Dear Friends,
Recently, I heard a podcast about people’s inclinations to aid others. It concluded that people – in surprising numbers – look for ways to help through monetary donations. Their biggest concern is where their giving will end up.
When Neighbors to Nicaragua was incorporated in 2012, our goal was to create an organization whose efforts insured that our donors’s dollars reached the people we served. Twelve years later, we remain dedicated to that principle and pledge to continue upholding it. It benefits both our donors and our recipients. This is the circle of generosity.
We send continued thanks for making this happen. If ever you have a question about Neighbors to Nicaragua or any suggestions for improvement, please call or write. Our work is made possible only by we do together.
With gratitude always,
Chuck
Becoming Positive Through Positive Action
Our recently formed Saturday youth group came to us with a proposal (below in Spanish) inspired by their wonderful teacher, Gian Carlos. His next step is to take them out of the comfort of our center to interact and work with other youth who share similar challenges.
Earth Awareness Day in Nicaragua is at the end of June. The first three Saturdays of June, there are day-long workshops for challenged-youth in the capital, Managua, where young people will congregate to work cooperatively (teamwork and organization) to create a big plant sale (business models skills) through learning about creating green spaces (environmental awareness) by planting and caring for the products to be sold (responsibility).
It’s an effective program, and the cost for the entrance fee, transportation (an hour away), lunch, soil, pots, and plants is $380. This includes everything.
I promised them that I would “put it out there” to see if anyone is willing to help. Perhaps through several smaller donations, we can make it happen. Thanks for considering!
The Power of One Woman: Lucia
In the barrio, she’s known simply as Doña Lucia: a 39-year old single mother who personifies strength, endurance, discipline, kindness, and gratitude. When she found us, she saw opportunity, and she seized the day!
Doña Lucia has 5 children. Her two oldest sons, Justo and David have worked at our center as night guards for the past three years. They embody all the industry and attributes of their mother.
Last year, Doña Lucia approached us for seed money to start a street food business. It’s been very successful. Each morning, she parks her cart in front of the local public school, three blocks from our center. Her customers wait for her. By noon, she’s sold out. She returns home and begins preparing for the next day.
In the afternoon, several days a week, she gets out of the house to practice with our women’s kickball team for weekend games .
She’s a hard worker, a powerhouse in our community, and an example for all of us.
Bravo, Doña Lucia; you inspire!
Neighbors to Nicaragua: In the Background
In addition to our school, dining room, and vocational and youth centers, donors to Neighbors to Nicaragua help other students achieve their goals. This is Heyliken Junieth Diaz Flores who – through her excellent grades – received a coveted spot in one of Nicaragua’s best public universities, UNAN. She’s in her third year, studying medicine, and her grades continue as before. But because of the price of gasoline (over $5.50 a gallon), daily transportation to and from Managua is cost-prohibitive. So we provide help…because we can…because of you. Thank you!
Update on Archmere Academy’s Coming to Nicaragua
It’s Official: It’s a Go!
We were hoping for six students to make the service trip from Archmere Academy to Nicaragua in November possible. We have ten students booked for November 24th with room for two more. Great news!
Our children in Nicaragua are beside themselves with excitement that these teens are actually coming to see and help them.
Thanks, Tim Dougherty, head of The International Studies Program at Archmere, for all your efforts in making this happen!
Gerald’s Students Paint Their Own Classroom Wall
Well, really, you can’t blame them. They’ve painted a lot for many other classrooms; so it was time to turn the brushes on their own space.
If you can dream it, you can do it”.
We can’t think of a more appropriate sentiment for the students at our center to display through their beautiful work!
Under Gerald’s tutelage, the art program students have clearly demonstrated how much they’ve learned, and the art work they produce not only beautifies our center, but also inspires everyone who enters. We’re so proud of this program and our students!
Please Support Our Local Businesses Who Support Our Children.
Today We Salute: Delaware Homes
A Special Offer to Benefit Neighbors to Nicaragua: Delaware Homes will donate $500 to us during the month of June when anyone who lists or sells a home through Delaware Homes mentions Neighbors to Nicaragua! Spread the word!