Learning and solidarity in Nicaragua

Pictured above: UNISON West Midlands delegation members who visited Nicaragua 28 November – 7 December, Nadieh Alipourian, Edoardo Fusi and Sarah Gee with Andres Zamora and Evile Umana, Nicaraguan Health Union FETSALUD

This is the story of delegation member Nadieh who is a Senior Occupational Therapist/Practice Educator whose family moved to the UK from Iran. She works for Birmingham City Council and is a member of UNISON’s Birmingham Branch.

I was incredibly privileged to be selected to travel to Nicaragua as part of this delegation, an experience I consider a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This journey offered me the chance to gain new perspectives, develop my skills, and build meaningful relationships with Nicaraguan trade union members. It also enabled me to share insights with fellow UNISON members about the struggles and disputes we currently face in our own context.

Although our stay lasted only eight days, it provided a powerful snapshot of the resilience and pride of its people. The experience was both humbling and inspiring.

The week was thoughtfully planned and productively structured by Casa Ben Linder to accommodate our eager spirits. We were immersed in the lush beauty of Nicaragua’s volcanic landscapes while engaging deeply with the country’s labour movement. Our hosts introduced us to the structures and work of the public sector union UNE-FNT and each visit to a union section was met with warm, heartfelt welcomes. The generosity of our hosts was overwhelming; they not only shared their knowledge and experiences but also offered us thoughtful gifts to bring home.

Labour Rights and Shared Struggles

One of my key motivations for joining this delegation was to deepen my understanding of labour rights and economic development in Nicaragua. I was particularly interested in learning about the country’s history of resistance against dictatorship, and the ongoing challenges of building a more just and equitable society. The complex interplay of political, economic, and social factors has created a difficult environment, yet the determination of union members to fight for justice remains unwavering

This journey also allowed me to reflect on my own experiences within the union movement. It was also especially poignant to note that the Nicaraguan revolution occurred in the same year as the Iranian revolution an intersection that made the experience even more personal and meaningful for me.

Occupational Therapy and Social Justice

As a registered Occupational Therapist, I was particularly interested in exploring how the concept of occupational performance is understood and applied in Nicaragua. Occupational performance—the ability to engage in meaningful and valued activities despite challenges—is a core principle in our profession.

The delegation visited the Occupational Therapy department at the Aldo Chavarria Hospital in Managua. Nadieh, pictured above with Dalia de los Angeles Vallejos, commented on what she observed:  

Witnessing how Nicaraguans navigate systemic barriers while striving to maintain dignity and purpose in their daily lives was both enlightening and deeply moving.

I was highly impressed by the efficiency of operations within the orthopaedic hospital. The multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach was evident through seamless collaboration and effective information sharing. The patient journey was clearly structured, allowing for easy tracking and demonstrating strong interlinking between different professional roles.

In particular, the connectivity among professions, all working towards a shared, patient-centred objective, was clearly observable. It was also notable to see the recognition of the occupational therapy process as an integral component of the rehabilitation pathway within the orthopaedic setting. This level of integration reflects best practice and reinforces the value of collaborative care.

Lorries seized from drug traffickers repurposed into mobile clinics

Healthcare is not fully accessible to all Nicaraguans due to limited infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, which makes it challenging to connect individuals who require health check-ups. During my visit I observed an innovative solution from this resilient nation: the implementation of mobile health clinics. Pictured above: Mobile clinics heading to the countryside and delegation members with interpreter Harold Urbina and mobile clinic staff

These clinics are established in remote areas and typically include nurses, doctors, dentists, and facilities for pregnancy scans. They provide essential support and initial health assessments to the local population. If further investigation or treatment is required, patients are referred to the nearest healthcare facility or hospital.

The power of international solidarity

This delegation was more than a professional development opportunity it was a transformative experience. It reinforced the importance of international solidarity, the power of collective action, and the shared values that unite workers across borders. I return with renewed commitment to our union’s mission and a deeper appreciation for the global struggle for workers’ rights and social justice.

I would like to extend thank you to Nicaragua. My travelling has been a beautifully magical experience, one that I will always remember. From the very first moment, I felt surrounded by a spirit of warmth, generosity, and genuine affection that is unique to this place and its people.

I would like to thank my hosts from the depths of my heart for their time, kindness and the openness that they shared with me, their hospitality not only made me feel welcome but truly at home. I feel incredibly blessed to have met them all: I left with the feeling that I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.

During my time there I was touched not only by the people but also their culture, the land, and rich history that lives in every corner of Nicaragua. The beauty of their country is woven into the stories they tell, the traditions they keep, and the way they live with such heart.

I give thanks for allowing me to be part of their world, even for such a short time. God willing. I will surely return. Until then I carry with me deep gratitude, affection, and the warmest memories for an unforgettable journey.

May the world one day see what I saw – a nation that rises, resists, and remains proud. God protect Nicaragua, its people, its memory, and its enduring revolutionary soul.