INTERVIEW with The Danish Pioneer Newspaper: One Dane Can Make A Difference

Jens C. Nielsen of Itasca, Illinois, is one Dane making a big difference in the lives of others. He follows the motto “Service Beyond Self – Always” and he has just returned from his remarkable 18th Humanitarian Journey to Nicaragua, which was November 4 to November 18, 2013.

Since 1996, Jens, as the Founder/Facilitator of Nicaragua-Direct, along with other volunteers, donors and supporters have provided 100% Direct Humanitarian Assistance to this poor Central American country of 6 million people.

Bob Anthony and Jens C. Nielsen, right, in Nicaragua in November 2013.

Jens’ humanitarian efforts in Nicaragua began through his work at Triton College in River Grove, Illinois, where he taught full-time for 32 years. Jens was the original coordinator for the Hospitality Industry Administration Program at Triton College and today he continues as an adjunct faculty member. In the mid-1990s, when an employee from Nicaragua made Jens aware of the help needed in that country, a lifelong mission began to help the people there.

On this most recent journey in November, Jens and fellow volunteer Bob Anthony say that this was another productive humanitarian journey with some new experiences.

“Our main objective is to assist with immediate urgent needs as well as offering support to individuals through academic studies and/or by improving practical skills and assisting them with tools and equipment,” says Jens. “We are thankful for having the opportunity and energy to continue with this work for the betterment of so many people in Nicaragua. With our combined efforts, we show what like-minded people can accomplish together.”

Jens tells The Danish Pioneer that Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the Americas with many people living on less than $1 or $2 per day. There is also a large unemployment rate.

Wheelchairs, walkers and crutches that were donated in Nicaragua.

Thus far in 2013, Nicaragua-Direct has shipped 19 parcels to Nicaragua with items ranging from Wheel Chairs, Walkers, Crutches, Medical, Sports Equipment & Shoes, School Material, Mechanics Tools, Sewing Machines, Laptop Computers & Software, Eye Glasses, Copier/Fax Machine, Children Toys and 2 Kitchen Sinks. This could not be done without the cooperation of Wisconsin/Nicaragua Partners in Stevens Point, WI.

Jens Nielsen is now working on plans for the 2014 Humanitarian Journey. To learn more, write Nicaragua-Direct, 234 Forest Ave., Itasca, IL 60143 or visit www.Nicaragua-Direct.Org.

* A full, extended interview with Jens Nielsen and more pictures from the 2013 journey will be posted soon. Stay Tuned. (Photos are courtesy of Jens C. Nielsen)