North Country Mission of Hope Mission Traveler Information Manual

North Country Mission of
Hope
Mission Traveler
Information Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on being selected to travel with the North Country Mission of Hope to Nicaragua to
help foster hope and empower the people of Nicaragua. This manual is not a replacement for the training sessions
provided prior to a trip but to assist in providing background information and guidance that will make your trip less
stressful and more enjoyable.
This manual provides several sections of information that can be used as a quick reference prior to your trip or
while “on the ground” in Nicaragua. Please remember to bring this manual with you on your trip.
Manual Sections
Nicaragua Information
Nicasa & Mission Information
Work Sites in Nicaragua
Mission Tasks
Throughout the manual you will find some terms that you may be unfamiliar with. The entire list is provided
during training, but those relevant to this manual are outlined here.
Point Person - A point person is a missioner appointed by the Executive Director, in consultation with the
Leadership Board, to be the onsite task coordinator for a specific area and/or project during the Mission trip.
Each task designation will have a point person.
Responsibilities: The Point Person will be charged with working with the task leaders assigned to daily
projects. He/she will meet with the Task Leader assigned to the daily task prior to the commencement of the
task and provide him/her with an overview and review safety protocol. The Point Person will also provide the
Task Leader with a supply list, any paperwork, onsite contact information, first aid kit and cell phone. At end
of the task (mid-day or end of the day) the Point Person is to meet with the Task Leader, insure all the
paperwork has been completed, materials and supplies have been cleaned and returned to where they
belong. If any supplies were taken from the first aid kit, it needs to be reported to Medical for replenishment.
Any problems or concerns relayed to the Point Person should be documented and provided to onsite
Leadership for review and action.
Task Leader - A Task Leader is assigned onsite by the project assignment team to lead a specific daily task.
Responsibilities: Task Leader is to meet with the Point Person to review the task, review safety protocol and
receive a supply list, any paperwork, onsite contact information, first aid kit and cell phone. The Leader will
not necessarily participate in the project itself, but will rather provide general oversight of the project, insure
the safe use of tools and equipment, and insure the missioners are not acting in an unsafe manner. Task
Leaders are to coordinate with the onsite contact to insure the task is being completed in accordance with the
previously agreed parameters. The task leader is also the person to define what level of contact the team will
have with the locals at the site. At the end of their tasks, Leaders need to insure all materials and equipment
are cleaned and returned to the designated area, and that all paperwork is completed. They are to return the
paperwork to the Point Person and review the task. Leaders are to report any problems or concerns directly
to the Point Person, who will document them and bring them to a leadership person.
Nicasa – The informal name given to our compound, which includes the dorms and clinic, located in the village
of Chiquilistagua southwest of the city of Managua. The address is referred to as KLM. 13 Carretera
Vieja a Leon, Managua which translates to KM 13. Old Road to Leon, Managua which
means it is 13 kilometers from the city center on the Old Road to Leon.
ANF = American Nicaraguan Foundation- location of where our CMMB shipments go..near Mateare.
BANANA CAMP = a tent city in Managua which was home to banana workers who have worked years
for major fruit companies and have been exposed to illegal and banned chemicals.
Barrio - a region or district within a village or location in Nicaragua. One example is Barrio Solano which is a
part of Nejapa and Chiquilistagua.
CARITAS = International Catholic Relief Organization
CFC = Children Feeding Children Program is an MOH sponsored program which provides elementary
school age children one nutritious balanced meal a day
CHIQUILISTAGUA = the name of the village outside Managua where our projects were initiated
and from where we go out to do our Mission work. Pronunciation + Chic Key Lees Stog Gua.. We
assist a school, church, and do community projects here as well as sponsor children for education in
the school.
CMMB = Catholic Medical Mission Board- donates and ships medicines and medical equipment and
supplies to ANF for the Mission
COLEGIO NINO JESUS DE PRAGA = School in Chiquilistagua, operated by Carmelite nuns which is the location
of the local Church we attend on Sundays and the original location of NiCasa and the MOH Clinic. We sponsor
students at this school and provide our feeding program to students Pre-K through Grade 2
CORDOBA = This is the name of the money used in Nicaragua….the official currency. One
American dollar is about 19.65 Nicaraguan cordobas.
ECO = A Mission program which focuses on ecological, environmental, nutritional, educational and
community developments. The focus is on sustainable projects that can assist in self-empowerment
solutions to hunger and disease, etc.
HOME SHELTERS = one room shelters that are constructed by teams of Mission volunteers and
local Nicaraguans. Each shelter costs around $650 and these funds are obtained via specific donations
to the Mission of Hope.
JUNTA = Term used to describe the local council of leaders in Chiquilistagua
LA CHURECA = Name of the village at the Managua city dump, where more than 1500 live in
horrible living conditions. We provide healthcare, food and other support to this area as needed.
There is also a school here in La Chureca.
LITTLE ITALY = storage building at the Caritas location in Managua
MANNA PROJECT = Young volunteers from United States spend time in Nicaragua assisting at La
Chureca, the dump village.
MIES – the acronym for Mision Esperanza in Spanish and the official name of our organization in Nicaragua.
MINSA = Ministry of Health for Nicaragua – Ministerio de Salud
MOH = North Country Mission of Hope founded by the 3 Co-Founders, Sr. Debbie Blow, Yamilette Flores & Eve
McGill.
MOMBACHO = mountain area with lush cloud rainforest, coffee plantations and is a volcano.
MORINGA TREE PROJECT = This is directly related to our ECO efforts and is a tree with
numerous valuable resources for nutrition and healthcare.
NICA = Abbreviation for Nicaragua- eg., Nica time
NiCarlos = the name given to the small facility connected to Oscar and Yamilette Flores home that was
purchased by Oscar and Yamilette and has invited Mission to use for small mission groups and/or storage.
NICARAGUA
Nicaragua, officially the Republic of Nicaragua , is the largest country in the Central American isthmus,
bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. The country's physical geography divides it
into three major zones: Pacific lowlands; wet, cooler central highlands; and the Caribbean lowlands. On the
Pacific side of the country are the two largest fresh water lakes in Central America: Lake Managua and Lake
Nicaragua.
Nicaragua achieved its independence from Spain in 1821. Since its independence, Nicaragua has undergone
periods of political unrest, military intervention by the United States, dictatorship, and fiscal crisis—the most
notable causes that led to the Nicaraguan Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. Prior to the revolution,
Nicaragua was one of Central America's wealthiest and most developed countries. The revolutionary conflict,
paired with a 1972 earthquake, reversed the country's prior economic standing.
The population of Nicaragua, approximately 6 million, is multiethnic. Roughly a quarter of the population lives
in the capital city, Managua; it is the second-largest city in Central America. Nicaragua is a unitary republic. For
administrative purposes it is divided into 15 departments (departamentos) and two self-governing regions
(autonomous communities) based on the Spanish model. The departments are then subdivided into 153
municipios (municipalities).
Nicaragua has always been a predominantly agricultural country. On the Pacific side, coffee and cotton are by
far the most important commercial crops. Beginning in the 1960s, shrimp became big business on both the
Pacific and Caribbean coasts. The main shrimping centers on the Pacific coast are Corinto and San Juan del Sur.
Fishing boats on the Caribbean side bring shrimp as well as lobsters into processing plants at Puerto Cabezas,
Bluefields, and Laguna de Perlas.
Nicaragua, the poorest country in Central America and the second poorest in the Hemisphere, has widespread
underemployment and poverty. The US-Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) has been in effect
since April 2006 and has expanded export opportunities for many agricultural and manufactured goods.
Textiles and apparel account for nearly 60% of Nicaragua's exports.
Religion is a significant part of the culture of Nicaragua and is referred to in the constitution. Religious
freedom, which has been guaranteed since 1939, and religious tolerance are promoted by both the
Nicaraguan government and the constitution. Nicaragua has no official religion. Catholic Bishops are expected
to lend their authority to important state occasions, and their pronouncements on national issues are closely
followed. They can also be called upon to mediate between contending parties at moments of political crisis.
Current religious makeup is: Roman Catholic 58.5%, Protestant 23.2% (Evangelical 21.6%, Moravian 1.6%),
Jehovah's Witnesses 0.9%, other 1.7%, none 15.7% (2005 census).
Baseball is the most popular sport played in Nicaragua. Although some professional Nicaraguan baseball
teams have folded in the recent past, Nicaragua enjoys a strong tradition of American-style Baseball. Boxing is
the second most popular sport in Nicaragua. Recently, football (Soccer) has gained popularity, especially with
the younger population.
The majority of the Mission sites are in the Managua area or southwestern portion of the country.
The pin in the lower left corner shows the location of Nicasa and the airplane in the upper right corner is the
Managua International Airport. The bus will travel through the city using one of several routes allowing you to
see many of the local landmarks in the city of Managua on your way to Nicasa.
Barrios in which we commonly serve:
Chiquilistagua
Solano
Cedro Galan
Monteverde
San Luis
Cuajachillo
NICASA
From the beginning of the Mission of Hope in 1998 until 2010, our volunteers were quartered at the Niño de
Jesus de Praga School. In 2007, the Leadership Team met, and decided that there was no sustainability in our continued
use of the school, and that we would need to acquire a facility of our own to secure our future as a Mission. We were
offered a grant by the George and Shirley Moore Foundation, and began construction in 2009 around the corner from
the Niño School. The first Mission group to use it was in February of 2011. We decided to call our home NiCasa, a play on
words between “Nicaragua” and “mi casa” which means “my house” in Spanish.
Public Section
There are two parts to NiCasa- the public section and the private section. When you first enter the compound,
you are in the public section. The public section is open to members of the local community of Chiquilistagua for a
certain time period each day that we are there on Mission. To your left is a small shack for the guards. Our facility is
guarded 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, even when we aren’t there. It is also secured by a tall gate, concrete wall that
encircles the entire property and guard dogs. Next to the guard shack is our storage facility, this building is used to store
the contents of the containers shipped until they can be fully dispersed. To your right, you will see the pavilion area
where we meet for morning and evening prayer and sharing/informational meetings while on Mission. We also hold
several community events here, such as our sponsorship gift distribution event, water filter classes, and our community
health fair. It is also the waiting area for patients going to our clinic.
You will see also the front area of the building to our compound which is open to the public. There are two
restrooms and a clinic area. Two days a week, the clinic of general health is open to the community (our clinic is open in
other locations on the other weekdays). It is staffed by a doctor from CARITAS (a worldwide Catholic organization that
provides various aspects of health care in Nicaragua) and assisted by a local woman. We make a donation to this
organization for the services of their doctors. There are also two rooms that we currently use to store donated
equipment. In the future, we hope to build a storage site elsewhere on our property, and possibly use the two rooms in
the public section for English classes or other health related programs.
Private section
If you keep walking to the right side of the compound you will be able to turn left around the corner to enter the
private portion of our compound. You will enter the breezeway in the middle of several of our rooms. To your left is a
back entrance to the clinic area. Straight ahead is our office and “Home Depot” room. Inside, in the center and on the
right side of this room, you will find all the necessary tools we will need for our projects such as painting, home shelters,
etc. Make sure you return all objects where you find them!
To the left side of the room is our office, where coordination of all of the arrangements for day-to-day activity
such as rides, etc. This is also where the laptop is located, which is used to send blogs of our daily happenings to family
back home. Here is also where you will turn in your cameras each night for uploading to flash drives so that everyone
can have each others’ pictures. This is also where daily assigned project leaders will pick up necessary paperwork for
their task (data compilation forms, home shelter sheets, etc.), first aid kits and a cell phone.
Adjacent to the “Home Depot” and Office is the male dorm room, bathrooms and showers. Bathrooms have
specific instructions you need to be aware of to maintain the health of our travelers. The plumbing systems in Nicaragua
are quite different from those back home! Everyone is scheduled for bathroom/dorm duty at least once during mission.
The beds are all bunk beds. Across the breezeway are the women’s dorm room, bathrooms and showers and the
kitchen. The kitchen consists of an area behind a bar where food is actually prepared and an area for dining. Everyone
will be on all-day kitchen duty one time while on Mission. During this shift, your job is to prepare the food, serve it, clean
up afterwards, and to make sure everyone’s hands are sanitized upon entering the kitchen. Full instructions are also
posted in this area.
At the very back of the building behind the women’s dorm are two rooms known as the “Moore Suites.” They
can be used to house a long term mission volunteer and other potential purposes are still being explored. Behind the
men’s dorm is a small exterior kitchen that is used by three Nicaraguan women we hire to cook dinner. Behind the entire
building are clothes lines to hang wet clothes. There are also several trees in the back and along the sides. This is where
we test several of our ECO projects. Our guards are responsible for growing several types of trees on our compound,
including a fruit tree garden and a section of Moringa trees. The area in the back of our facility will also be the future site
of a memorial garden and reflection space.
During mission you will be traveling to and around Nicaragua which has a different environment and health care system
then is normal in the United States. Because of this, there are some precautions that need to be taken prior to travel to
help keep everyone healthy. This medical requirements were covered in the training sessions but are listed here as a
reminder of the requirements.
Pre Mission Medical Requirements
Required Vaccinations:
1. Tetanus (within the previous 10 years)
2. Hepatitis A (booster required within 2 years if only one dose received)
3. Typhoid Fever: recommend the oral brand “Vivotiv,” Your health care provider can give you a prescription
for the vaccine which consists of 4 capsules to take three weeks prior to travel.
Note: please provide your vaccine record for #1 and #2, and a pharmacy receipt of #3.
Required Malaria Prophylaxis:
Ask your health care provider for a prescription for Chloroquin 500 mg tablets, to take weekly starting 7 days
prior to departure and then for the following 5 weeks. Other preventative options include Malorone for those
with Chloroquin sensitivity. Please provide receipt of your prescription from the pharmacy.
Personal Medications:
Please indicate on the personal healthcare form your regular and as needed medications. Your doctor may also
give you a prescription for antibiotics, antinauseants, etc to bring with you just in case. Before starting any non
regular medication please advise the healthcare team of your condition.
Along with the medical requirements for traveling, there are some health and medical concerns to be aware of while on
mission. To keep the entire group healthy all medical situations on mission must be reported to the medical point
person as soon as possible. Even minor illnesses or injuries that you would normally handle yourself need to be reported
because they may put other travelers at risk. Below is the infection control policy that has been adopted for all mission
travelers in an effort to keep everyone safe.
F. POLICY FOR INFECTION CONTROL
Prepared by Mission of Hope Medical Committee, July 2009. Adopted by Leadership Team 10/15/2009
Drawn from guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control.
Procedures for Missioners
The following procedures are designed to prevent and/or limit the spread of serious infectious disease amongst
missioners and must be adhered to during Mission trips.
1) Decontamination: Foremost, frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizers is mandatory. In particular,
washing and/or hand sanitizing throughout the day is crucial after bathroom use, sneezing or coughing, and direct
contact with others, including such things as yard play with children. Missioners are expected to wash their hands
immediately upon returning to the compound from outside sites. In addition, a member of the kitchen crew will ensure
that everyone entering the dining area will re-apply hand sanitizer.
2) Disinfection: The bathroom cleaning procedures will be explained and will be prominently posted on site. These
include use of water & bleach solution and wearing gloves for cleaning duty. Similarly, the posted kitchen procedures
are effective, and include sanitizing personal water bottles and disinfecting food service items.
3) Respiratory Hygiene: Missioners are reminded to cough and sneeze into their sleeves and not their hands. In
the sleeping quarters, if needed, beds will be made up so that missioners sleep head to toe in an alternating fashion to
limit the spread of respiratory pathogens.
4) Use of masks: In the event of a serious respiratory infection, missioners who are coughing may be instructed to
wear masks. Personnel assisting or cleaning in any isolation rooms will also be required to wear masks. Unless advised
by the medical team, individuals should not independently decide to wear masks to protect themselves.
5) Isolation: Missioners who become ill with certain infections may be isolated when necessary, at the discretion
of the Medical Team leader or the trip leader. Isolation will typically remain in place until 24 hours after fever or
symptoms have subsided, or as long as the Medical Team deems necessary.
6) Exclusion: In rare circumstances, an ill missioner may need to be sent home for medical reasons. In the event
of a missioner’s non-compliance with medical recommendations, the trip leadership will have the authority to send that
individual home at his/her own extra expense.
7) Notification of Public Health Authorities: As required by the public health authorities of the missioner’s
country of origin, a report of the medical situation and public health follow-up will occur as per established
recommendations.
WORK SITES
Casa de Vida
A safe house in Managua for young girls and women who were/are victims of rape, abuse, abandonment, etc.
They stay there before delivery of their child and may stay on afterwards, as needed.
Colegio Niño Jesus de Praga
School in Chiquilistagua, operated by Carmelite nuns…is also the location of
church
Church & Courtyard located at Colegio
Nino Jesus de Praga
Chiquilistagua Public School (CPS)
Located 'across the street' on the Old
Leon Road, this public school was opened
in 2009-10. We currently sponsor
students at this school and are involved
in repairs making the classrooms
habitable.
Entrance to Chiquilistagua Public School
San Jose Hospital
Hospital located in Diriamba where we have provided medical equipment,
much from the Air Base Hospital when it was closed. We also repair and
paint as directed by Sr. Ligia, the Administrator.
Main entrance to San Jose Hospital
El Crucero
Location of Angels of Hope Orphanage, one
of the orphanages we support for children
over the age of 5
Orphanage Farm
This is part of the orphanage up between Jinotepe and Diriamba. This is an
organic farm that the nuns have developed to grow their own foods and raise livestock.
Dorm Room at El Curcero
Hogar Juan Pablo II
Infant/toddler orphanage located in a very poor section of Managua.
La Chureca
Name of the village at the Managua city dump, where more than 1500 live in horrible living conditions. We
provide healthcare, food and other support to this area as needed. There is also a school here in La Chureca.
San Antonio
Nursing home located in Masaya. This nursing home is operated by the same sisters as in Diriamba.
Monte Verde
A very poor area nearby Chiquilistagua where we have constructed a chapel, shelters, etc.
Nejapa
A barrio adjacent to Chiquilistagua where the Mother of the Divine Son school &
church are located. We sponsor students at this school and provide our feeding
program for students Pre-K through Grade 2. We also hold weekly clinic hours at
this location.
Nejapa Clinic & School
Hogar De Proteccion "El Pajarito Azul"
In 1983, a center for assistance to children and young adults with
physical and mental disabilities was
created. In 1994, this center was
privatized but kept receiving some help
from the government. The patients at
this facility range from newborn to 20
years old, which have been abandon or
their families cannot take care of them
Main sign at EL Pajarito Azul
due to lack of resources.
Crib Room at Pajarito Azul
Pajarito Azul Finca (Farm)
A working residential farm, located in Jinotepe, where we provide
ecological enhancements such as water catchment systems, water
tank, tools and rainwear for the workers. A missioner also provided a
much-needed horse and cart in February of 2012.
Entryway to Main Building at Pajarito Azul Finca
Mateare
A refugee village formed outside Managua, with displaced refugees from a fishing village, during Hurricane
Mitch. From 1998-2010, we provided clinic care, building repairs, school supplies, etc. As of 2010, the village
transitioned into another phase and we are no longer assisting at this time.
Hospital Docente Materno Infantil Dr. Fernando Velez Paiz
The construction of this hospital started
back in 1944, and it was never used until
the city of Managua got hit by an
earthquake in December 1972. Since the
main hospital was destroyed by the
earthquake, the medical group talked to
Front Entrance to Children’s Hospital
the government and on December 27th,
Patient Room at Children’s Hospital
1972 it started to get attention. Even though it was damaged by the earthquake, it was the only hospital
available. At present, they only use the 1st floor since the rest of the building was never repaired. They offer
full services to the poor ages’ newborn up to 15 years old. Their emphasis is pediatrics, preventive health,
surgeries, gynecology, reconstructive plastic surgeries and burns.
National Dermatology Center
Many decades ago, the National Dermatology Center was known as “Leprocomio,” a place
to treat patients with Leprosy (today known as Hansen’s disease). At the time, people
feared the disease, and medicine was not advanced enough to understand that it was less
contagious than other diseases, like the flu. Patients were isolated and marginalized from
society. As a result, a group of Nicaraguan doctors
and members of the Nicaraguan Red Cross decided to
create a place for patients to live and receive quality
healthcare. In the middle of a field on the outskirts of
Managua, they built small houses surrounding a
cafeteria, a staff dormitory, exam rooms and a
laboratory. Over the years, the Leprocomio
expanded its care to treat other skin diseases
common in Nicaragua. Today, the Leprocomio is the
Patient Care at Dermatology Center
country’s only hospital specializing in skin care, and is formally known as the National
Dermatology Center. The hospital now has a dermatology procedure room, operating
room (for plastic surgery), emergency room, and convalescent ward where eight dermatologists (helped
currently by four medical residents of dermatology) provide free healthcare for its patients. The hospital
provides regular care from 7am through 3pm, Monday to Friday, and admits skin-related emergency care 24
hours per day. Medical staffs take care of inpatients admitted from the emergency room or the exam rooms
and of the few Hansen’s patients (16 of them now) that continue to reside at the center due to lack of family
support and unemployment. Although the center receives funding from the national government, its staff and
resources are insufficient to meet the needs and demands of the population.
Hallway at
Dermatology Center
Hogar San Fernando
Hogar San Fernando is located in the northern part of Nicaragua, close to the Honduras border. It is about a 4
hour drive north on Highway 1 from Nicasa. The orphanage is located in the center of town, with a
non-descript door leading into a small complex made up of a central building with sleeping quarters for Sor
Delia, the nun in charge and the 12 – 15 children that live there. There are neat bedrooms with bunk beds
and cribs lined up against the wall, small bathroom areas and a kitchen area with non-working or decrepit
tools. Also a large open and airy central court yard with a long table for the children and nuns to eat together.
Despite the fact that the facility is old - with the usual chicken or two walking through it - it is clean and
orderly.
Chinendaga (Hospital)
A hospital where Sr. Ligia is the Administrator and to which we have been sending most of our hospital
equipment and supplies as it is in the poorest department of the country.
Mission Tasks
Materials Management Role in Nicaragua
OBJECTIVE AND PURPOSE:
The OBJECTIVE of Materials Management, when in Nicaragua:
To distribute Mission of Hope container contents.
PURPOSE:
To determine final destinations and arrange delivery of medical supplies, school supplies, clothes,
tools, ECO goods and sustainability goods, and requested items.
A copy of the paperwork of all prior shipments since the previous major mission will go with the A Team. Also
a copy of the list of destinations will be sent with the A Team.
This paperwork will be used to show that boxes and items were delivered to their proper destinations. Some
items may wait for pickup or consolidation at NiCasa.
Boxes need to be sorted according to the list of destinations used at MOHtown.
For boxes designated #3 (NiCasa), final destinations will be determined on site. This can change from day to
day, depending upon what the mission encounters. Destinations can be recommended by Sr. Debbie,
Leadership personnel or point person.
After the boxes have been organized, each will be labeled with its final destination. If the destination is
changed, it will be noted on paperwork.
The Point Person /Task Leader will notify MOH work crews ahead of time for possible delivery of boxes or
items. When possible, the crews will take boxes to designated sites. Some large or bulky items may need to be
delivered on a separate trip. Sometimes the recipient of the boxes is notified to pick them up, as in Sr. Ligia's
case.
Boxes with school supplies and health fair supplies will be brought to a designated area at NiCasa to be
processed as needed. Please note: #1 boxes are usually left with Caritas before large Mission group arrives. It
is the responsibility of Caritas to deliver #1 items. Any boxes or items missing should be noted as NOT
LOCATED. The Point Person will inventory all boxes and items left at NiCasa at the end of the mission. Ex: in
storage or waiting for pick up. This information will be recorded on the shipment paperwork.
Suitcase sorting is another duty of the Materials Management committee. Medicine and special requests are
packed in MOH suitcases – often just before departure from Plattsburgh. Paperwork will be included in the
suitcases. It will have items listed and their destinations. Contents of each suitcase must be sorted, boxed, and
delivered to the proper destinations in the same manner as pre-filled boxes.
Any destination changes will be recorded, and all paperwork will be returned to MOHtown by the Point Person
or a member of the A Team.
Materials Management keeps a list of requests for items that are needed in Nicaragua. Once back home,
Materials Management will try to locate the requested items and prepare them for the next shipment.
Materials Management is a very tedious, but very important task. Often boxes have been opened by Customs,
ANF, or other missioners and contents may be disrupted or missing. There may be many decisions to be made
in Nicaragua as to where things need to go. There will be significant paperwork to be recorded. This will allow
the mission to follow up on donations and determine that boxes and items were delivered to what
destinations.
Home Shelters
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
MATERIALS LIST:
LUMBER:
2x4x12'
2x4x16'
2x4x11.5’
TIN PANELS: 6-FT
12-FT
NAILS:
4"WOOD:
ROOFING:
TOOLS:
HAMMERS, 4 EACH
SAW, 2 EACH
SHOVELS, 2 EACH
POST HOLE DIGGER, 1 EACH
7 EACH
15 EACH
5 EACH
21 EACH (One becomes the door)
7 EACH
1 BOX
1 BOX
MANDATORY SAFETY ITEMS:
CLEAR LENS SAFETY GLASSES
WORK GLOVES
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
The builders of the shelters will primarily be native Nicaraguans. We can assist them in a limited capacity, e.g.
helping move building materials, cutting lumber, and nailing up metal sheeting to the shelter sides. We need
to be aware of the following hazards and protect ourselves accordingly:
1. Handling sheet metal roofing-always wear leather palmed gloves to prevent cuts.
2. Lifting and handling lumber - use safe lifting technique to prevent back injury and wear gloves to prevent
slivers and abrasions.
3. Sawing lumber - use gloves to prevent cuts. Unless a person is experienced with a SkilSaw, do not operate
any power saw.
4. Nailing sheet metal to studs - use gloves to prevent metal cuts. Work cautiously to prevent hammer blows
to thumb, fingers, and hand. Use eye protection to prevent metal shards or chips from entering eyes.
5. Do not climb on roof to assist work crew.
6. Be observant of small children and keep them away from the construction activity.
7. Be aware of and avoid contact with barbed wire, low hanging electrical wires, stinging insects, spiders,
snakes, dogs on the worksite.
ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:
1. CONCRETE FOUNDATION SHOULD BE IN PLACE UPON ARRIVAL AND SHOULD BE APPROXIMATELY 11.5FT x 10.5-ft 2. If the foundation is not identical to the diagram provided to the family when the picked
up the materials, let the Nicaraguan Crew Chief know that you will need to move on to the next
construction site; inform the Point Person of which home could not be built that day. (S)he will make a
decision on how to proceed after discussion with Leadership and Mauricio, our on-site Administrator.
2. DIG POST HOLES -2.5-FT DEEP , INSTALL POSTS, BACKFILL WITH SOIL.
3. ATTACH SIDE RAILS IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER:
a. ATTACH BOTTOM RAIL AROUND PERIMETER
b. ATTACH MIDDLE RAIL AROUND PERIMETER (~3-FT ABOVE BOTTOM RAIL)
c. ATTACH TOP RAIL AROUND PERIMETER (~3-FT ABOVE BOTTOM RAIL)
d. ATTACH ROOF JOIST HANGER ALONG FRONT AS SHOWN.
4. INSTALL ROOF JOISTS (6 EACH) SPACED AT ~3-FT.
5. INSTALL ROOF PURLINS (4 EACH) SPACED AT ~3-FT +.
6. INSTALL TIN SIDING. USE 12-FT LENGTHS FOR ROOF AND 6-FT LENGTHS FOR SIDING. OVERLAP 1 FULL
CORRUGATION AT SEAMS. USE 9 ROOFING NAILS PER PANEL AS SHOWN
Rice &Beans
This is an ongoing project with volunteers going out in the barrios with a local Nicaraguan representative to
deliver two small bags of rice and one bag of beans to the poorest families. It is also done at other locations as
funds/donations allow. This outreach also provides a direct contact within the barrios to observe medical
issues, etc.
ECO
Help to create and maintain community gardens, rocket stoves and water filters.
Bed, Bath & Beyond
Daily cleaning & maintenance of the Nicasa dorms/bathrooms and living facilities.
Kitchen Duty
Assisting in preparing breakfast & lunch meals for your fellow missioners. Also responsible for sterilizing
bottles on a daily basis.
NORTH COUNTRY MISSION OF HOPE
MISSIONERS’ SAFETY MANUAL
CONTENTS
Introduction to Mission Safety
Key Safety Staff
Missioner Responsibilities
Safety Standards
Hazard Control
Safety Training
Incident Reporting and Investigation
INTRODUCTION
We, the Leadership Team of the North Country Mission of Hope, are committed to providing you a safe and healthy
environment as you take part in the Mission’s activities. This applies to the Mission environments in the United States
and Nicaragua and while in transit between the two nations. We will do our utmost to ensure your safety and welfare.
It is our responsibility to develop and monitor procedures to detect and eliminate hazards, to provide training in safe
work practices, and to establish and enforce rules that ensure you have a safe and healthy Mission experience. This is
going to be one of the highlights of your life and we do not want an injury or illness to damage that experience. In
return, we ask that you take safety seriously not only for yourself but for fellow Missioners as well as for the
Nicaraguans you will meet. This means that you must agree to learning and following safe procedures in whatever task
you are assigned.
KEY SAFETY STAFF
 Leadership Team – the team approves and administers the Mission of Hope Safety Program.
 Executive Director – our Director implements the program and holds us accountable.
 Medical Leader – directs pre-travel and in country medical activities.
 Safety Coordinator – develops and coordinates the program and provides training.
 Point Person – in Nicaragua this person makes sure safety is considered his/her project.
 Project Leader – in Nicaragua this is an adult Missioner who leads a work team.
MISSIONER RESPONSIBILITIES
You have two fundamental safety responsibilities:
 To learn and follow the MOH Safety Standards – this means that you must attend safety talks in preparation for
your trip and while you are in Nicaragua. We will give you the information you need to help you protect yourself
from a wide variety of hazards. You must take this information to heart and adhere to the safety standards.
 To assist others in hazard control or abatement – inevitably you will encounter unsafe or hazardous conditions.
When you do, you must alert others. Start with the Project Leader or Point Person. Make sure your fellow
Missioners know about the situation. And, lastly, help us to correct or eliminate the hazardous condition.
SAFETY STANDARDS
These are our general safety standards. Consider them the basic rules for being safe in Nicaragua. Each Mission is
different and safety issues we may not have anticipated will arise. When they do, our standards may be adjusted or
improved. If you have any questions or concerns about these standards, please contact any one of the Key Safety Staff
listed above.
1. All injuries, incidents, and unsafe conditions must be reported to the Project Leader. (No matter how small or
insignificant you may think it is…little scrapes and splinters can lead to serious, life threatening infection if not
given first aid medical attention.)
2. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn and used as specified in the Task Hazard Analysis or as directed by
the Project Leader.
3. All Missioners will follow good housekeeping practices.
4. Defective tools and equipment will be reported to the Project Leader and replaced as necessary.
5. Smoking will be restricted to a designated area in the compound.
6. Missioners must know and be able to respond to an emergency evacuation order.
7. Safety devices and tool/machine guards will be intact and use.
8. Vehicle passengers will each wear the seatbelt.
9. Missioners will ride to and from projects and other Mission activities inside the transport vehicle.
10. Missioners will not touch, play with, or tease wild or domestic animals.
11. There must be a designated adult leader accompanying all off compound activities.
HAZARD CONTROL
Transporting and supervising Missioners who participate in a variety of work projects requires a high level of vigilance to
prevent injury and illness. Hazards can be identified in three ways. The first way is random observation whereby
someone sees and reports an unsafe condition. The second means is to look for hazards by inspecting the living or work
areas for specific hazards. The third way is by analyzing the hazards of a task before we start it. We do this by
performing a Task Hazard Analysis (THA). This is the most effective to identify and control hazards.
You will likely encounter some of the following hazards:
 Electrical – exposure to or installation of electrical equipment or wiring. For example, many home shelter
erection sites will be found with exposed electrical wiring that the people have strung from current-bearing
transmission lines to their houses.
 Chemical – exposure to cleaning materials, certain paints and thinners, etc. that could cause harm by inhalation,
ingestion, contact, etc.
 Transportation – exposure to native vehicular traffic to and from project worksites.
 Construction – exposure to materials and tools used to construct home shelters. For example, the roofing and
siding material of a home shelter is corrugated metal which has extremely sharp edges if handled improperly.
Also, the wood used to construct the shelters is very dense and heavy. Proper lifting technique must be
followed to avoid potentially serious back strain and crushing injuries if dropped on hands or feet.
 Health – exposure to conditions and circumstances associated with third world country conditions. For example,
many people in the barrios Missioners visit use rusted barbed wire as clothes line. This is a health hazard for
infection. Also, there are many dogs that are not inoculated for Rabies and their bite can result in severe
infection. Or, the drinking of water or home prepared drinks at a worksite may result in parasitic infection.
Task Hazard Analysis (THA) is a structured way to identify the hazards associated with a specific task. There is a Mission
format for conducting analysis and we maintain a binder of all THA’s and blank forms in the Mission Office in Nicaragua.
It is the Project Leader’s responsibility to review the THA’s for the work project he/she is supervising and for going over
the safe procedure information before doing the work. The THA identifies the personal protective equipment needed
for the task and the Project Leader makes sure all workers have it and know how to use it before they work.
SAFETY TRAINING
To prepare you for your Mission, we will conduct safety training at each of the pre-travel meetings and while you are in
Nicaragua. Topics will include but not be limited to
 Lifting Technique
 Violence Prevention/Response (harassment, bullying, domestic)
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First Aid
Blood Borne Pathogens
Water Safety (drinking)
Fire Extinguisher Operation
Personal Protective Equipment (hand, eye, skin protection)
Use of Tools (ladders, saws, knives, hammers, weed whackers, machete, etc.)
Wildlife (dogs, snakes, spiders, flying insects, horses, oxen, birds, etc.)
Emergency Evacuation Procedures
INCIDENT REPORTING AND INVESTIGATION
The first and most important Mission Safety Standard is to report all incidents and injuries no matter how small or
insignificant they may seem to you. You must report incidents and injuries to your Project Leader first but to any other
Key Safety Staff available. This person will first take care of your immediate needs such as first aid and then document
the incident on the designated MOH form.
Whenever there is an incident in which a Missioner is seriously injured or harmed mentally or physically, an investigation
of the incident must be conducted. A serious injury is defined as one in which a Missioner requires medical attention
beyond first aid measures. Examples include lacerations requiring sutures, administration of prescription medication,
broken bones and the like. Mission leaders will exercise careful, conservative judgment in seeking medical intervention
in-country.
The purpose of investigating incidents is to find the way to prevent future incidents not to fix blame on any individual.
However, if the investigation determines that a Missioner deliberately violated or ignored safety standards, he/she will
be held accountable, even to be dismissed from the Mission.
Spanish Phrases
Disculpe, ¿me pueden ayudar por favor? Estoy perdido.
Excuse me, can you help me please? I am lost
Yo no hablo español
I don't speak Spanish
Estoy trabajando con la Misión de la Esperanza
I am working with the Mission of Hope
Estamos situados en KLM. 13 Carretera Vieja un León,
We are located at KM 13. Old Road to Leon, Managua
¿Puedes por favor, muéstrame cómo llegar allí?
Can you please show me how to get back there?
¿Tiene usted un teléfono que pueda usar?
Do you have a telephone I can use?
Me separé de mi grupo.
I was separated from my group
Necesito un medico
I need a doctor
Por favor
Please
Gracias
Thank you
Contacts in Nicaragua
Country code= 011 from USA
As of May 2013
Cell and mobile phones have an 8 added to the beginning of their old number and landline phones have a 2 added. Listing
information is a free call by dialing 121.
Misión Esperanza Administrador:
Mauricio J. Flores Cuadra- 8462-2148
Other: 8953-8118, 2251-0051, 8462-2153
U S Embassy
ANF
Daniel Bazan
2266-6010 x. 4345
2266-9917
505-2266-9943 (fax)
[email protected]
New general Manager: Horacio Vivas Cell
Roberto J. Jerez-, Program Director
US contact: Andrea Cardenal Email
Logistics/Distribution Manager: Claudio Norori
Accountant
Roberto Flores (no relation) Location = Managua
Almacen Industrial Meinhard Bieust
Angels of Hope Orphanage in El Crucero
Sr. Griselda
Sr. Reina at El Crucero
(Hermanas Siervas del Divino Rostro-(servant sisters of the divine countenance).
Sr. Carmen Maria Sandoval = Accountant
Sr. Zulema Espinoza Velasquez = Asst. Superior
Sr. Delia (farm) –
Other contacts working with El Crucero = Almori for computers
AquaTec
Melvin Sanchez (speaks English)
Archbishop Leopoldo Brenes
through Caritas
Berta Calderon Women’s & Children’s Hospital
Dr. Olga Maria Chavez
Caritas:
Johanna Estrada
2266
Dr. Yamilette Zamora plus 2 others: pediatrician and ultrasound/radiologist
Dr. Zamora’s phone =
Casa Ava maria - Masaya – contact via Judy and LOG
Miriam Matlide Montenegro
Casa Hogar Juan Pablo II: Sr. Andrea
Casa Mision Santa Faz
(orphanage added August 2012)
de Palo Solo
2 Cuadras al Norte
Juigalpa, Nicaragua
Superior: Sor Carla Vanecia Tercero Soto
Casa de Vida
Patricia Carrión
Verónica Vargas
CENAO Dr. Francisca Rivas
Chairs (at Huembes Mercado) Artesanías Mincho
Ligia
Chinandega Mauricio Abdalah Hospital: Sr. Ligia Rivas:
Chiquilistagua Public School: Directora Colegio Público = Ivanía del Carmen Duarte
Mission Liasion = Carmen Gutierrez
Coffee contact: Café Criollo- Frank Obando:
Drinking Water Silvio Solaris
ECO/ Moringa
Melvin Landers in Jinotepe
Francisco Juarez Rancho Ebenezer in Masaya
Filtron Water Plant
Frank Schuringa
Fountain and Sculture items: Heriberto Abrahan Sequeira-KM. 8 C. Sur, Managua.
Fundacion Juan Pablo II (new women’s health facility- former hotel) in Managua
Contacts: Johana Pedroni- she speaks English and her husband Guglielmo Pedroni.
Guards: Rafael (Payo)
Chico Velasquez
Hammocks (at Huembes mercado)
Aura Rose Andinouse different source for chairs as of 8/10
Hogar San Antonio
in Masaya
Sr. Levy
Hogar San Jose de San Fernando (orphanage added August 2012)
San Fernando, Nueva Segovia
Nicaragua
de la Iglesia Catolica 1c. Norte
Superior: Sor Delia Aurora Ibarra Rodriguez
Horticulture – Floriculture Consultants
Harry Van Belle
Rita Olsthoorin-Van Belle
68 Lakesport Road #9
On the Henley Port Dalhousie, St. Catherines, Ontario L2N 4P8
Hospital Materno Infantil Fernando Velez Paiz (known as Velez Paiz hospital)
Director Noel– he has replaced the other director
Industria del Vidrio y Aluminio, S.A. (Windows and aluminum)Insurance
Ivania Castro at Seguros Lafise
Juan Pablo II Fundacion- Managua/health centerJohana Pedroni
Lawyer
Caritas Lawyer = María Eugenia Estrada Terán-
Alberto Jose Legal Torrez
La Chureca and Caritas combo: Daniel Garcia
La Chureca Clinic (Funjofudess) Director: Sandra Jose Fuentes Aguilar
Leon Ruins = Sitio Histórico Ruinas de León Viejo
Leon tour- city of Leon: Julio Tours (Leon Civil War tour) 25 meters North from the West side of the Cathedral….Julio
Pineda
Leper Colony and Dermatological Center:
Lions Club contact
Managua Boat Ride
(100c.) min. 20
Director Doctor Maria Eugenia Medina Z.
Mrs. Martha Pastora de Alcocer Club# 0000015689
Puerto Salvador Allende
Manna Project (dump) Maddie and Tressa Hoekstra
Mural contact: AmiraKm 14.5 Carretera Vieja a León, Reparto Planetario, Calle Saturno, Casa #5
Mailling: Apdo P-150, Las Piedrecitas, Managua
Masaya National Park
9am to 4:45pm
District D5
Mateare
Fr. Jose Maria Sacedón (nickname: Chema)
Mombacho Cloudforest
Cost is now $15
Nejapa: Mother of the Divine Son School
Fr. Jalder Hernandez Avellán
Nino Jesús de Praga: Principal = Sr. Lucia Ventura
Superior = Sr. Rosa , Sr. Denia, Sr. Susan
NPH= Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (orphanage in ?)
Colin Larson:
Jades Rayo:
Our Lady of Guadalupe Berta Amalia, Director
Pastor = P. Silvio Javier Martínez
Pajarito Azul
Sandra (Director)
Asst. Director: Herminia- same phone number
Physical Therapist: Miriam
(Jesuit) Volunteer until Dec. 2011 =Andrea Assner
Prensa ALM
Elioi Sevilla S.
Red Cross
Raúl Duriéz Diaz
Dir. Nacional de Capacitación
Reparto Belmonte Km 7 Sur
Managua, Nicaragua
Richardson’s
Alejandra Barbosa
Use Richardson’s only if no other options.
Contiguo al Banco Central By Pass Sur
Managua, Nicaragua
RYPSA (ECO supplies)
Milton Ramon Robleto Abad
San José Hospital – Diriamba
Sister Vilma Morales Garcia
San Luis School: Contact = Jacqueline
San Rafael: Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in San Rafael
Superior is Sr. Rosa Ines
SINSA- stores for most hardware, telephone jacks, etc.- less expensive and several located in Managua
Teatro Ruben Dario
Folklorico Dances – only on the Sunday during the Santo Domingo Festival (first Sat. or Sunday in
August)
UPS
Caesar Ramirez
Water Filters for ECO Project: located in Jinotepe- Frank Schuringa (speaks English)
(Also deals with fair trade coffee, palm oil, worm composting, etc.)
KEY CONTACTS:
Dr. Armando Navarro- doctor from Florida who has home in Masaya: Friends of theirs who live in Masaya = Daniela
and Victor
Carmen Adalia Gutierrez Sandrez
Sr. Karla She is now in Granada.
Sr. Rosa Ines is the Superior in Granada.
Sr. Kayla is superior at Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe en San Rafael
(Local Nejapa contact for Sr. Karla: Jeannette)
Shirley Loeffelholz- contact for orphanage and volunteer sewing coordinator (former House of Hope volunteer) = US =
Approved Drivers:
ChicoOscar Ubeda
Ramon Duarte (blue truck)
Approved Translators: Fabaricio Antonio Martinez Garcia
Cousin of Fabricio (approved by Mauricio) = Gabriel
Olympia (Mauricio’s Daughter) both when not in school
Cell phones
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
505-8462-2148 (Nokia) Mauricio
505-8373-8104 (Nokia) usually stays in the Kitchen
505-8462-2153 (LG)
505-8564-4766 (VeryKool)
505-8868-0908 (VeryKool)
505-8953-8121 (VeryKool)
505-8868-1194 (VeryKool)
To call Sr. Debbie from USA to Nica:
518-570-5443 (only – do not need 011)
To call Sr. Debbie from Nica to USA:
001-518-570-5443
To call Shan Moore from Nica to USA:
001-518-565-4138 (w)
001-518-298-5568 (H)
001-518-570-2052 (cell)
To call Nica from USA: 011 is country code
To call USA from Nica: 001 is country code