I hope you enjoy this photo-journal documenting our service trip to Chacraseca, Nicaragua this past summer. Fourteen travelers participated in a structured experience combining service, reflection and discovery of Nicaragua from Aug. 2-16.  This is the 11th trip the Imagination Federation has hosted. 

The main goal of the trips and, ultimately, all the work of the Imagination Federation, is to support the education of the 33 children pictured above through the Tengo Un Sueno program. Tengo Un Sueno funds two coordinators and several teachers who together ensure that each of the Sonadores has the social, financial and academic support they need to stay in school and eventually complete college. We are now entering year four of a 17-year committment. We are also entering the third year funding a high school housed in the same building as the Sonadores that convenes in the afternoon after the younger children are finished. Our total annual financial committment is $20,000.

On our trips, we spend a lot of time with the Sonadores, their families, and the network of teachers whose salaries we fund. Travelers participate in the process of creating activities for the students as well as in dialogues with teachers and parents. As you will see in the day-to-day reflections, this year's trip brought signs of promise in the development of our programs, new layers of complication, and all kinds of surprises.

In addition to offering our travelers a connection to Chacraseca, we also make sure they get a wider look at Nicaragua--an opportunity to experience its remarkable culture and geography. As you look through the pictures, you'll notice some of the spots that people from all over the world come to see as well as some less known destinations. Besides Chacraseca, this summer we visited four other towns: Chinandega, Esteli, Katarina and Leon.

Please let us know if you're interested in participating in a future trip: asalinas1313@gmail.com. If you'd like to make a donation, please use this link.