Katalysis Bootstrap Fund
Partnership Journey 2006
February 5-11, 2006

Sunday February 5
Group members arrive individually on separate flights – In-country hosts, Center for Global Education, provide transportation as needed to hotel.

3:00 PM
Introductory meeting at Hotel Brandt for those already in country.

Monday February 6
Morning
First full group meeting over breakfast.
Historical overview of Nicaragua: lecture by local historian.

Afternoon
Meet Microfinance banker (ACODEP) based in Managua
Visit two borrowers in Ciudad Sandino, Managua.
Meet with an international economic think tank, FIDEG, about their research on the impact and effectiveness of microfinance.
Dinner at local seafood restaurant.

Tuesday February 7
Morning
Breakfast and departure to Boaco, north of Managua.
Meet with director of Nieborowski Foundation, a local microfinance institution.
Visit three borrowers in Boaco: a jeweler, a tailor and a saddlemaker.

Afternoon
Lunch in Boaco at Chinchilla Restaurant for local cuisine.
Visit two rural borrowers (cattle farmers).
Return to Managua for group dinner at hotel.

Wednesday February 8
Morning
Bus trip to historic, colonial Leon for 2 day stay (Hotel El Convento).
Meet with Fundacion Leon 2000 and two borrowers (seamstress, juice-maker).

Afternoon
Lunch and tour in the city of Leon.
Visit beach to watch the sunset on the Pacific Coast; group discussion and debriefing.
Dinner at El Pariente Salinas at Poneloya Beach.

Thursday February 9
Morning
Optional visit to Leon Cathedral after leisurely breakfast.
Meeting with the Vice-Mayor of Leon.

Afternoon
Return to Managua after lunch in Leon.
Driving tour of the old Managua.
Meet with the Katalysis Network director, from Honduras.
Dinner at Cocina de Doña Hayde, authentic Nicaragua cuisine.

Friday February 10
Morning
Breakfast at hotel.
Visit active Masaya Volcano.

Afternoon
Lunch and walk around in the Colonial city of Granada.
Shopping for souvenirs at the Masaya Market, historic outdoor crafts market.
Farewell dinner at hotel in Managua.

Saturday February 11
Group members return home