About PML
The Beginning
Project Minnesota/León (PML) began in 1984 when Nancy Trechsel and Mary Foster, both Minnesotans, traveled to León, Nicaragua with the organization Witness for Peace. After discussions with people they had met in León, the two women decided to start a sister relationship between Minnesota and León. PML evolved from this point, and between 1984 and 1990, sixteen Minnesotan delegations visited Nicaragua and three Nicaraguan youth delegations visited Minnesota. Each delegation traveled with the goals of fostering cultural exchange and building stronger communities. Since 1990, an average of two to four delegations per year have traveled to Minnesota or to León.
Projects
PML has facilitated community initiatives and cooperative projects since it first began. Early projects included classroom construction, equipment donation, a maternal/child nutrition program, and latrine construction support. Among PML’s current projects are a youth artist workshop (Taller Xuchialt), a community health center (San Carlos Health Center), and pre-school construction (Gotitas de Esperanza). Interested in learning more about PML’s projects? Visit the Projects page for further details.
Leadership
PML supports a paid coordinator in León. A volunteer board consisting of members from both León and Minnesota steers the organization. Project Minnesota/León supports its efforts through fundraisers and donations.