Dear Friends,

It’s a repetitive narrative: “When we get a little more clarity about how rich the resources we already have are, we realize we have enough.”

Not only in Nicaragua do people accomplish a lot with what seems to be so little; but also here. There never seems to be enough time. But still…we do a lot.

Look at the first story to see just one example of how reality is sometimes much greater than our thoughts. How often do we underestimate ourselves?

Thank you as always for joining us because it’s united that we change lives…including ours.

Chuck

Maddie Kuennen set out to raise $2500 to build a home for a family of four in Nicaragua; you took it further!

Last month, we featured Maddie Kuennen, a 2025 University of Florida graduate now in U.S. Navy flight school.

A longtime supporter of Neighbors to Nicaragua, she’s training for the May 9th Ironman 70.3 Gulf Coast challenge.

For her race, Maddie launched a GoFundMe to help build a home for the Garcia family, starting with a $2,500 goal. She quickly surpassed it—then $3,000, then $3,500, and now nearly $4,000.

Her efforts, combined with your support, bring us so close to our $16,000 goal to build our 16th home. Construction for the Garcia family is expected to begin by the end of June.

Maddie, thank you so much for turning your dream into a life-changing opportunity for others.

Family selfie outdoors: bearded man in a white cap surrounded by two children and a woman on a sunny day with trees in the background.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/road-to-ironman-703-and-building-the-garcias-a-new-home

Who has time for this stuff?

Let’s be honest: it’s hard to teach teachers. They’re often too exhausted to embrace new methods from “outside experts,” especially those far removed from the classroom.

Yet great ideas do exist…and they’re often right down the hall.

So our principal, Mariam, organized a “methodology exchange day” at the end of each month, where teachers share their best, approaches of the month, much like a recipe swap. Here are a few pics from March’s and April’s in-services

It’s fun, practical, and effective. And as teachers try each other’s methods, support is always close by. They also play the role of the kids, and laugh a lot!

Simple, creative, and impactful.

  • Five people in red polo shirts walk in a line in a blue-walled classroom with posters and a large red heart on the wall behind them.
  • Group of adults in a circle, squatting and holding colorful balloons during a team-building activity in a blue-walled room.
  • Teacher in a red polo explains a mind map on a whiteboard labeled Metodología, gesturing toward the diagram of resources, materials, and activities.
  • Six volunteers posing for a group photo in a bright blue classroom, all wearing matching black polo shirts.

Put up your dukes!

Boxing is a popular, very closely regulated sport in Nicaragua, especially among youth who often lack formal education. It teaches sportsmanship, discipline, goal-setting, healthy habits, and delayed gratification.

We support several aspiring boxers with encouragement to persevere and equipment. We keep them focused on self-improvement rather than on the street life.

One standout is Rebecca Pravia from our barrio (below), who rose from amateur to professional status despite economic challenges. She’s now a national champion. Bravo, Rebecca!

  • Two boxers spar in a ring: one in blue gloves and gear, the other in red; a cameraman watches from the background.
  • Poster announcing boxer Rebeca Pravía as the national champion (Copa Alexis Argüello 2025), 60 kg, from Granada, wearing boxing gloves and championship belts.
  • Group of young boxers and two coaches posing outdoors with boxing gloves and punch mitts in a yard.
  • Group of youths practice boxing in a backyard, hitting a hanging punching bag under a wooden frame while others watch.
  • Female boxer in a red outfit holding a championship belt and posing proudly in a gymnasium with spectators in the background

When safe places are few

Some of Neighbors to Nicaragua’s most important work happens with teens too old for public school but not yet ready to live independently—many of whom have experienced neglect or abuse.

We provide these young people with tutoring, meals, small jobs, and, most importantly, a safe and supportive community. Over time, many have grown into mentors for younger students.

Recently, Andrea Lisoska Perez Tenorio joined us, shy and uncertain. With therapy, daily tutoring, and steady support, she is beginning to trust, grow, and thrive.

Girl in a blue floral dress stands beside a large mural of a student at a desk on a green and blue classroom wall. Woman in a white polo helps a girl with worksheets at a blue desk in a bright blue room. Two women stand in a doorway inside a colorful mural room, smiling; one wears a white polo and jeans, the other a blue floral dress.

Monthly Sponsorship Report

As of now, we have 76 generous sponsorships contributing $70/month ($840/year) — to support of our 120 amazing students.

✅ OUR CURRENT SPONSORSHIP RATE IS down from 68% to 63%. Our thanks to our sponsors.

Our goal at Neighbors to Nicaragua is to have the same or greater number of sponsors as we have students, ensuring each child receives a daily meal and a quality education.

🙏 A heartfelt thank you to all our current sponsors, our partners — and to those considering joining this life-changing mission.

Together, we’re making a difference!

Group of smiling children standing behind a yellow table filled with bowls, cups, and a large pot in a colorful cooking classroom/space.”