Nica HOPE opened its doors to the community of the Managua City trash dump in February of 2008, bringing in a flood of students seeking opportunities in education and job training. Since then, it has been a
whirlwind of activity, putting all our resources toward giving these youth the greatest opportunity possible to build a future for themselves apart from the trash.The Nica HOPE Computer Training Institute has over 150 students, in 9 different classes, learning the basic computer skills that will open up future job opportunities in the capital of Nicaragua's growing economy. Many of the children have never even seen a computer before
and come to class excited about this new world of information and communication. Introduction classes are a gateway to more advanced computer courses offered by the center and scholarships to other vocational training programs and further education.Nica HOPE has also launched a jewelry-making vocational program targeted at girls who work in and around the trash dump community of La Chureca. In addition to developing their
creativity and providing alternative activity to working in the trash, this program serves as a means of income-generation for the girls. The program is also teaching the girls about the business fundamentals of jewelry-making, so that each program graduate will have the capability to start her own mini beading-business to earn a living apart from the trash.As part of its Chureca Schools Support Program, Nica HOPE facilitates the operation of the Feeding Program at the public primary school next to the trash dump, in partnership with Fabretto Children's Foundation and Austin Samaritans. The feeding center provides a full, nutritious lunch to over 600
children daily, increasing incentives for school attendance and improving overall health of the community. Nica HOPE also offers other support to the school to improve the learning environment and increase school attendance.All of this and more has been made possible by the support of individuals like you, who have reached out to contribute in a desire to make a real difference in this community. Thanks so much for your support to enable the launch of these programs!
Deanna Ford
Director, Nica HOPE
Managua, Nicaragua
