings against the foundation, and the program received poor marks from -- wait for this -- the students themselves! [sigh]

We have plenty of work to do.

I should say, the BECA team has plenty of work to do. 

2013 was the first year with BECA's own graduates in charge and they responded positively to my calls for independence and professionalism. Most of the decision-making was theirs.

And, despite the adversities, they passed with flying colors. 

It has been my dream that BECA's staff be composed entirely of its own graduates. And my dream will be realized in early 2014 when I plan to formally step down as Director.

I believe with my whole heart in these young people.

And next year's video?

It'll be a beauty. 

My Illegal Activities

The other day, a friend of mine suggested to me -- subtly and indirectly -- that he doesn't do anything illegal.

Nothing.

Absolutely lives 100% by the book.

Hmmm. It got me thinking. What about me?

Being the listmanic person I am, I started (finished?) a list. I limited my illegal activities to the last two years of my life and to the two countries where I spend the most time.

Illegal Activities - Canada

• Not declaring everything to Canadian customs when entering the country
• Jaywalking
• Not wearing my seatbelt
• Talking on the cell phone when driving

Illegal Activities - Nicaragua

• Not stopping for pedestrians when driving
• Speeding 
• Bribing transit officials
• Watching sports and TV shows on rogue websites
• Downloading music (without paying)
• Downloading books (without paying)
• Buying pirated DVDs
• Buying controlled medicines without a prescription

Two themes emerge: driving, and technology/entertainment . . . with the occasional valium purchase thrown in for good measure. To ease the moral burden, no doubt!

An interesting exercise in transparency.

And you? Are you willing to publish something similiar?

Oddly Enough

In my years away from Canada, I have come across other North Americans residing permanently outside of their native country.

The fancy term used to describe us people is expatriate.

Who are these expatriates?
 
There is no simple answer but attitudinally I classify them into two broad groups.

People that embrace the challenges and oddities of living in a foreign country.

And those that don't.

I'd like to think that I fall into the first group -- see my previous blog post on the subject here -- but it isn't always easy.

And I wasn't always this way. 

What provoked the attitude adjustment?

Oddly enough, I can't tell you. 

 

A park near my house in San José. Would you bring your children here? (September 2013)

Steve Who?

I have written about Steve Jobs before.

 
And I'm a huge fan.

But this authorized portrayal by Walter Isaacson has stirred me up.

"History will place him in the pantheon next to Edison and Ford." (Isaacson, 2012)

Are you kidding me? This seems a bit much.

Indeed the iPod, iPhone and iPad are revolutionary products.

For rich people.

I see no evidence of impact in the developing world. Where most of the people on this planet happen to live.
 
May I suggest a rewrite.

"History will place him in the pantheon of gadget makers." (Hunchak, 2013)

Sorry Steve.

#iJustSaying
 

(A)Social Media

Instagram.

Facebook.

Twitter.

Pinterest.

And there are many, many more.

I've heard social media referred to as an essential tool for non-profit organizations.

After five years of religiously posting BECA.org news on the most famous one -- facebook.com, may I offer up another description: time-waster.

The "reach" statistics are mindnumbingly low (below).

And these things take time to administer. (BECA has a Spanish page too!)

And they take time away from BECA's core work of screening and supervising scholars.

If anyone were to ask me about Facebook's utility for a grassroots non-profit like ours, I wouldn't mince words.

Fuggedaboutit. 

Screen capture of BECA's Facebook administration panel (13-11-13). Is it worth it?

An Important Moment in BECA's History (For Me)

For the first time, BECA is dipping its toe in the waters of financial sustainability with Campaign 1000.

BECA's graduates are directly being asked to step up and contribute to BECA -- their organization -- for the first time.
 
Right now, BECA is supported entirely by foreigners. In 2013, 95% of the donors are people I personally know.

This is not sustainable.

If BECA is to survive in the long run, I feel that people who have benefitted from the program should chip in.

Not a lot, but something.

The deadline for "Campaign 1000" is New Year's Eve. 

I am paying close attention.

The Demise of Project Call Center

This week the BECA staff decided -- with my full support -- to shut down BECA's "Project Call Center."

I'm very disappointed. From the beginning it has been a project close to my heart.

The original logic behind Project Call Center was the following. One of the only industries in Nicaragua in which there is demand for labor is the call center industry. The pay is well above average; about USD $500 a month. To get a job, you have to speak reasonably-good English.

My thinking was, let's take a bunch of interested students and teach them English. Intensively. At the best schools we can find. BECA's investment will be higher than usual, but the students will be able to pay us back once they are working.

How hard could that be?

It turns out much harder than I thought.

Almost two years have passed, and the original six participants still haven't received firm offers for employment.

I figure that the original six -- we call them the "pioneers" -- speak pretty darn good.

Obviously, the call centers think otherwise.

I feel we threw everything we had at them. Different schools (including months at a supposedly prestigious language institute associated with a supposedly prestigious university), personal instruction from native speakers, a custom-designed curriculum.

There comes a time when you say enough is enough.

And lesson learned.

But what exactly might that lesson be?

Don't stray from your original values.

One of the basic core values of our organization is impartiality.

We didn't practice what we preach. We dedicated an inordinate amount of resources to a handful of program participants, potentially at the expense of others. And then we did the unthinkable, admitting even more participants ("Project Call Center II") at the beginning of 2013.

It wasn't right.

It was my idea and I accept full responsibility.

I don't have any regrets. We pilot many things in BECA, always seeking to innovate and improve.

It was just that this pilot went on way too long.

In closing, allow me to extend my gratitude to the all of the program participants for their persistence and their patience. Thanks for hanging in there!

Our belief in you remains unequivocal.

My favorite pic of the BECA "Pioneers." (2013) From Left: Al, Ellie, Kel, Heissy, Manny and Ollie.

 

            

The Mystery of a Messy Masaya

The Nicaraguan town in which I live is called Masaya.

It's quaint, lively, and friendly.

And one big fat mess.

This month (October 2013) I celebrate six years in Nicaragua. And to this day all the garbage on the street remains a huge mystery to me.

A mystery for two reasons.

First, Masayans are fastidiously clean. Masayan homes are immaculate. They're spotless!

Second, Nicaraguans are patriotic people. They are extremely proud of their heritage and their beautiful country. It befuddles me why they choose not to pay attention to communal areas and their precious land.

When I receive new visitors to Masaya, I welcome them with two advices.

1) "Mind the cars."

2) "Don't mind the garbage."

They always have a harder time with the second one.

Me and 35,175 Ticos*

Maybe not quite 35,175.

But close.

What am I talking about here?

I am on vacation in Costa Rica and last night I took in the Costa Rican national soccer team match against Mexico in the national stadium.

Quite the adventure!

Here are some recommendations in case you care to attempt something similar:

• Don't bring your umbrella. It will be confiscated at the door.
• Don't buy the national team flag of the opposing national team.
• If you ignore the previous suggestion, don't even think about waving it during the match.
• Keep your cash in a zipped pocket.
• Feel free to wear the jersey of the opposing team, but don't cheer if they score.
• If the opposing team is the national team of Mexico, yelling "Arriba, Arriba, Arriba" (speedy Gonzalez-style) is a no-no.

If you missed it, the result was positive for the home team (2-1).

It ended with fans in my section yelling at the top of their lungs "Get Out, Get Out, Get Out."

No, they weren't shouting at me.

I think.

*Costa Ricans are typically known as Ticos.

How Does the BECA Team Work?

You may have heard me use the term "REY13" before.

What exactly is REY13?

It is the code name I gave a pilot project initiated this year in BECA.org.

In project REY13 -- with the cooperation of a high school in an outlying community of Masaya -- BECA began the scholarship qualifying stage while the students were still in their last year of high school. The logic is that in this way, the successful candidates will not "lose a year."

This is how we work in BECA Nicaragua. By project.

BECA's staff is trained in managing projects. I create and assign the projects. And then I do my best to try to help them along. (Or stay out of the way in some cases.)

Managing projects is an advanced skill. And in my experience, not many people know how to do it.

Fewer know how to do it well.

I decided that this was more empowering in the longer term for the organization.

It's a transferable skill that each team member can carry with them when they choose to leave us.

As it turns out, pilot project REY13 came to an end this week. Of 11 high school students who began their BECA journey eight months ago, 10 successfully completed their qualifying.

I congratulate all ten participants on their achievement and I congratulate project manager Miss Urania Montoya on its stewardship.

The Ideas Man

A good friend of mine calls me an "ideas man."

It's a fair description.

The BECA team would probably say the same thing.

I can just hear them say now "Uh oh, here comes Walter with another of his crazy ideas." (Of course they are WAY too polite to actually come out and say it.) 
 
Anyway, the point is that I come up with lots of ideas -- good ones, bad ones, and downright ugly ones.

Here are some examples from my time here in Nicaragua.

Expanding BECA in 2010 to two other Nicaraguan cities. BECA was not even close to being ready for that. It was premature and impulsive. Put that one in the ugly category.

Offering BECA.org Course One, BECA's scholarship classification stage, on the weekends. The desertion rate was close to 50%.  Bad idea.

Positively, partnering with Nicaraguan bank BAC and getting debit cards in the hands of all of our scholars was a good idea. It makes distributing their monthly stipends a breeze.

Adding a social service component, the "Brigada," to the classification stage has proven to be a big win-win-win for our organization, the participants, and the primary schools that benefit. Belongs in the good idea basket.

My best idea so far?

That's easy.

Deciding that BECA should be run by its own graduates.

And it was my idea, man!

Maryury Ruíz and Urania Montoya (September 2013)

100 Piñas Coladas

Some of you may know that in BECA Nicaragua we don't hand out scholarships.

The participants earn them.

And we don't make it easy for them. The classification process is six months long, beginning with three months of computer classes and ending with three months volunteering full-time in a local primary school.

118 nicaraguans began this journey way back in March.

Tuesday (24-9-13) was the final day of classification.

And . . . 100 finished.

Please allow me a few exclamation marks.
 
100!!  A whopping 84.75%!!

Very impressive stuff and numbers this program has never seen. 

I congratulate each and every one of BECA's future scholars.

We know it wasn't easy. In fact, we know it was darn tough.

Lastly, I congratulate the BECA team of Maryury Ruíz, Urania Montoya, and Reyaldo López on facilitating this achievement.

Time for a piña colada, ¿verdad? Or perhaps 100 of them?

If I Were King of Nicaragua

There is a lot of talk currently in Nicaragua about the potential building of a canal, to rival Panama's.

It's a MULTIbillion-dollar project.

And some believe a megaproject like a transoceanic canal is just what the country needs.

It got me to thinking.

If money was not an issue, and I were the King of Nicaragua, what one thing would I do to improve the situation here?

I wouldn't have to think long.

Overnight I would double all primary school teacher salaries.

They are grossly underpaid.

Classroom sizes are huge. It's not unusual to see forty, forty-five, or even fifty kids in a classroom.

Teaching resources? What teaching resources? It's not unusual to see teachers buying their own whiteboard markers.

Let's not even begin to talk about the physical state of the schools.

Not suprisingly, given these working conditions, it is a vocation in decline.

In five years of awarding scholarships BECA has only awarded one scholarship to study teaching.

One.

Doubling the salaries would represent a bold, first step to reinvigorate the career.

Yes, I know. Money isn't everything.

But the primary school teachers are important. They don't deserve to be on the lower end of the payscale, like they are now.

A decent salary would attract better candidates. And possibly boost the prestige of the occupation.

What I see now in this country are bright people studying English to work in call centers. For the money. It's a rational choice for themselves and their families.

I would like these bright, young people to consider the teaching profession.

If I were King.

I'm not and I never will be.

But I challenge the emerging young leaders -- the Uranias, Reynaldos, and Maryurys of Nicaragua -- to consider bold, audacious moves like this.

You are in a position to make a difference.

And I believe in you.

The Beauty of the Short Sentence

As the BECA.org staff will attest, I am a big fan of the short sentence.

I nag them about writing short, crisp sentences in their professional correspondence.

In defense of my partiality, let me paraphrase what blogger Kate Brauning has to say on the subject.

• Shorter sentences are more impactful.
• Shorter sentences help your readers stay engaged. The pauses between sentences allows a moment to refocus.
• Shorter sentences prompt readers to keep reading. It's tiresome to read extremely long sentences.
• Short sentences are less likely to contain unnecessary words like "that", "there is/are", "because of", "which" etc.
• Short sentences are not as confusing as long sentences. 

Additionally, I believe that short sentences challenge us to focus our own thoughts and present our ideas in a concise, clear manner. Profesionally impressive!

On top of it all, some of my favorite sentences are "shorties":

• Less is more. 
• Have fun. 
• Life's short. 
• I believe in you.

Take care!

A-S-S-U-M-E

In founding BECA.org in 2008, I was driven by four assumptions.

Assumption #1. There are an abundance of Nicaraguan high school graduates who don't continue studying solely because they don't have the money to do so.

Assumption #2. Assumption #1 is a social problem.

Assumption #3. This social problem can be resolved.

Assumption #4. I have the ingenuity to solve the problem.

Five years have passed. Let's recheck the the veracity of those four assumptions.

On assumptions 1 and 2, I remain resolute. The lack of educational opportunites for serious-minded high school grads remains a serious social problem in Nicaragua.

Neither will I waiver with respect to assumption #3. I believe the social problem is indeed solvable. Admittedly, BECA won't be able to do it alone. BECA can lead but will need to involve more social actors to make a permanent difference.

Assumption #4 is a little different.

For the longest time I swore by #4; that this Gringo founder knew better and had the answers to resolve the social problem.

I was mistaken.

No where has this been more evident than in this last year.

I tepidly yielded almost all decision-making responsability to the BECA.org team (which, by the way, is entirely composed of program graduates).

Still clinging desperately onto #4, I couldn't help but stick my nose in a few times to offer my "superior" first-world advice.

The results have not been optimal.

They know better.

15 Minutes

I'm sure almost all of you have been on the receiving end of one of the following:

1. "I'll be there in fifteen minutes." 
2. "It shouldn't take me more than fifteen minutes." 

Yeah, right.

Quickly, fifteen minutes turns into thirty minutes, and sometimes more.

Interestingly, the same phenomenom exists here in Central America.

Except for "fifteen minutes," one might hear "ahora" (Nicaragua) or "cinco minutos" (Costa Rica).

Why do we insist on these little white lies?

Wouldn't it be easier to say 30 minutes and then issue a pleasant surprise by arriving early?

One of those great unexplained mysteries in life.

Perhaps not on the same scale as Stonehenge, but mysterious nonetheless.

I gave myself 15 minutes to write this piece.

You know what happened.

Sigh.

"You are Cheapskates!"

A common refrain of the students in BECA. 

Directed to all of us on the BECA team who administer the BECA scholarship program in Nicaragua.

This complaint often arises when it comes to student requests for extraordinary school supplies. (An example might be a nurse's uniform.)

Admittedly, our current process is very bureaucratic. BECA asks for a signed and sealed letter from the Director of the school. And we are the first to acknowledge that it isn't an easy matter.

Why in the world do we make it so complicated?

First, the process was not always this way. In fact, as early last year the process was a lot simpler. Unfortunately, there were abuses and some students took liberties. The consequence? The team decided that stricter rules were necessary and, as a result, all of the students are paying for these indiscretions.

Second, we know that the present process must be improved. It is on the agenda of the 2013 staff retreat in October. In the meantime, any idea that any student may have to streamline the process in a fair, efficient way is welcome.

Third, and perhaps most importantly, is the following: BECA's funds are not unlimited! I have personally tried to impress upon the team that we have to watch every penny. BECA is about offering an educational opportunity. Every penny saved means a penny that can go towards creating an opportunity for another serious, young Nicaraguan next year.

Fortunately, the current BECA team of Urania, Maryury, and Reynaldo understand this last point very well.

So don't be surprised if the next time we hear "you are cheapskates!", you hear the following in response:

"Thanks for the compliment!"

I Believe in You

"Creo en usted."

I go around saying this all the time to BECA's students (and to BECA's staff).

I say it in e-mail communications.

I say it in blog commentaries.

And I say it in person, when I get the chance.

I suspect that some students are even tired of hearing it. "There goes Walter again with his I believe in you shtick."

Why do I continue?

It's the basic principle upon which BECA is founded. A belief in the young people of Nicaragua.

The scholarship is a way of confirming that belief in them.

Happily most BECA scholars finish their studies. But not all do. Sometimes the harsh realities of life here dictate.

And I'm okay with that.

What matters to me is that this tiny organization steps up to that serious-minded young person and says "Here you go. You deserve this opportunity. We believe in you."

That, folks, is what it's all about.

Today, August 14, 2013, marks the "official" five-year anniversary of BECA.org Nicaragua. It's an opportune moment for me to turn the tables a little bit and say . . .

Thank you to my supportive family and my lifelong friends.

Thank you to the people who have advised me along the way.

Thank you to all of the becados since day one and to their families.

Thank you to the current BECA staff: Maryury, Reynaldo, and Urania.

Thank you for what?

Thank you for BELIEVING IN ME and this little idea I had.

I am very grateful.

It's been the best five years of my life.

Hidden Treasure of BECA

We have something in BECA that is special.

Very special and rarely trumpeted.

It's our hidden treasure because we really don't do enough to let people know about it.

It's the student blog.

Every week, our students share a little bit about their lives with us.

EVERY WEEK!

And in all my research of youth organizations all over the world, I must say I haven't come across anything quite like it.

Yes, I've seen attempts. A student essay here. A collection of photos there.

But nothing comes even close to the discipline of our program participants. Week in and week out, the great majority of our becados write about their lives. 

I consider it quite an accomplishment.

Let's put this into perspective. Before they joined BECA, most didn't even know how to use a computer or surf the Internet, let alone write a blog.

Pretty cool.

Now if we only figure out a way to tell the world about it . . .

A blog, perhaps? 

I Don't Have Anything to Write About !

This is a complaint the BECA team hears quite a bit.

From our students.

About their blogs! [Parenthesis: The students are asked to keep a weekly blog. Most of them do it. The directory is here.]

Here are some of the regular refrains:

• "I have nothing to write about." 
• "Nobody is interested in what I have to say."
• "My mind is numb."
• "My head is full of school stuff. No room for blog stuff."
• "My life is boring." 
• "I've already written about everything there is to write about."

What our students don't realize is that their lives are actually super-interesting. They just don't see it that way. Oh well.

So I've decided to be proactive and make a few suggestions for blog topics:

1. If I could change one thing about BECA.org what would it be and why?
2. Five things I want to do before I die
3. If I came face to face with God, what would I ask?
4. My bravest moment
5. How I met my best friend
6. What makes my mom (or dad) so special
7. If I won a million dollars, what is the first thing I would buy and why?
8. If I could change lives with someone, who would that person be?
9. If my dog could talk, what would I ask it?
10. What will nicaragua be like in 100 years?
11. The animal I'd most like to be
12. If I could change one thing about myself
13. The most beautiful thing I've ever seen in my whole life

Hey, and if you have any good ideas, why don't you stick them in this document. (English is okay.)

Let's call this "Mission: NMBC" (No más blog complaints.)

Gracias for reading.

One of My Favorite Professional Sports Moments Ever

I am not much of a professional baseball fan.

In fact, I rarely watch it.

Sometimes I pay attention to the World Series, but I don't lose any sleep if I miss it.

Nevertheless, there is one thing I adore about it.

Mariano Rivera.

He's a pitcher from Panama who plays for the New York Yankees.

What makes him so great in my eyes? His "best relief pitcher of all time" stats?

Nope.

It's the way he carries himself, despite his superstar status in the sport.

I have never seen any star player in any North American professional league at any time conduct himself like Mariano Rivera conducts himself. (And that's saying something coming from someone who grew up watching Wayne Gretzky.)

A model of decency and humility.

Happily, it's not only me who thinks so.

How You Can Save an Endangered Species Today

I'm concerned about the future of a species that seems to be dwindling fast.

It's a human sub-species that we are familiar with.

It's the "optimist."

You know the type.

The person with something positive to say, usually with a smile.

The person who looks at the bright side.

The person who sees opportunity, instead of defeat.

The person with nary a bad word to say about anyone.

In these modern times characterized by a pervasive cynical press this species is dying, folks.

What can we do to prevent extinction?

1. Keep them close. 
2. Let them know how important they are to us: look them in the eye, and tell them how much we value them and their positive outlook on life.

I'm optimistic the species can be saved with this spiritual nourishment.

Open Letter to our BECA Family in Nicaragua (Spanish)

Estimada Familia BECA.org Nicaragua,

Recientemente los becados del programa han compartido sus pensamientos con nosotros por medio de la encuesta intensiva.  (Para ver el resumen de los resultados, ir aquí.) 

Ahora, a mi me toca.

Primero, quiero agradecerles por el alto nivel de su participación en la encuesta:  46 de 51 la llenaron -- más de 90%!  

Tomamos los resultados seriamente y el equipo dedica sesiones a la evaluación de sus respuestas.

Dos grandes puntos derivados de la encuesta que me llamaron la atención:

1. Descontento con el programa. Parece que la mitad de nuestros becados intensivos están contentos con el programa. Lamentablemente, la otra mitad no.
2. Descontento con nuestros coordinadores. Las quejas parecen indicar un equipo parcial y sin la disponibilidad de resolver problemas.

¿Qué es mi reacción?

Sobre todo, me siento sorprendido con los resultados. Este año, para ser la primera vez, mandaba el equipo. En realidad la gran mayoría de las decisiones fueron tomadas por el equipo. Y cómo saben, el equipo está compuesto 100% de los graduados de su programa.

[Paréntesis: mi perspectiva es un poco diferente. Estoy orgulloso del trabajo del equipo. Manejaban más de 50 intensivos -- distribuidos en todo el país - y más de 110 aspirantes (Curso Uno). Ni siquiera mencionar las numerosas jornadas que supervisan cada mes, etc.]

Está sorpresa viene a un momento interesante en el camino de la fundación. Estamos en la transición de buscar apoyo y sociedades con las empresas y instituciones de Nicaragua. Además, esperábamos contar en el apoyo de nuestros mismos graduados quienes están trabajando.

Les pregunto, si la mitad de los supuestos beneficiarios de nuestro programa no están contentos, ¿cómo podemos pedir apoyo?  Sin mencionar pedir apoyo adicional de los donantes extranjeros. 

Tiempos interesantes . . .

Gracias por leer,

My Early Nicaraguan Mornings

They play out approximately like this:

3:15 am. Rise and shine. Actually, more like just shine.

3:15 - 3:30 am: Inspirational reading on my Kindle. I follow these daily devotionals:

• Daily Guideposts Fun, light read
• My Utmost for His Highest - Dry and deep, but occasionally inspirational
• Through the Year with Jimmy Carter - Enjoy this the most. Shares personal anecdotes

3:30 - 4:15 am: Sudoku with coffee. In bed. I've written about my passion for Sudoku before.

4:15 - 5:00 am: Review my day and plan my agenda. I really enjoy doing this. Not sure why.

5:00 - 6:00 am: Morning walk for gym workout. Yuck. My least pleasant part of the morning (the gym part, that is).

Gimnasio "Adrenalina" (July 2013)

6:15 - 7:00 am: Cardio on my elliptical machine. Don't care for this part much, either.

Yeah, I know I should clean the sucker.

There you have it.

Wait a minute! I just about forgot the very best part. 

On my way home from the gym these days I pass by a primary school. No ordinary primary school, however. It's one of the schools that BECA has some students doing their social service. 

I'll tell you what. Seeing those eager, smiling faces makes my sordid trip to the gym every morning all worthwhile.

Six BECA Brigadistas Ready for Action (July 2013)

Why Isn't He Helping?

Interesting situation these days in the BECA weekend community service projects here in Nicaragua.

(Parenthesis: Scholarship recipients are asked to perform community service for three hours every other Saturday. About 75% comply. They are rewarded for doing so with a payment.)

It seems that some of the students are quite unhappy that some of the participants do all the work while the others just sit around and twiddle their thumbs.

A lot of grumbling and finger-pointing."Why should we do all the work? Why don't those guys get off their asses?"

I really understand their frustration. It doesn't seem fair.

But to all of you frustrated students, may I offer a comment?

"Welcome to the real world, muchachos!"

What is happening in the jornadas is not at all unusual.

Some people do most of the work. The rest are largely bystanders.

In the church. In the community. In schools. And in the workplace.

And here's the catch. The lazies are not going to change.

Nope. No matter what you say, or how you look at them. It won't make any difference.

I suggest an alternative strategy, which I admit isn't easy.

1. Take pride in your own contribution and continue doing the best you know how. 
2. Enjoy the nice, warm feeling that goes along with helping someone. 
3. Accept that not everyone thinks or acts the same way.

The option is yours.

Becado Nelson Chavarria (2010)

It Happened Like This

Masaya, May 2013

"Hey, José, long time no see. How are you?" I belted out to catch an acquaintance's attention on the other side of the street.

"Not bad, Walter. Hey how are you?" José blurted back, making his way across the street to greet me.

"Excelente. What happened to you? Are you still living in Masaya?" extending my hand.

"Always. I will die here. I thought you moved back to Estelí or something like that," José responded.

"Nope. I've been spending more time in Costa Rica recently, but I still live here, José. My mansion is in La Reforma," laughing at my own joke.

"Well that explains that. It doesn't explain why you don't answer your phone," eyeing me skeptically.

"Well, that's odd. I still have the same number. Oh well," sighing and then preparing myself for an amicable adios.

"Before you go, write down your number for me Walter," José demanded.

Patting down my pockets, "I have a pen, José but no paper."

"Well I don't have my phone on me either. "Here, scribble it down on this," reaching down and picking up something from the street.

"On this? Are you serious?" I asked incredulously.

"Of course," he retorted. "Hurry up, I have a meeting."

"Okay," I sheepishly replied. "Here you go."

"Gracias. Take care, Walter."

"Ciao, José."

The "A" Word

Someone asked me the other day what really really bugs me. You know the list of contenders: racism, ignorance, poverty, selfishness, etc.

I didn't have an immediate answer and although the subject matter is a little negative for my tastes, I found myself pondering the question later that day.

And come to think of it there is something.

Arrogance.

I have no patience for it.

It has to do with people (or organizations) who think that they are in some way superior to other people (or organizations).

The default is to associate arrogance with money. For me, material wealth is only one of several dimensions in which arrogance can rear its ugly head. Consider the following:

• Intelligence . . . . . . .I can outsmart you!
• Physical beauty . . . You are fat!
• Career . . . . . . . . . . .He's a taxi driver!

Interestingly, I find there is much less arrogance in Nicaragua than in Canada. Or for that matter, than most other places I've visited or lived.

Appreciation.

I much prefer this "A" word.

I Know Somebody

Let me tell you a little bit about a person I know.

It's a person who is willing to hear out the problems one may have.

It's a person who is willing to listen (and not interrupt).

It's a person who is willing to admit their errors and offer an apology -- without justifications -- if the person deems it necessary.

It's a person willing to say "I don't know," if they believe they really don't know.

Yes it's a person who is not perfect and may have faults, like working way, way too hard. How horrible!

And I ask you dear reader to guess the age of the abovementioned person.

50?

Not even close.

40?

Nope.

30?

Getting warm.

This person celebrated her 22nd birthday yesterday (6-4-13).

Many happy returns, Maryury. 

What a bright future BECA.org has with you on its team.

Thank you for being one of the inspirations for my continuing to work in Nicaragua.

Point Taken

All of the active BECA scholarship recipients are asked to participate in weekend community service projects twice a month.

On the second and fourth Saturday morning of every month for about three hours most of our students get together to clean up schools, tutor children, donate blood and other stuff like that. They pay their own transport to attend.

And beginning this year, the students have been coming up with the project ideas themselves. The default choice is usually cleaning up a primary school.

It all sounds really great, right?

Not so fast.

A lotta grumbling lately. From the students. And who bears the brunt of this grumbling? Our Coordinators, which really isn't right.

The projects aren't obligatory but the students who participate receive a "bonus" payment along with their regular monthly stipend. Therein may lie the problem, I dunno.

Some staff members and students feel that the social projects should be compulsory. And without any "bonus." Others think we should do away with the projects entirely. Or at least put them on hold. Yada yada yada.

I was explaining this situation to an Argentinian friend. Her response was quite interesting.

"Let's not forget that BECA itself is a social project." 

Hmmmm.

Point taken.

Just Because

Did you know that BECA has a video of every scholarship recipient since 2008?

Yep.

(Here's the link to the playlist on our Youtube channel.)

The idea at that time was to make a video of all of the candidates and post them on our website to aid individual sponsors in selecting a student to sponsor.

BECA has since abandoned the individual sponsorship model.

Nevertheless, we intend to continue with more videos of our new becados this July.

Economically it doesn't make much sense.

But it serves as a lasting memory for the student and for our BECA family.

It isn't all about dollars and cents. Sometimes you have to do some things just . . . .

Well, just because.

Here's one of my all-time faves:

Blood, Sweat, Tears & Pesos

"Why doesn't BECA pay for student transportation in the classification stage? BECA is supposed to be helping young people, not be making it more difficult for them." 

This is something that I hear once in a while.

I admit that the criticism irks me a bit, especially when it comes from do-gooders working in other non-profit organizations here in Nicaragua.

Nevertheless, I kind of understand their logic.

After all, if BECA is an anti-poverty organization, what in the world is it doing making poor people scrape up bus money to attend computer classes? Just give 'em the money, say the critics.

Here is the opposing -- and our -- view.

BECA is all about facilitating scholarships for serious-minded young Nicaraguans.

The key word is serious.

And the way we see it, somewhere along the line there has to a sacrifice of some kind. And in our program that happens to include a financial sacrifice.

Our experience in BECA has shown that ambitious, passionate young people will do what they have to do to come up with that transportation money for six months.

• They work part-time jobs. 
• They bug their parents. 
• They ask their relatives. 
• They ask around at their church. 
• They ask their local governments (new for 2013!)

If people feel an opportunity is worthwhile, they will make the sacrifice.

Bottom line? Handouts just don't work!

And you know the best part?

At the end of their journey, when our candidates make it to graduation day, they can proudly declare that they have earned their scholarship, fair and square.

And not because of any handout from some generous, high-minded benefactors.

But because of their own blood, sweat, tears and pesos.

It's a glorious day.

BECA Course One Graduating Class, Matagalpa, December 2011

A Few Random Thoughts from Ticolandia

Two weeks have passed by in Ticolandia.

What am I enjoying?

• A nice gym. There is a modern gym minutes from my house. Yes, I have an elliptical machine in Nicaragua, but it isn't quite the same thing.
• Cooler weather. It is suffocatingly hot right now in Masaya. Don't miss it.
• FAST Internet. I have a speedy connection in my San José home. I can watch streaming hockey games on TV. Which brings me to . . .
• Hockey. Yes, it's playoff time. Hockey every night. I cheer for the underdog.
• Poker tournament Internet streams. Right now there is a big tournament from Monte Carlo being shown every day on the computer. Yummy.

Of course there is a huge down side to being away. 

What am I missing?

• Mucho

Can't wait to go back home.

Sparkling Eyes

I am often asked what was the inspiration for BECA.org.

The answer lies in a small group of teenagers in a Masaya community called Villa Betania.

It was November, 2007 and I was volunteering at Alternativa, a local microfinance institution. Alternativa had a community development department. (By department, I mean they had a group of two or three people whose mandate was to visit communities and work with them to identify their needs and improve their living situations.)

One such community was Villa Betania.

The initial outreach meeting I attended took place on the evening of November 5th, 2007. Total attendance was about 25 with a mixture of adults, teenagers, and children.

The Alternativa representative started his shtick in front of the group. The presentation amounted to putting a huge paper clipboard in front, brainstorming about challenges faced in the community, and prioritizing them.

One of the items on the community bucket list that evening was education.

The teenagers in the community wanted to study computers but didn't have the resources. They felt it was important to know how to use a computer. Logical.

It perked my curiosity.

After the meeting, I spoke with a few of the young people. Keep in mind that it not typical to see teenagers at meetings like this. (Borrriiing!)

I was struck by their earnest desire to study. And the sparkle in their eyes.

That fateful evening BECA.org was hatched.

I went on to put together a pilot project so that seven teens could study computers. Their participation was excellent and it motivated me to develop the concept.

One of those seven teens was in attendance that evening. Her name was Eyling de Jesús Reyes. We learned recently that Eyling passed away suddenly in November 2012. 

Villa Betania, November 5th, 2007. Eyling is the young woman on the far left.

Wherever you are Eyling, check out this next photo. It is a picture taken recently of current participants in the BECA program in Masaya.

Jornada Deportiva, Masaya (25 April 2013)

This legacy is yours, Eyling. Muchas gracias.

*The BECA May newsletter was dedicated to Eyling. It includes a beautiful commentary by Coordinator Sorania Dávila. 

"You Play Favorites!"

That was a blast I got from a member of the BECA team last week.

"Es parcial, Walter y no me gusta." ("You play favorites, Walter and I don't like it.")

Given that one of our themes for 2013 is "impartiality" it might be considered a low blow.

When I asked for clarification, it was suggested that I give preference to certain members of the staff.

My response?

It's true.

I believe that the foundation should be a meritocracy.


I ask that each member of the BECA team give 100%.

And the staff members who respond by busting their butts for BECA Nicaragua should be rewarded.

In my way of thinking, they earn their perks fair and square.

It isn't personal.

It's about rewarding passion, dedication, and hard work.

Is there something wrong with that?

So yes, dear staff member, I play favorites.

And I won't make any apologies for it.

Ticolandia with a [Gulp]

Back from ten days in Canada. A cold ten days.

[Parenthesis: Does your blood thin when you live in a tropical climate? This doctor thinks not, but that's what everyone else tells me.]

I think it's time for another break.

Now off to Ticolandia for a week.

"But you just got back from Canada," BECA Coordinator Sorania Dávila suggested.

Yeah . . . but . . . well . . .

Sorania just isn't aware of my master plan: To empower Team BECA Nica by leaving them to their own devices thereby encouraging self-sufficiency, independence and project management.

I figured I was on to something good. Really good.

That is until Assistant Director Maryury Ruíz piped up "we don't really need you that much, Walter."

[Gulp]

Make that two weeks.

Say Cheese

I'm a sucker for a beautiful smile. Here's some evidence:

Not always, though.

You see, I used to be super-jealous of my sister's beautiful smile. Kelly always received compliments on her infectious smile.

ALWAYS!

Her smile was even rewarded on television once ["When will this end?"]

Sister Kel and her Beautiful Smile

Nevertheless, somewhere along the way I became a big fan of big, beautiful smiles. (Maybe moving away does that, I dunno.)

And I'm happy to say that here in Nicaragua I have a Kelly-smile surrogate in my Nicaraguan day-to-day.

You see, we have someone on staff who has the Kelly smile of Nicaragua.

BECA Coordinator Sorania and her wonderful smile

Sorania may not realize it but her smile has the power to light up an entire room.
Methinks she could give Kelly a good run for the money. Smiling olympics, anyone?

My money's on . . . .

I'm in Shock

After a very long Wednesday (miérrrrrrrrr . . . coles) of flying, I'm back in Canada for a quick ten-day visit.

(The occasion? My nephew's 18th birthday.)

I often hear people talk about "culture shock" when they come to Nicaragua. 

But have you ever heard of a Canadian experiencing "culture shock" when they return to Canada?

You have now.

I can only describe it as a general feeling of displacement and/or disorientation. And it seems to grow with each trip back "home."

Does this mean that I am feeling less and less Canadian and more and more Nicaraguan with each passing day?

I dunno.

But that isn't necessarily a bad thing, is it?

Eh?

Him and Her

It happened something like this . . . 

"Let's dance," she prodded.

He didn't say anything, hoping that she might just forget about the idea.

Seconds of silence which seemed like hours to him.

"I said let's dance, Mister."

Seeing that a verbal response was inevitable, he offered up a measly "hmmmm", still hoping that she might seek another suitor.

She wasn't about to let the issue die.

"What's your problem? A little dance didn't kill anyone," she persisted.

Acknowledging the wisdom of her words, he acquiesed, "Okay, alright."

He pulled her up from her chair and they spent a couple of minutes holding hands, jumping to the music.

"See, that wasn't so hard!"

"Nope."

Life is short.

And it took a dancing partner -- 90 years young and 100% blind -- to remind him.

Him and Her (March 2013)

My Thoughts on BECA's Latest Initiative

Project REY13.

It's a curious name for a project, so-named because it was hatched in BECA's 2012 student council, and the president happened to be named Reynaldo.

Indeed, it is the first project idea that BECA.org has undertaken originating from the student council. (And hopefully it won't be the last.)

In brief it is about taking the classifying stage of BECA's program right to the high school. The students classify for their scholarship during their senior year.

In this way, the students don't miss a year before starting their post-secondary studies.

The Pioneers of REY13. They look young don't they? (March 2013) More pictures

It's a cool concept. It's cost-effective. I'm a little concerned about the age of the participants. Some of these kids are only 16 years old.

But hey, the mission of BECA is to provide an educational opportunity to high school graduates and project REY13 doesn't stray.

The greatest success of the project so far?

The administration by the BECA Coordinator in charge. Solid execution, very few hiccups, and strict attention to costs.

Is this the future of BECA Nicaragua?

Might be.

Let's have fun and see what happens.

My Lemon

About a year ago I decided I was going to buy a car to be a little more mobile around here in Nicaragua.

A "friend" located a Chevrolet Optra, 2008.

Pretty on the outside.

It only had about 50,000 km. He checked it out and he said it was in perfect mechanical condition.

Négras.

There is one very good thing about it, however.

It serves as excellent fodder for jokes around the office.  

Mi limón rojo. (My red lemon.)

One thing it does well: banana peel receptacle.

Having Fun

Recently it came to my attention that one of our contacts in a partner school took exception to my "joking manner."

This came as quite a surprise to me. (And possibly to the BECA team member in my company.)

It seems that an Executive Director of a national foundation -- that would be ME -- should not be making jokes in meetings with "important people" -- whatever "important" means.

The timing of this occurrence was curious because it was only recently that I was emphasizing to the BECA team the importance of having fun on the job.

We even made a poster of three themes that we would try to rally around in 2013.

Has this experience changed my approach?

Nope. Not for a split-second.

After all, life is _ _ _ _ _, isn't it? Let's enjoy the ride.

A Classic Photo from the BECA Archives (2010) Are these becados having fun, or what. . . and it's a social project!

The Worst Professional Sports Team Logo in North America

I mentioned previously in this space that I appreciate good design.

Nowhere is good, smart design more apparent than in the professional sports team logo.

We know that professional sports is big business in North America. And it should come as no surprise then that the teams generate profits from the sales of merchandise. Merchandise with their logo figured prominently.

An attractive, professionally-designed logo is important!

Yet it amazes me how few teams put serious thought into their logos. Or they try to skimp entirely on the endeavour.

Here is an example of what I think may quite possibly be the worst professional sports team logo in North American professional sports:

What were the people running this organization -- the Winnipeg Jets hockey team -- thinking? This is supposed to represent a hockey team? It looks like an airline. Or something representing the Canadian military.

Downright awful.

Here is my all-time fave:

You can tell these people -- the New York Rangers hockey team -- spent some money here. A lot of money. This logo oozes beautiful design. This wasn't designed by some local six-grader contest.

Whaddya think?

Do you have a favorite sports team logo? 

Once in a While a Picture Comes Along . . .

I must admit that I have been feeling a little weary lately.

A few complaints can wear you down.

I understand it. I liked to complain a lot when I was a teenager.

Nevertheless, at times it depresses you when you think that you are trying to do something positive.

It makes you question things. Is BECA -- this dream of mine -- really needed here in Nicaragua?

And then a beautiful picture comes along . . .

BECA graduate Seferina Amador with Family (February 2013)

. . . to remind you that it is all worthwhile.

This photo was taken by one of our Coordinators recently at the graduation ceremony of BECA student Seferina Amador (and now Nursing Technician!)

I'm assuming the gentleman in the foreground is Seferina's father, but it could be an uncle. It doesn't really matter.

Look at that face! The satisfaction. The joy. The pride.

Do you see what I see?

Congratulations, Seferina. We know what a supreme challenge it was for you to finish.

Thanks, Seferina. For helping me understand what this BECA thing is all about.

Loving Good Design

Some companies take the time to think before they produce something.

We are talking about a mentality.

And that mindest translates into a product family that is well-designed.

The classic modern-day example is Apple and their ipods, iphones, and ipads.

How can you tell a well-designed product when you see one?

For me the answer lies in the ease-of-use of the product (or service).

That is, the manufacturer has taken into consideration every minute detail before launch.

The details matter!

The same applies to a non-profit organization like ours, BECA.org,  and the programs we offer and the projects we execute.

I try to impress upon our team that excellence is found in the details.

I am happy to say that they are responding.

And I can now direct more of my love of design on our very own initiatives instead of elsewhere.

The Nicaraguan Peacock

It still makes me smile. 

I call it the Peacock syndrome - Masayan-style. (I can't confirm that this phenomena occurs in other Nicaraguan cities, but it probably does.)

Man standing idly on a street corner. Pulls up his t-shirt so it rests slightly below his chest. Man sticks out his "beer belly" for all to see (appreciate?). Man smiles.

Something you would never see in Canada. 

Most Canadian men would run for cover before showing their fat belly. Or, in some cases even their love handles, right?

Here it's a different story.

I must admit that it is a custom I used to find rather odd. No longer. 

Coming from a weight-super-obsessed culture, the practice is kinda refreshing, isn't it?

These Nicaraguan peacocks could give a crap what other people think of their pot bellies. 

I'm gonna make it a New Year's resolution to give it a try. 

Just not this year. :)