Washburn University delegation

by Rick Ellis, professor

Thirteen students, out of 7,000 who attend Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, went to Nicaragua with ProNica delegation. All are from Kansas and only two had traveled outside the USA. I organized a service trip to Nicaragua because I feel it is important for students to learn how others I anticipated being affected by the trip but not to the extent experienced. live and relate to each other – so different from the United States. The university requires that students complete a Transformational Experience in Leadership, Research, Study Abroad, or Community Service. As director of Community Service and with university funds to support study abroad, the timing was right.

I anticipated being affected by the trip but not to the extent experienced. First as an activist I had always asserted solidarity with liberation movements and was quite vocal about the Sandinista struggle. But to walk in their footsteps and meet the people who fought for liberation was very powerful. In addition it was very moving to see my students develop awareness for the struggle of others and the imperialism of the United States.

I made a commitment to return with students as often as possible and am identifying others to accompany the group when I’m unavailable.

Editor’s note: El Cacao has 16 houses. Prior to the delegation arrival, villagers prepared for the water system installation. Students dug trenches for three days. $800US bought PVC pipes, cement, faucets to build two simple hand pumps and paid for the village overseer.

Washburn University plans to return each year to continue to build on previous year’s development project, thus increasing its effectiveness and building solidarity between individuals.

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Washburn University delegation

Stateside office

Nicaragua office