This thesis investigates the positive and negative impacts on families and local communities of school construction projects by Canadian NGOs in Nicaragua through an exploration of three case studies involving three Canadian NGOs working in three different communities. Social development indicators developed by Oxfam were used to determine if the construction project helped the community to be more cohesive, encouraged individuals to participate, developed critical consciousness, reduced dependency and increased self-confidence. The research also examined to what extent people were able to initiate and implement other similar projects in the community, and are involved in the operation and monitoring of the school. Impacts since the completion of the projects include children and some adults learning to read and write, organized schedules, hope for the future, increased social cohesion, and pride in their local community and themselves.

Mary Anne Connell holds a BA from the University of Waterloo in Sociology and Religious Studies and a MSc in Rural Planning and Development from the University of Guelph. Her interests include research, travel and volunteer work in developing countries. She can be reached at connellm@on.aibn.com