Only 50% of Nicaragua’s population will finish primary school. With nearly 47% living below the 
poverty 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. Read more…
A Time for Introspection
Proud. Happy. Content.
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. Read more…
EI gets Young Sponsors
On 20th November, 2009, our Nicaragua based organization recieved massive support from a land far far away – 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. Read more…
The Magical Camera (and how it helped Alexander)
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.
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. Read more…
Success – All 50 Sold!
It was a proud moment for 12 years old Alexander. A photograph taken by him was being sold for $100 – an almost unbelievably huge sum for him. But he was not the only one to see his hobby turn into a profitable venture.
On September 27th, every single of the 50 photographs taken by EI kids were sold successfully at the exhibition “Mi Camera Mi Mundo” in Toronto.
It was an event that brought great joy to these budding photographers – all under 16 years and struggling with the juggling act of school and work. These kids are part of EI’s initiative to teach photography to its kids. Their photos were chosen after long deliberation to be shown at this event held in Edward day gallery in Toronto.
Christine Hutchings, the main organizer of the event says that she had the idea of the event on seeing the photos taken by the EI kids in an exhibition in Granada.
Through the money raised through the sale of the children’s photos exhibition she wanted EI’s kids to be helped. This would be a wonderful affirmation of EI’s principle of children helping themselves through their education.
