40 years ago as a young juggler, unicyclist & electrical engineer, Ben Linder came from the U.S. to Nicaragua to install rural hydroelectric systems in villages in the war zones with no electricity. He and other international volunteers who came to support the Sandinista Revolution became targets for the U.S.-funded Contras. Ben and his colleagues installed a hydro system in El Cúa and were working on another system in San José de Bocay. On April 28, 1987, Ben and two Nicaraguans with him - Pablo Rosales and Sergio Hernandez - were ambushed and murdered by the Contra. Over the past 15 years, the Sandinista government has extended the electrical grid from 54% to 99% coverage nationwide, and today 80% of the energy Nicaragua produces is renewable.
We are organizing a special delegation to coincide with the anniversary of Ben's murder. Over nine days in-country, the Light & Legacy Brigade will learn what the areas where Ben worked are like in the Nicaragua of today: electricity projects, renewable energy policy, community circus culture, and the lives of the performers who worked with Ben in Managua's circuses.
We hope you will join us to study & commemorate Ben's renewable energy & cultural legacy on the 35th anniversary of his murder.
Brigade Activities:
· Visit geothermal & solar projects
· Attend Juggling Festival
· Visit Ben Linder's hydroelectric projects
· Participate in Community Circus
· Talk with communities newly connected to the grid
· Learn about Nicaragua's current struggles & triumphs
· Commemorate anniversary of Ben's murder with the communities where he lived
CASA BENJAMIN LINDER:
LIGHT & LEGACY BRIGADE
Where: Managua & San José de Bocay, Nicaragua
When: 25 April-2 May 2022 (Arrive in-country no later than 24th April, leave 3rd May)
Cost: $75 per person/per day all-inclusive 9-day brigade. Total cost: $675 per person*
To apply: Write to casabenjaminlinder@gmail.com
Application deadline: 25 March 2022
For more information: https://www.casabenjaminlinder.org/tours
*Includes all in-country costs: meals, hotels, translation, and entrance fees. Airfare and COVID tests are separate.
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