Just one kilometer separates the campuses of NCA Nejapa and NCA International, yet the distance between their students feels much greater. Despite their connection as sister schools, students from these two campuses rarely interact. The few opportunities they do have to cross paths, such as debate club practices and infrequent sports competitions, are few and far between. Many International students have never been to NCA Nejapa, and few friendships bridge the gaps between these two schools.
This is the problem I selected for my restoration project, in which seniors in Mr Star’s Bible class identify a problem at NCA or the surrounding community and attempt to develop a solution. I have experienced the lack of community between these two schools firsthand. Through HACIA and my church, I have gotten to know students from NCA Nejapa, but I have never felt a strong relationship with any of them. I would love for there to be more opportunities for students from Nejapa and International to interact. It is an overlooked opportunity for collaboration, community, and growth.
To understand this problem, it’s important to grasp the history of these two schools. NCA International began as a cooperative homeschool program in 1991. The school was started in order to offer an English-language Christian education for the children of missionaries. As NCA grew, purchasing land and hiring full time teachers, it attracted upper middle class Nicaraguan families who wanted to give their children a Christian education that prepared them for university in the United States. Over time, more and more national families showed interest in the school, but some could not afford it. In response, NCA Nejapa was created to offer a quality Christian education in Spanish that prepared its students for national universities.
This difference in history and purpose has led to two factors that are part of the reason these schools’ students are divided. The first difference is language. Nejapa students are taught in Spanish while International students are educated in English. Although Nejapa students have English classes and International students have Spanish classes, there remains an inability for certain Nejapa and International students to communicate with each other. The second is the difference in school calendars. NCA International follows an American school calendar, beginning in August and ending in June, while Nejapa follows a Nicaraguan school calendar, beginning in February and ending in November. This makes scheduling events and encouraging collaboration between clubs and sport teams difficult.
My effort to understand and develop a solution to this problem led me to organize an event for the Senior classes from NCA Nejapa and NCA International to get to know each other. I selected a date and location and invited the Seniors from Nejapa via Whatsapp. They were instantly excited about the idea and eager to hang out.
The event began around 3:30 when NCA Nejapa students started to arrive at Connect Ministries. Soon, students from International arrived and they began to greet each other, though slightly uncomfortable. In order for the students to get to know each other, I planned a variety of icebreakers and activities. We then played a few competitive rounds of Never Have I Ever and Musical Chairs. After the games, we shared a delicious meal of fritanga. While people ate, I described my restoration project and asked for ideas and input. The night ended with a fun, though short, soccer game. As people left, they took pictures with each other, shared social media accounts, and made plans to see each other again.
I recognize that one event cannot and did not solve this complex problem, but I truly believe that it was an important first step. It proved that students from NCA Nejapa and International are willing and excited to build relationships with one another. It showed that our differences aren’t big enough to divide us. I was especially encouraged by the fact that as soon as the event ended, the Seniors from Nejapa expressed their plans to organize a similar event and invite us. I envision a day when these student bodies are no longer divided. When all students from Nejapa and International have regular opportunities to interact with one another. When we truly embrace our identity as sister schools.
