An Interview with Deysi Sanchez, Consejo Member

What do you like about serving on PML’s Southern Council?

Having the opportunity to support and participate in the work to promote development in the communities. I like being involved in the Consejo and the experience of working as a team with the other Consejo members.

What do you find difficult about the job?

My inability to be available for all the activities and tasks we have before us. Because of my work schedule I can’t do all the things I am willing to do and I find it hard to follow through to the extent I think best.

How did you come to be involved in the Consejo?

I have been a Consejo member since 1995, seven years now. When I was Director at the special Education School, I worked with the PML Coordinators. In fact, I have participated in PML activities almost since its inception in 1984. I attended PML meetings and helped out during each of the Annual Sister City Fairs. Still I was surprised to be selected to travel to Minnesota with a delegation of other Nicaraguans. Apparently my duties as Director of Special Educatiom were of interest. Andrea was PML coordinator at that time and when we returned home, she proposed I join the Consejo. Idalia, Ramon and Orlando were already members of the PML advisory group.

Tell us about your professional life teaching.

When I was 16 years old, I began teaching in the annex of Calasanz. It was 1970, and I had graduated fairly recently and thus had only 2 years experience working as a teacher. In that same year there was a strike organized by the Federal Teachers Union, which I helped support. As a result of my involvement in that strike, I lost my teaching job and was prohibited from working in any public school. In spite of this, the Director of Calazance recommended that I go to work in a private institution. He gave me a good reference for a job at La Pureza de Maria, a Catholic school, I worked at the Pureza from 1970 to 1980.

After the Triumph in 1979, all teachers who had been fired were reinstated to their posts in the state schools. I returned to the Special Education School and at the same time, I helped to found the revolutionary teachers union, ANDEN. I also worked as regional technician for the Ministry of Education and Culture. When I finally left the Special Education School to make space for another person to take my position, I began work at the Asuncion School where I still work.

What surprised you the most about your visit to Minnesota?

The interest in helping that exists there and the desire of people to learn about my country and to understand what was happening in Nicaragua. I was struck by the way North Americans viewed the Nicaraguan experience. When I related the story of my work, the struggles and the suffering, my Minnesota hosts were surprised that we Nicaraguans continued to be happy in spite of these problems.

What makes you proud to serve on the Consejo?

When we go to Santa Rosa or any other community, for that matter, I feel proud to be in contact with people from other parts of my region. That is what I like the most, learning about the realities and knowing the stories of other people.

Tell us about some memories you have about serving on the Consejo.

In 1998, after Hurricane Mitch had done its damage and passed off and we could come out of our houses, all of us on the Consejo immediately went to the PML office. We gathered there because we knew there were communities with great needs. I went with Ana Romes to the market at the Estación where we purchased corn, beans, and rice, and later I went to help deliver the food supplies. I felt helpful.

I also have memories of assisting when there have been problems of coordination within the Consejo. I have been sought out to help with problems like that. I have felt appreciated for the support I have been able to provide in delicate circumstances. People seem to have trust and confidence in me. They know that I am always discreet.

What goals or challenges do you see for yourself as a member of the Southern Council?

Our challenge continues to be the need to improve communication. In the future I want us to have fluid, positive communication and coordination between us, with everyone participating and avoiding problems.

The Consejo » Bernabe Perez, Deysi Sánchez, Idalia Ruiz, Orlando Sarrio, Ramon Savala