Jessica Castro conducted a field experience with Manna Project International in Nicaragua. Her goals were to gain practical experience executing a health-related research project, improve her data collection skills, deepen her intercultural understanding, and explore working for a nonprofit internationally. She surveyed 205 households on dengue knowledge and prevention, examined water storage containers for mosquito larvae, and participated in Manna Project's community programs. Through this experience, she strengthened her research abilities and learned about challenges and rewards of international community development work.

1. Manna Project International - Nicaragua
Jessica Castro
Field supervisor: Christina Palazzo, MPM; Faculty advisor: Jaime Corvin, PhD
SITE DESCRIPTION
PURPOSE OF FIELD EXPERIENCE
DUTIES AND ACTIVITIES
OVERALL ASSESSMENT
Manna Project International (MPI) aims for a holistic
approach to community development by operating a variety
of programs related to health, education & livelihood.
MPI Nicaragua connects college graduates with
international service opportunities in the Cedro Galan, Villa
Guadalupe and Chiquilistagua communities.
Goal:
To gain practical experience executing a health-related
research project in the field as well as increase my
knowledge and competence as a contributing member of an
international community development organization.
Objectives:
1. Improve my qualitative and quantitative data collection
skills by practicing standard survey methodologies.
2. Deepen intercultural awareness, understanding and
respect, and the ability to interact sensitively and
responsibly within other cultures.
3. Demonstrate the ability to work as a member of a
professional community development team to implement
programmatic responses to health/other community needs.
4. Expand my knowledge of international NGO operations
and explore my own potential interest working in the
nonprofit sector and in a cross-cultural setting.
• Collected data for a dengue-related research project
o Trained two Nicaraguan field assistants
• Surveyed 205 households in Cedro Galan
o Dengue knowledge/behavior questionnaire +
examination of water storage containers for
mosquito larvae and pupae counts
• Involvement with MPI community programs
o Health (forwardHEALTH clinic, Women’s Exercise)
o Education (English classes, Levels 1-5)
o Livelihood (Jewelry Cooperative)
• Attended MPI weekly update meetings and monthly
community Junta meetings
• Participated in language exchanges and home-stays
FUTURE PLANS
• Analysis of dengue research data
o Incorporate into doctoral candidate’s
dissertation and publishable works
• Interventions in the Cedro Galan community
o Documentation of the most prolific larval
habitats
o Targeted education on dengue prevention,
health education curriculum development
o Implementation of engineering/physical
controls
Through my IFE, I was able to strengthen
my research skills and gain exposure to
program planning at an international
level. I grew professionally as I interacted
with diverse members of the community,
the nonprofit sector and academia. I was
challenged to lead my own project and
join fellow interns in carrying out existing
programs. I learned about the challenges
involved with community development
work as well as the rewards of inter-
cultural friendship and collaboration.