Operation Nica
Carizal Preschool Project
The Carizal, located approximately 10 minutes south of San Juan del Sur, is a neighborhood of 59 families, about 250 people total. Some of the well known land owners/developments located in and around the Carizal are Nica Dev properties Las Fincas de Escamequita and The Haciendas at Las Fincas, Playa Hermosa owned by the Hollman Family, the 117 acres (68 manzanas) of land owned by Tim Kelly and his investment partners, as well as Los Altos de Playa Hermosa.
Tim purchased the 117 acres in March 2007 and although time will tell what his group decides to do with the land, those involved in BIP as well as friends of BIP together with Nica Dev have spent time and money helping the local school.
Donn Wilson of Nica Dev & Tim Kelly discuss plans for the preschool.
Currently, there is an elementary school located just across the road from Tim’s land. The students that are attending the elementary school have to bring their younger siblings to school with them as mom and dad are usually off working. Unfortunately, there is no preschool building so it has been very difficult for the students and teachers to have the preschool outside. Aside from the preschool building, the current school lacks electricity and sufficient water.
The water, which comes from rain gutters installed on one side of the current building, is kept in a cement container (see photo), but isn’t nearly enough water. The kids each have to bring a liter of water to school a day. Part of the current construction that Nica Dev is overseeing will be rain gutters installed on all sides of the building in order to catch more water.
The community hard at work. (note: this is the school's water supply)
Donn Wilson and his foundation, The Nica Dev Fund, has to-date donated $4000 to the school as well as providing them with instruction as to how best construct and maintain the school. In return he asks that the community provide the labor. While visiting the school, Donn introduced Tim to the Carizal Community Direct, Nelly. Shortly before the preschool structure was completed they ran out of rebar and since Tim was still in town Nelly asked if he could help with the remainder. Tim had the materials sent up to the school and it looks like the outer structure will be complete in the next couple weeks. Tim and his partners are looking forward to helping the school in more ways in the future.
Construction of the preschool.
Equally exciting is the $2000 that Brooke Rundle has raised in conjunction with Ocean Hills congregation from Santa Barbara. This money will be going to the school as well.
Many thanks to everyone involved in this project! We will be sure to keep you updated on its progress.
UPDATE!
The Preschool has been finished! Tim, Brooke, Jo, and friend Juliana Smith were fortunate enough to attend the Preschool Opening. Nearly the entire Carrizal Community showed up for the Opening dressed to the nines. It was amazing to see the smiles on the kids’ faces when they were allowed to enter their new school. It has been so fun getting to know the families and kids throughout this project and we look forward to spending more time with these families in the future.
