Paulette Goudge, Director Mariposa

Paulette Goudge:  Our host at the Mariposa is both proprietor of this conscientious Spanish school and eco hotel,  and remarkable resource for history of Nicaragua, including issues of education, trash, water,  and the power dynamics between alleged “first world” and “third world” countries – indeed continents.  
When we choose this destination as our hub for eco-learning and raising our consciousness about the myriad cultural and communal topics that interest us, we knew about Dr. Goudge’s academic social and political work; indeed, we had assigned cluster students the introduction  to her text: The Whiteness of Power:  Racism in Third World Development and Aid.  However, we have been practically breathless at the wealth of knowledge she has offered, sharing her experience concerning the topics above; moreover, modeling for us a conscientious life:  hiring local teachers and staff for the school, kitchen, and grounds; raising vegetables on her organic farm that we eat at all our meals; recycling water; heating with sun;  rescuing birds, dogs, monkeys, horses; using local transportation;  and giving back to the community over 90% of what she takes in.
We continue to be impressed by her insight and dedication – what a gift to have her as our moral guide. ...Elana