Welcome!
Welcome to the University of Maryland Nicaragua Spring Break 2014 Study Abroad blog! The students will update the blog daily when we're in Nicaragua. We're working on fundraising for the entrepreneurs we're going to be working with.  In Managua, we'll work with students and faculty from UNAN on these projects:

1. Hot box, a lunch box to keep workers’ lunches both warm and safe. The group is hoping to sell to factory owners to use as rewards for workers or as a general benefit.
2. Carrier for coffee bean workers. This team has designed ergonomic carriers (male and female designs) for workers on coffee bean plantations to hold up to 30 pounds of coffee beans. 
3. Recycled shoes.  These shoes are made from tires and old jeans.
4. Portable medical lift. In Nicaraguan hospitals, families of the patients provide the care that is provided by nurses in U.S. hospitals. The hand-crank lift allows a patient to be moved in bed, allowing easier care. 

 In San Juan del Sur we'll work with the following entrepreneurs:

1. Bruno Antonio Pomares Herrera. Wedding planner and dance troupe coordinator.
2. Mayra Perez, Spanish language school owner.
3. Yessenia Luna, Fashion show organizer, make up artist and nail technician and baker.
   
4. Ruth Perez and her business partner, Mirna.  They are bakers and have a small snack stand at a local school.