Dear Friends,
Happy New Year!
As Neighbors to Nicaragua begins it’s 11th year, it is you, once again, who brings the words of our motto – because we can – to life.
The goal of our annual appeal was to raise $47,500 to build the last pillar of our mission: a youth center. Together, we raised $49,600! Thank you!
We begin our New Year with much promise and joy.
Our sincerest gratitude to you with special thanks to our matching grant donors: The estate of Valerie Gwen Goetter and Greeley Orthodontics in Kennett Square.
Construction will begin in two weeks, and we’ll be sure to send progress reports in upcoming newsletters.
With continued gratitude,
Chuck
MORE THAN SPORT
We often share the progress our local boys and young men in Nicaragua achieve as a result of our literacy, mentoring, vocational, and sports programs. But statistically, Neighbors to Nicaragua educates, provides food and vocational training for more women than it does for men.
Nicaragua has the highest teen pregnancy rate in Latin America, with more than a quarter of its women giving birth before they turn 18 according to the United Nations Population Fund. We know that its both men and women who must learn to make good thinking skills for possessing and sharing mutual respect and responsibility.
Last year, our women’s kickball team, “Vecinos (neighbors) de Nicaragua” ranked third in national standing. They’re now back on the practice field, working hard. (The coaches, half their age are the ones complaining most of muscle fatigue😅).
We’re proud of them, and we look forward to following their progress throughout the 2023 school year. Cheers to them and to our coaches and mentors: Marvin, Maycól, and Roberto!
JENNY FLORES CABALLO
While in Nicaragua in December, we were fortunate to sit in on the classes of several candidates “auditioning” to serve as our new literacy director and instructor. This week, we welcome Jenny to our N-2-N family. Jenny brings her talent and expertise in classroom management and student diagnostic skills to children and adults in our barrio. She is very excited to join us tomorrow to register her new students and to open unlimited possibilities for them through teaching them reading, writing, and basic math skills. Welcome, Jenny!
ON THE (NEW) STREET WHERE WE LIVE
In 2022, more rain fell in our barrio than has fallen for many years. Because the majority of our buildings are at the bottom of a sloping dirt road, flooding ensued, requiring several unexpected expenses for repairs and the prevention of further damage. After a new drainage system was installed, we hired a contractor to lead a crew of our young men in creating a road. Afterwards we had some of our younger guys take a test ride in a wheelbarrow to give all the laborers a big thumbs up!
