Getting Serious, But Having Fun Doing it

T-minus two days until the big day, the Product Fair for our Grupo de Jovenes. Although I’ve neglected to write about it, Jovenes Emprendedores as they are calling themselves are trucking along at top speed, and we believe we may just be the team to beat. At least, we have the arrogance and confidence to think that, and by we, I mean the aspirantes from Niquinohomo.



Public vs Private

For the past couple of weeks, our kids have really transformed their initial prototype into a developed, final product. It’s been a really cool process to watch, as many transformations have occurred within the group. First off, the group consists of about 14 kids right now, from both a private and public school. Initially, these two groups didn’t mix. They would sit at opposite sides of the table, not talk to each other, and when it came to group votes, each group typically voted internally. We were a little worried that the bigger group of public school kids would drive away the smaller, but equally important group of private

school kids. Seems like public and private school kids are always rivals, no

matter where you are. But as the project

 and our product progressed, the group

transformed from two bodies, to one,

 unified group, and we even now see the

 kids hanging out together outside of

class. What has also been fascinating to

watch has been the role of the youth

with the product. The aspirantes started

 essentially, as teachers, but have really

kind of pulled away from the group,

putting it in the hands of the kids. We

step in when we have to, but these kids have spread their wings and gone out on their own. They were the ones who put together a market study, and went all over town getting people to fill it out. By the end of an hour, they had thirty done! And it didn’t stop there, they met together the next day to analyze the results on how to make the bag better. I guess I forgot to mention that the product is a bag made from mecate, a type of durable rope/string made from recycled plastic. It’s really something, and I’ll make sure to post pictures on Friday. What I can show you is essentially the production line we set up to start producing the bags, or as we jokingly referred to it as the zona franco. We sat these kids down, and they had a blast working together and seeing visible progress in their idea. And if there is gaseosa y galletas to be had (soda and cookies), the kids always have a smile on their face!



phase one



the production line



Victor winding up the mecate

So on Friday we head to Ticuantepe, 14 strong, to compete against the youth groups of 11 other training towns of small business and agriculture. The only thing we’re a little worried about, is that the competition seems to be formatted for the groups that have little to no success, so that they can compete. In terms of judging, there is more emphasis placed on packaging and labeling, as well as the positive life lessons they’ve learned during the process, more so than the product, and the tangible success they’ve had. And apparently since small business has won each competition in past years, judges are biased towards the Aggies. But that’s the Peace Corps way, everything has to be fair and feel good. Feelings trump fact. Because as we’ve found out, most other groups are struggling to maintain a product or keep their groups afloat, and our group seems to be a true success story. Despite everything we’re rolling in deep, with a solid product, and confidence and more than anything we’re gonna have fun with the whole thing! I’d say wish us luck, but luck is for the unprepared.

"Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to

excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort."