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The Sheaf/Espiga Foundation is a
Non-governmental organization legally erected in
Canada and, by extension, recognized in Nicaragua in the
year 2006. The Foundation aims to work in community
development based on the real and expressed needs of the
rural poor in which communities it undertakes its
activities.
The Sheaf/Espiga Foundation affirms the concept of
integrated development, that is, that specific activities
undertaken in a community must work together to promote
consciousness-raising, self-respect, and the transformation
of the total individual. For example, an agency which
emphasizes literacy soon faces the question, "and what will
the people read?" They may well decide to produce materials
on preventative health care for local consumption. On the
other hand, an agency which prioritizes health care might
produce information folders and find itself asking, "but what
good are the brochures if the people cannot read them?"
While Sheaf/Espiga recognizes the interrelationship between
various development activities, it must obviously set
priorities. As it begins formal work,
Sheaf/Espiga chooses
to emphasize three areas: agriculture, education, and
community health.
Profile
Sheaf/Espiga’s plan is
to begin work in Nicaragua, but gradually expand activities
throughout Central America and beyond.
According to Sheaf/Espiga’s strategic plan, it aims to begin
work with identified communities which have the following
characteristics: a history of working with NGO’s and
churches; some experience with work on projects and training
(this level of organization facilitates development
activities); experience in integrated educational
activities.
The initial target communities are: Colama, (90 kms northeast of Managua), and in communities in Leon
(Monte Redondo, 120 kms northeast of Managua) and in Carazo
(in the communities of El Cacao and El Sol, some 85 kms
from Managua).
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