Our recent trip to the city of Granada gave us a new perspective in regards to Nicaraguan culture and society. Although our stay resembled a vacation, filled with swimming, relaxation and beautiful sights, we learned a lot about the vision that the people of Granada have to offer in the case of human rights. This vision was especially evident during our visit to Cafe de Las Sonrisas.
This is a small business that strives to empower young individuals with physical and mental disabilities by offering them employment and allowing them to develop a craft. This is essential as many of these individuals are denied the rights of other employees in other Nicaraguan businesses. In doing so, Cafe de Las Sonrisas offers individuals the option to make and sell hammocks and/or work as a waiter or cook in the cafe. Subsequently, these employees are able to obtain useful skills in the business world while demonstrating the extent of their ability. Furthermore, this organization helps the mothers of these children by providing transportation services and allowing them to make and sell handbags. In this way, the company allows these mothers to have a source of income while still having time to provide for their families. In addition, this is one of few organizations that has shown great interest in improving the status of the environment in Nicaragua. The founder of the business, Tio Antonio, explained the current environmental situation by suggesting that the national flower of Nicaragua might as well be a plastic bag. A project that they have begun in order to combat this issue is called “the never ending hammock”.
This project combines the company’s passion for a greener nation and one that recognizes disabled persons in the workplace by allowing its employees to create the hammock out of plastic bags. We felt that this particular organization had a profound vision for the future of human rights and sustainability in Nicaragua. They have found a way to provide opportunities for disadvantaged individuals while making a significant impact on the current economic and environmental situation in Nicaragua.
Jules and Kelly H.