Hi Kevin, After finishing my trip around Latin America I settled in Nicaragua where I keep working on expanding healthcare access in rural communities. Tomorrow I'm heading to a very small rural community in the Atlantic Coast of Nicaragua. It is a 3-4 days journey of dirt roads and boat rides. I'm sending you the Expedition Overview. On my return (10-12 days) I would like to touch base with you and explore possible collaborations. All the best, Salvador KANSAS CITY, NICARAGUA HEALTHCARE EXPEDITION Approximate Date: June 4th – 12th , 2008 Mission: To expand healthcare access to the rural communities of Nicaragua, with a focus on prevention and education. Short term objectives: - Dental hygiene workshop focusing on children. - Educational workshop that demonstrates methods for preventing common diseases. - Provide basic medicines and prevention tools for families that otherwise have no access to them. - Document and assess the greatest needs of the people of Kansas City, Nicaragua. Long term objectives: - Develop working relationships with the community of Kansas City. - With the consent of the community, establish a permanent base within the community that will serve to increase healthcare access and education. - Develop relationships with MINSA, MINED and NGOs that can provide services to these areas. Location: Kansas City, La Cruz de Rio Grande, RAAS Geography: According to INIDE, Kansas City (K.C.) is located on the Rio Grande de Matagalpa which serves as a border between the poorest Municipio in Nicaragua (El Tortuguero) and the third poorest Municipio (La Cruz de Rio Grande). Population Facts: According to the 2008 INIDE.gob.ni report there are 261 habitants in K.C. - 71.7 % live in extreme poverty and 28.3% in poverty - 55% are illiterate (50% are between the ages of 14-29yo) - 55% of their total population are younger than 15 years old - 0% have permanent jobs and only 34% have seasonal jobs Housing Facts: There are a total of 46 homes - 98% do not have electricity - 98% do not have portable water - 47% do not have a toilet or “letrina” - 95% cook with wood - 63% have more than 4+ people in one room - 0% have trash collection Kansas City is NOT the poorest community in the area. There are other communities such as Olea Olea where 100% of the population lives in extreme poverty. Reaching communities such as Olea Olea is more difficult, because there are no roads or rivers to access them. It can take up to 16 hours by foot to reach them. However, with the knowledge and experience that will develop from working with Kansas City, we plan to launch expeditions into these communities. We are seeking donations in the form of supplies or cash: - Tooth brushes and tooth paste - Basic medicines - Cash to print visual aids and handouts - Prizes (e.g. toys, radio) to give out to those that participate during workshops and to those who perform best on the exams at the end of the workshops.