Exhibit

Beverly Lyne

The Boulder-Jalapa FCP has been in partnership with the people of Nicaragua for 20 years. Boulder Jalapa Friendship City Projects is a membership organization, formed in Boulder in 1984 to expand local understanding and knowledge of Central America and Nicaragua, to make friends, to establish a cultural exchange process, and to provide material aid to the Jalapa region. Boulder has since established a sister city relationship with Jalapa, and delegations from both regions have visited each other.

Healthy Children
The potable water projects built in Teotecacinte, Chusli, and Corozo are probably the most dramatic evidence of benefits. In January, 1994, the Jalapa region was hit by a cholera epidemic. Teotecacinte had no cases of cholera. In the first year of operation of the water system in Chusli, the incidence of infant diarrhea was reduced by fifty-five percent. Dehydration from diarrhea kills more children under the age three than any other disease.

Community Empowerment
Since finishing the water systems, the citizens of Teotecacinte have worked in cooperation with the Friendship City Exchange of Glenwood Springs to build a community center, a high school, and community tree farm. The people of Chusli have renovated their community center and have several other projects planned with surplus income from the water system. The success of the water projects in these places has empowered their citizens to work toward new accomplishments and participate in the life of their communities.

Emancipation of Women and Children
The task of hauling water for the home is assigned to women and children, especially girls. In Teotecacinte and Chusli, they have been emancipated from this task and women now have more time to earn and income. In Teotecacinte, some young girls have been able to return to school because they do not have to spend the morning hauling water.

Reconciliation and Peace
In Teotecacinte, Chusli, and Corozo, former combatants from the contra forces and Sandinista Popular Army have worked together on their water systems. Some of the men and women who fought on both sides in the war have resolved to put the war behind them and make peace. These projects have strengthened their efforts.

Cultural Exchange
People from both regions have had opportunities to visit the other's region and learn how the other culture functions. Members of Boulder's teen delegations have felt that visiting the Jalapa region was a life-changing experience.

Nicaragua Friendship City Project
(http://www.boulderjalapa.org )