Community committments

How we put back in what we take out

20 years of committment to the local area

Chris Shanks, owner and proprietor of Selvista has contributed to the local community for the last 20 years. Selvista currently employs 13 local staff members and guarantees them a minimum number of hours each month to ensure that they have a sustainable income. We have continued to do so all throughout the current economical and political crisis Nicaragua faced in 2018/19 and are continuing to do so now the global economic crisis and pandemic takes it’s toll.

We have organised school trips up to the farm to see how to propagate and harves plants and natural building materials and to see how to prepare natural composts, fertilisers and the fruits that we produce on the farm into tasty treats.

Thanks to Peace Corps volunteers and the local primary school for their cooperation with us.

Putting money back in the community

We use local contractors, buy local materials wherever possible and employ a local work-force who have opportunities to grow within the workplace. We have strong ties and connections to local service providers and suppliers on the island. We organise regular work for local transport providers and vehicle renters, Clandestino Tours in Balgüe. We buy our eggs, milk, fruits and vegetables from local farms and pulperias.

Health Care

Selvista has been supporting the local health clinic laboratory since April 2018, covering the salary of the lab technician. This allows the people in the local area to access simple testing procedures such as blood and urine samples in the town of Balgue.

Without this on-going service the local residents would have to travel 15 kilometers to the public hospital in Altagracia for these services. For people relying on public transport that can mean a whole day away from work or school.

Health care is free in Nicaragua at the point of service, but the system is underfunded. Commonly used items are always in short supply. It is more important than ever that these systems have clean, functioning equipment due to the nature of the institution: public health.

We raised money for medical supplies here when the 2020 crisis began. A big Thanks to all those that shared and donated!

Donated items always gratefully received and forwarded. You can see the list by following the link below.

Water

Selvista has provided man-power (labor), cash funds and equipment to the local water committee to ensure quality and consistent service of fresh water to the areas of Pullman, Balgüe, Madroñal and Santa Cruz.

Access roads

Selvista has dedicated resources and labor to assist with works on local roads and access paths within Balgue.  Our team work alongside those from Finca Magdalena to ensure that vehicles and travellers can pass safely and easily to the local tourist destinations popular in the area.

Sport

Selvista has sponsored local and national teams, including the Ultimate Frisbee team and the local football club. Balgüe FC did not have a kit or balls to enter the Island League.

Selvista happily provided a new kit for the team to practice and join, getting people off the streets (and drink) and onto the field.

Any sports equipment gratefully received to be given to the local leagues. Baseball and football are the two most popular sports. Kids often play with homemade balls.

See our suggestions for what to bring via the Pack for a Purpose link below.

Please speak to us if you’d like assistance in redistributing any cash donations.

Donations to sponsor local students from low income families get an extra-curricula bi-lingual education in 2021 would be welcomed. $20 a month could cover one student for up to 20 classes.

$150 per month covers the salary of the lab technician for the surrounding towns of the volcano.

$100 per month covers the staff at the community library.

Inanitah accepts donations for their regenerative food security programme also on Isla Ometepe.

We are proud members of Pack for a Purpose, an initiative that allows travelers like you to make a lasting impact in the community at your travel destination. If you save just a few kilos of space in your suitcase and take supplies for the projects we support in need, you’ll make a priceless impact in the lives of our local children and families.