Dear Friends,

From our friends in Nicaragua: “We’re waiting for the rain.”

March and April are traditionally the hottest months in Nicaragua. This year has been dangerously hot. With temperatures reaching 100–105 degrees for weeks on end, relief has been elusive. Some have died from heat stroke and dehydration, and news reports carry constant safety warnings.

May usually brings relief with the start of the rainy season. Our friends look upward with hope, but the rains are now nearly a month late.

Still, they continue to teach and learn in unair-conditioned classrooms, cook in brutally hot kitchens, and care for our children. Their strength never ceases to inspire us.

We’re proud of our staff and grateful to you for making this work possible.

Chuck

Maddie did it…with strength and purpose

On May 9th at the Ironman competition in Panama City, Maddie Kuennen did so well that she now has a decent shot of the World Championship competition! Her timing, 4:54:47, won her 9th place out of 47!

Maddie’s efforts raised $4,205.00 for The Garcia Family’s home construction in Nicaragua. And because of her hard work, applications have been submitted for ground-breaking/water connections.

Maddie, you personify what a win-win truly is! Thank you!

  • Cyclist in a purple top and helmet rides a road bike, waving and smiling during a race with pink handlebars.
  • Two runners race in the rain on a wet road, bib numbers 1758 and 1545, with a sheriff’s SUV parked nearby.
  • Young woman in a black T-shirt and pink shorts posing under an Ironman inflatable arch at an outdoor race event by a hotel.
  • Woman with two braids, white sneakers, and black shirt posing energetically in front of an Ironman 70.3 backdrop with arms spread wide in a victory pose.

Mother’s Day and Children’s Day

N-2-N holds two major celebrations each year: Christmas and a combined Mothers’ and Children’s Day celebration (normally celebrated separately). This year’s celebration was held last Thursday.

For weeks, the children worked after class in Isabel’s kitchen, making crafts and piñatas under her guidance in anticipation of the event. Their piñata was amazing.

The teachers prepared and performed cultural dances, and Isabel cooked for 200 people. Mothers joined in relay races organized by the children. The children had their own race.. Our art teacher made the banner and directed the children in a short drama for their mothers. Despite the heat, it was a joyful and memorable day.

  • Young boy in a blue and red shirt cuts blue paper with scissors at a table during a craft activity.
  • Children sitting around a table in a bright craft room, cutting and gluing pink paper for a DIY project as red decorations hang overhead.
  • Four children stand together in a purple room next to a large decorative basket adorned with pink fringe, orange flowers, and a big white bow on a table.
  • Festively decorated indoor space for a Children’s Day event, with a blue banner reading Feliz Día de Niños, colorful streamers, and paper flowers-inspired decorations.",
  • Group of children in a classroom stage, some in robes, one child in yellow dress lying on the floor while others walk by, against a blue backdrop with hearts and a banner.
  • Three women in colorful traditional dresses perform a folkloric dance on a decorated stage for Children's Day, with a blue backdrop and paper hearts behind them.
  • Children and adults gathered in a decorated room watching dancers perform in the center beneath a large red dragon decoration and colorful streamers.
  • Children form a circle around a woman swinging a colorful piñata in a decorated party hall with paper flowers and ribbons.
  • Group of smiling children sitting on steps, holding a colorful cutout banner that spells 'FELIZ DIA' with cartoon boy and girl figures.

Just dropped in…

Marvin, our community outreach director, went by the school on a Monday, camera-in-hand and no agenda. He ended up taking some candid shots of our students. He included in his note: “This is the kind of sweet joy you can find anytime!” Thanks, Marvin.

  • Four children sit against a red and teal wall on a mosaic tile floor, with bare feet extended toward the camera.
  • Person kneeling and painting a large blue flower with green leaves on a turquoise wall mural.
  • Two girls sitting on the floor reading books in a small library corner, with bright pink walls and a shelf of magazines nearby nearby readers and a patterned orange floor tile.
  • Group of children in a blue classroom watching a boy perform push-ups on a patterned tile floor.
  • Two boys arm-wrestling and smiling in a sunny, enclosed space with colorful walls and a metal railing behind them.
  • Two young children walk away from the camera on a sunny sidewalk, each wearing a colorful backpack (pink with a cartoon character, blue with trucks).

Celebrating “The Book”

It’s difficult to say who’s more ready for a reason to celebrate at school: the students or the staff! Recently, they celebrated, “El Día Del Libro” (Book Day)!

Directed by our passionate librarian, Marisela, its focus on the importance of reading was shared through dramatizations, crossword challenges, dance, and several directed readings by both Marisela and our students

Lending libraries and recreational reading aren’t common in Nicaragua. We’re doing our small part to encourage a change with our students.

  • Teacher leads a storytelling activity in a bright red library with posters and bookshelves nearby, children gathered around.
  • Two young girls in colorful flamenco-style dresses dance in front of a red classroom wall; audience watches moment.
  • Group of children seated on a tiled floor inside a colorful library watching two girls in traditional dresses perform at the front.
  • Group of children and adults posing for a photo in a bright, decorated library/classroom with pink walls, bookshelves, and hanging crafts.

It doesn’t take much

When a young person asks for help getting a business off the ground, we visit their location and talk to them about delayed gratification, initial re-investment strategies, etc.

Two months ago, Ramón Enrique Vivas Guevara wanted to open a space in his home as a barber shop. The initial investment was small, but we look at its far-reaching potential. If Ramón is successful, it may be the impetus for another member of his family or a neighbor to consider a technical education. Best of luck, Ramón.

  • Man wearing a white graphic T-shirt and black cap, smiling in a cluttered room, holding small tools near a table with a black tote bag.
  • Barber in a black uniform cutting a customer's hair with a green cape in a classic barbershop setting
  • Barber in a black shirt trims a client's hair with clippers while the client wears a green cape in a barber chair.

Monthly Sponsorship Report

As of now, we have 83 generous sponsorships contributing $70/month ($840/year) — to support of our 108 amazing students.

✅ OUR CURRENT SPONSORSHIP RATE IS up from 63% to 77% 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.”