Ancianos Program

Ancianos is Spanish for “the ancients.” In Nicaragua, however, it is used to describe Senior Citizens, or as Jean so nicely puts it, “old folks.” The ancianos in Nicaragua are respected and admired, yet often find themselves a bit overlooked when it comes to social events and programs. In 2003, Jean Brugger decided that she wanted to remedy this, and began the Ancianos Program. This monthly program involves providing lunch and dessert for the guests, as well as playing games (such as Bingo and Musical Chairs) and dancing to live music. The guests win prizes and are given small gifts, simply so that they know that they are appreciated. The students in our Student Sponsorship Program volunteer at each activity, and many local residents show up to support us as well.

The very first Ancianos Activity was held in June of 2003, with ten old folks in attendance. By the end of that year, the group had grown to thirty-five people. Currently, more than one-hundred and fifty ancianos attend each activity!! We expect these numbers to grow as more and more people hear of these activities and wish to be a part of them.

Each activity costs approximately U$750, to feed and entertain one-hundred and fifty people. Fundación A. Jean Brugger provides transportation to and from the event (in the form of the Foundation van and local taxis), supplies the food, coordinates entertainment and activities, and provides volunteers in the form of scholarship students. Piedras y Olas Hotel & Resort allows us the use of the kitchen at La Cascada Restaurant, as well as the use of the entire locale for the duration of the event.

On major holidays, such as Mothers’ Day and Christmas, special activities are held, and we usually see upwards of two hundred ancianos in attendance. We are elated to be able to provide this small service of appreciation to the elderly of the community. If you would like to be a part of this program in any way, please send us an email at fundacion@piedrasyolas.com