Alison Lawman (Raleigh International)  

Our speaker on Wednesday 7^th September was Alison Lawman and her talk was based on her recent three month visit to Nicaragua.  She is a member of International Citizen Service, funded by government, working with other sustainable development charities such as in this case Raleigh International.  She was based  in a rural area with a family where the poverty and lack of opportunity were obvious. Young people gravitated to the big cities in order to find work.

Whilst there Alison assisted in setting up young people – through training in leadership, entrepreneurship and business skills. During her stay some nine local businesses, with assistance from mentors completing business plans etc, were set up with the help of Seed Funding.   As an example, some 81 businesses have been set up in 2 years, 75% of which are still functioning after  one year.

Besides the business objectives of the mission the group was also involved in social projects such as Water Management. 

Alison continues as a member of ICS.E and continues fund raising for this.  A very full and detailed presentation.  

Ron Jones