The Gift of Education
For some families, the cost of the mandatory school uniform, black shoes, backpack, schoolbooks, and school supplies is cost prohibitive. Though the government requires children stay in school until they complete 6th grade, for some, this is very difficult when their families need them to try to earn money to feed the family. They are not alone. All over the world in third world countries this happens frequently.
In Nicaragua, there are groups that help find sponsors for the children who attend schools devoted to educating children living in poverty. Groups like The Nice Foundation and Harvest Initiative are very much needed and appreciated. Follow their links to learn more!
One of our goals at the Education Garden is to help keep kids in school. Whether it is by delivering free school supplies and resources to schools that cater to these children , or delivering free story books to the children at feeding centers, churches, and schools; we are improving education wherever we visit. Teachers and tutoring centers are always happy to receive boxes of pencils, art supplies, notebooks, and more.
While we do take some donated items from our own countries, we try to buy the supplies locally in Nicaragua. This not only helps the local shopkeepers, but stimulates their economy also. The first time we enter a new shop we always stand out a bit, so we try to take time to make some small talk in Spanish as we shop. “Oh, the kids will like these!” “Yes, those cookies are their favorites!” When we leave we always thank the clerk, security guards, and door attendants and wish them a good day. A smile and kind words go a long way to making new friends! The next time we shop there, it’s like we are anticipated friends and people smile and great us as we walk in.
Contact us if you would like to join us on a trip to deliver these supplies or if you would like to donate monetarily.
#makeitpersonal - Would you like to send an encouraging note to give to one of the teachers? We can have a volunteer translate it into Spanish for you and it will be given with the school supplies you help fund.
The gift of free school supplies means so much to families who are just happy to have a roof over their heads.
“I gave $20 to help with school supplies. I never realized how little these people had and how much my small sacrifice would mean to them.” Bonny - donor
Cheerful backpacks made with love!
Upcycling at it’s best!
These homemade backpacks made with upholstery remnants, upcycled blue jeans, and cord from a hardware store, were made by volunteers in Clinton County Illinois.
Grateful parents
This hearing impaired mother was so grateful for volunteers who did a construction project in her neighborhood. Her daughter and the other children who came to story time received a small stuffed animal among other items that were shared with the people of the community. Over 90 children attended afternoon events each day that week.
