May 8, 2010

EI’s Secondary School Program – Paving new paths for disillusioned teenagers

Posted by kathyei under Nicaragua Program, education, empowerment | Tags: , , , , , |
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Only 50% of Nicaragua’s population will finish primary school. With nearly 47% living below the Secondary Educationpoverty line, poverty will force many into subsistence labour before they reach their teens. Negative peer pressure, drugs, and abuse will cause countless others to drop out.

Even for those who remain in school, their education remains characterized by unqualified teachers, overcrowded and under supplied classrooms, and indifference.

In 2009, EI began a unique Secondary School Program, sending 19 students to a local school that offers a better learning environment.

What you have read so far is just facts and figures…. These young people have succeeded beyond every obstacle, tackling not only their own self doubt, but prejudice, poverty, drugs and violence. (more…)

 

February 28, 2010

Melki grows with EI

Posted by kathyei under Nicaragua Program, barrio, education, empowerment | Tags: , , |
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Melki has been in the EI program for seven years, since the first grade. He is very responsible and dedicated to his studies and his home. He helps his mother to make colchones de tule (reed mats) and also helps with household chores – taking much more responsibility in the home than many kids his age in more fortunate countries.

In past years, he was a very shy kid and didn’t interact much with the EI staff. But last year he joined the team of teenage tutors, and because of that is more sure of himself and interacts much more with the EI team.

He has also participated much more in events in the office.  He even spoke with people in the US at the Fiesta de Esperanza over Skype!  He has participated in five photography exhibitions, some in person in Nicaragua and some international exhibitions that included his work.  This has been the biggest success in his life.  He says, “I like photography because through it I have come to know places that I didn’t know before, and have learned more about myself and how to look at the world differently.” (more…)

 

February 8, 2010

A Time for Introspection

Posted by kathyei under Volunteer, barrio, education, empowerment | Tags: , , , , , , |
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Proud. Happy. Content.Children thinking in a group

This is what parents of Empowerment International kids feel now.

Proud that their children are working so hard, studying so well and achieving several firsts (in education) in their families.

Happy to see their kids happy in their new hobbies like photography and baseball that inculcate creativity and discipline in them.

Content knowing that their children will unquestionably have easier lives than themselves with better education and higher self-esteems thus giving them independence.  (more…)

 

January 9, 2010

EI gets Young Sponsors

Posted by kathyei under education
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On 20th November, 2009, our Nicaragua based organization recieved massive support from a land far far away – Netherlands!Support from Netherlands 

Children from Bestevaer College in Flushings in the Netherlands decided to help the children of Empowerment International resulting in a fund raiser that brought EI 3,250 Euro.  This is equal to almost 96,775 NIO (Nicaraguan currency)! 

250 children participated in this fund raiser in which children combined fun with working for a cause. We are very grateful to each and every one who made this event a success and helped EI children recieve so much support. (more…)

 

November 28, 2009

The Magical Camera (and how it helped Alexander)

Posted by kathyei under Nicaragua Program, barrio, education, empowerment, photography | Tags: , , , , , , , , |
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Alexander Santiago was a difficult child. An energetic kid, he found it tough to stay still. He wanted to do a lot but could not because there was hardly anything creative for him to do.Alexander's Camera

So he yelled.

At his friends, at his school and at his mom.

His relationship with everyone including his family members worsened with every tantrum of his. Only 11, he was already showing signs of strong rebellion.

And then he got a camera.

His life changed. (more…)

 

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