Central American Historical Institute

Central American Historical Institute (Instituto Histórico Centroamericano – IHCA) is a non-profit civil association founded by the Society of Jesus in Managua, Nicaragua, in 1981. It is engaged in research and education on issues pertaining to the poor and to social transformation in Nicaragua and in all of Central America.

Activities

Central American Historical Institute is involved in journalistic research, reflection, analysis, communication, education, and social action, motivated by Christian principles and by an option for the poor that has been an increasing emphasis in Jesuit works since the 1970s. IHCA strives to assist all those who are interested in creating a more just and inclusive society in Nicaragua and in the rest of Central America.

In 1981, with the success of the Sandinista (FSLN) revolution, IHCA founded the review enviowhich carried articles in support of the principles which underpinned the Sandinista revolution against the Nicaraguan dictatorship. During this period it exposed the anti-Sandinista stance ofLa Prensa,'' the traditional newspaper in Nicaragua. It also promoted the place of women in the "new Nicaraguan culture," and reflected on the economic model being employed in Nicaragua and on the situation of the indigenous peoples. It dealt extensively with the Nicaraguan coastal conflict. Since the electoral defeat of the FSLN in 1990,envio'' has turned its attention more to Central American and regional issues, offering information, analysis, and research. It is published monthly in Spanish, English, and Italian.

Continuing to work toward "the transformation of Nicaraguan and Central American society," IHCA offers programs within its Global Project. Since 1994 it has sponsored monthly workshops. Since 2003 it has offered leadership training programs for government leaders in Managua, Carazo, Masaya, and Granada. Since 2007 in conjunction with Central American University it has offered Nicaraguan students a diploma in Training for Political Citizenship. Special foci in IHCA's efforts are training the next generation of leaders and promoting gender equity.

Staff

The Institute is run by a staff of 7 full-time and 14 part-time workers involved in research, translation, and administration. Guardian Angel sisters, Jesuit scholastics, and dozens of dispersed people help to coordinate the training efforts. Offices of Central American Historical Institute are on the campus of Central American University in Managua.