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.
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