PHOTO BY KATIE RUMMEL
Clinica Verde’s Director of Maintenance Roniels Sotelo, 30, is in charge of taking care of our building and site. He has an 11-year-old son, and lives with his mother. Roniels is, simply, a treasure – always a gentleman, highly responsible, with exceptional standards and great pride in his work. When people come to Clinica Verde, they always comment on how well the environment is maintained. That’s Roniels. We depend on him in so many ways, and he is always quick to make suggestions for improvements in our care for the building and our service. It’s a pleasure to introduce him to you.
You take such good care of Clinica Verde. It’s obvious that you take a great sense of responsibility and pride in your work. How do you think of your work? What motivates you?
Roniels: My work is a gift from God. My work is wonderful and I’m motivated to work with people who value my work, such as (Clinica Verde GM) Don Rafael Morales, (CV Director) Dr. Alba Castillo and you in the United States who have allowed us to have such work.
You’re also known as someone who is very punctual at all times. You are the first to arrive each morning so that we can always open Clinica Verde on time. How did you learn to be so reliable and punctual?
Roniels: Punctuality for me is part of being professional as a worker and my responsibility. It is also to make sure the employer is satisfied with the work of the employee.
Surely you have visited other clinics and hospitals in Nicaragua. What makes Clinica Verde different in your opinion?
Roniels: The difference is very logical. Clinica Verde is clean, beautiful and the attention to patients is a thousand times better. We have standards of hygiene and care much, much better than other hospitals and clinics. We strive to make sure that Clinica Verde is always clean and maintained.
Do you have a story about Clinica Verde that represents what makes it special to you?
Roniels: When I came to Clinica Verde I saw the beautiful building and Jennifer Owen, the North American who contracted me, treated me very well. I learned about the mission of Clinica Verde and I liked it very much, and I stayed.
What are your goals for the future?
Roniels: To arrive to know the true path so that I can meet Jesus Christ and die with him in my heart.
Is there anything you’d like to say to our supporters?
Roniels: My name is Roniels Jarry Fitoria Sotelo. The friends and supporters of Clinica Verde are people who have beautiful hearts and support this noble cause to help my people. To all of you who have opened your doors and triumphed to help Clinica Verde, know that penny for penny your money is invested well. It is beautiful to see when poor people leave Clinica Verde happy that they have received good care and medication, and that we are able to have work, and in this way our children can study.