Day 6: Los Pipitos - Open for Business!

Today for the first time, we actually began our health assessments of the children of Los Pipitos! We were challenged by the organization of the student files. This was not due to staff not trying but to our lack of familiarity with the "system." It was also quite difficult to figure out the students' names. The records were inconsistent and some names were long (usually with 2 surnames) and some only had one of the surnames. They were filed by numbers, assigned according to the order in which they signed up in Los Pipitos. We had a list of children who were in the school this particular day, but it was next to impossible to find the matching files! We ended up having to go through all of the files one by one for each name, time consuming with 50 or so files! Some of the files were for children not on the list and many of the names on the list had no files associated with them.

Christine Measures Height

We saw 5 children over about 2 1/2 hours. The problems are diverse. One uses a wheelchair and is unable to move himself. We aren't sure of his initial diagnosis, since the list we have indicates general conditions (i.e., intellectual disability, mobility disorder, etc.), but he has severe mobility problems with contractures in his upper extremities. He also is non-verbal. This young man in his teens was incontinent and staff had to contact his mother to bring another pair of pants. When she arrived, she slapped him for urinating in his clothes. This is a problem! I'm sure it is related to her embarrassment but it was difficult for us. We saw 2 children with ear infections, one more severe than the other. There is a physician whom Los Pipitos has an arrangement with for free medical care; however, as we learned, the biggest problem is that the families cannot pay for the medications, so even if they see a doctor, they cannot afford to treat their conditions! 

Christine Dancing

One child has been plagued by a parasitic infection of her intestines and was seen in a clinic in Managua where she was prescribed medication by injection over 5 days; however, after 2 injections, her mother was unable to pay for the medication and the doses were stopped. Now, the distention and discomfort is severe, but there is no way to treat her without the medication starting all over again. And, who will pay for it?? One idea is to find sponsors for the children to cover the cost of their medications. Some have long-term prescriptions but cannot afford them. The cost might be only a few cents a day.

Lily and Admirer!

Children & Staff Dancing

The children love to dance! We participated as well and they were thrilled to have us join them! Even the children in wheelchairs were able to participate at their level of ability. 


Another activity the children enjoy is computer play. The younger children use special computers that are made for them. They are very durable and have webcams built in that the children love to play with. Bill indicated that the younger children are intimidated by the regular computers and start out with these smaller, child-friendly ones. Ultimately, the children can learn skills that might help them find work some day. 

Child Friendly Computers

Children with Computers

This is definitely a wonderful learning experience for us! Some of what we are learning is disturbing. For example, one of the staff members has 2 daughters who are deaf. Apparently, there will be a "sterilization clinic" next week and she will be having them sterilized! I think Nicaragua is where the U.S. was 50 or 60 years ago! There is no way to help the people think of the ethical considerations. In their minds, children who have any disabilities will be unable to find jobs, marry, or care for themselves. They believe they are protecting them. Especially the girls are seen as vulnerable to sexual abuse and the parents are doing what they believe must be done for the girls' own good.

Computer "Class"

Later in the afternoon, Marina, a nurse who visits Los Pipitos on a fairly regular basis, came and we had an opportunity to learn more about the problems for the children. Marina has a number of projects, but most are concerned with women's health. She does pap smears of the women and some of the older girls, and her projects relate to obesity and diabetes. She isn't really at the clinic to serve the children.

Blanca, Christine, Susan, Lily, & Paloma

We had a meeting over pina coladas with Paloma and her friend, Blanca from Spain, who will be leaving to work in Ecuador for a while. We talked about what we're planning to do next week and beyond. So far, we have appointments to see the Japanese hospital in Granada, tour the large hospital in Managua, visit with staff at the central office of Los Pipitos in Managua, and meet with the dean of the School of Nursing at UPOLI. It will be a busy week!

Penny, Bill, Lily, Christine, & Susan

We ended the day with dinner at Bill and Penny's home. Penny made delicious soup and pizza! We also enjoyed apple martinis that Bill expertly mixed! By the time we left after 10:00 pm, it was pouring! The perfect end to a perfect week! This weekend we were planning to rent bicycles and go to the volcano; however, despite Christine's strong bicycle touring ability, Lily and I aren't so sure we're ready to tackle the extreme hills in the heat. We'll talk about it!