With One Hope: Education

The Problem

Nicaragua law does not require parents to send their children to school. Many of these parents did not receive a formal education themselves and do not understand the benefits for their children. As a result, Unicef reports that within Nicaragua at of the end of 2008 ”24 per cent of children [were] not in the school system, and child labour [affected] approximately 10 per cent of children and adolescents.” 

These numbers can increase greatly within rural settings and as families experience economic hardships. For example, the community immediately around our facility has attendance rates below 50% in all of the schools with multiple below 40%.  As the Nicaraguan economy continues to loose steam more of these families are sending their children to the streets to beg for food instead of attending school.

In summary, there are multiple major issues facing the school system in Nicaragua, including:

• Many children must choose between eating and attending school, especially in rural settings
• Most facilities are too small, in poor condition or non-existent for the number of children enrolled
• Teachers receive a fraction of the standard wage
• Many families cannot afford supplies or uniforms
• Family elders often do not understand the benefit of a formal education

How We Are Helping

The World Food Programme (WFP) has found that implementing a daily meal in schools within developing countries can greatly improve attendance, retention and community involvement. We have adopted pieces of their model and added a few pieces of our own to develop the first step in our Education work stream.

At the Executive Summary level, we are working directly with the schools in and around Jinotepe to help coordinate the following free of charge:

• A daily meal to the students
• A safe, secure and clean facility through structural improvements
• School supplies
• Educational and fun activities for the children of the school and community (e.g. VBS, Piñatas, Crafts, etc.)
• Supplemental monthly income for the teachers
• Medical attention and preventative care training for students, families and teachers

We are also working to bring more joy into the lives of the children in our lives through various celebrations and cultural events. These events are very popular and an opportunity to let the children relax and be a kid again.

As we look forward, there are a number of vocational and educational opportunities that we would like to pursue in the coming years, including:

• English Classes
• Computer Classes
• Vocational Training Sessions
• Teacher Workshops in Conjunction with the Ministry of Education
• Nutritional and Medical Classes
• Many More Opportunities

The Results

Each school that we have helped coordinate or are currently working alongside has experienced dramatic results. Across each of these schools we have seen the following:

• Attendance increases of 100-300% or higher
• 100% participation in the optional food program
• Increased retention of materials covered
• Improved physical health of students
• Stabilization of teacher income
• Increased parental and community involvement with school activities
• Development of a “clear path” to increased community and family engagement

We have also been able to partner with local communities to establish three new schools that did not previously exist currently serving more than 500 children. We have also led the restoration of two of those school buildings, participated in replacing the roof of another, and have additional plans for each school.

In the end we have seen firsthand that the improved educational experience in each school is having a positive impact on the children, the families and communities. We expect the same results for additional schools in the future and are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to help more children.

It is a beautiful thing to watch a growing child eat, learn and rest in the fact that they are loved. We are fighting to give that opportunity to as many children as possible.