Dear Friends,

Five years ago, Neighbors to Nicaragua bought a small plot of land in the barrio of Nueva Esperanza in Nicaragua. We built a small building called “Centro de Oportunidad” which became our vocational center after building a dining hall and classroom building.

Maycól, our director, then said that his vision was to use all we had at our disposal to help out one under-served community because he believed that service done with a focused heart gives purpose to life.

So we gave what we could (because of you); they gave back what they could. And what was created in this exchange was the miracle of family and community.

***

We’ve begun the demolition process of our original building to re-construct the Matt Haley Vocational Center and to add a second floor to serve as our youth center. (Our dining hall and classes continue as normal in our other buildings).

Our “so-called street kids,” are a big part of the heart of our family. They showed up promptly to work. This is their gratitude for food and education. Maycól joined in. Our contractor, Will, directed. Roberto, Maycol’s father, removed the roof and saved the tin to re-purpose as the roof for the second floor.

This is community. It’s family. It’s sacred. Thank you for making it possible.

With gratitude always,

Chuck

IT’S HAMMER TIME

No denying that it’s hard to dismantle the place where so many great memories live. But we do it with the faith that many more are to come.

IT’S TIME FOR SCHOOL

The education system in Nicaragua is difficult. Since students can’t legally be held back, teachers often “pass through” their students and are not held accountable for their students’ lack of skills. By 4th or 5th grade, many students are still illiterate and drop out.

Our mission, Centro de Oportunidad, strives to get our community members up to snuff and to give our students assurance that they can keep going!

But public school time presents other difficulties for families: How to pay for a uniform? How to buy required school supplies? With your help, we have an answer. Thank you!

WE SEE YOU

Below, are coaches of our barrio’s kickball league for women. This league has been in existence for nine years. No one has ever purchased new equipment for them. But buying a few kickballs and a few bases attests that someone cares, someone supports their efforts. It’s what magnetizes a community into a real family.

AND THEN….

We mention that we’re going to paint a few classrooms. Who shows up on painting day? The Women’s Kickball Team with family members to help! (Pizza…required painting equipment)!🙂