Here you can read more about our organization and its work. In case you need more information or have new questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to answer all your queries!
What are some of the success stories of the graduates of the program?
For most of us success might mean finishing high school and maybe even college. However, in Villa Esperanza, where we work, this is not necessarily true.
Success to these families – where on average, parents reached about 3rd grade – is for EI kids to surpass their parents by at least 2 years.
We are now pleased if they get through primary school, more pleased if they make it to high school. Currently we have two kids just about ready to go to college next year. This is a new level for us and we are looking at how to handle this and facilitate their next educational needs.
How have you traditionally found donors? What works and what hasn’t worked?
Most of time, our donors have appeared from interpersonal connections of Kathy, our volunteers or our staff. The biggest gain has been from volunteers promoting the program once they have been to Nicaragua. We are trying to generate more interest through promotional activities now and this seems to be working well.
It is difficult to say what hasn’t worked. We have been too small to experiment. It has either happened or it hasn’t. Again it’s been an organic process.
How do you keep donors?
We try to stay connected to them and keep them informed, so they feel they are really making a difference with their donations. We find our most committed donors are those who feel connected to the project, the children and the communities we serve. Our most loyal donors have either been exposed to this type of poverty or have been to the countries themselves.
Are donations to EI tax deductible?
Empowerment International (EI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization; all donations are tax-deductible.
How did you select the communities you are working in?
The first community in Costa Rica happened very organically by meeting 2 boys on the street. In Nicaragua, an organization called Casa de Ninez introduced us to 5 very poor communities outside of Granada.
We chose Villa Esperanza because it was extremely poor and there was already a sense of community established, including a community leader. We were really impressed by this. The kids and families in the project were all interviewed.
The first year we chose 76 kids, who were mostly from single parent households. The second year they were again from the same area and had to demonstrate the need (although, they are all in need in this community) and both the parents and the children had to show a strong desire for education and parents a willingness to participate in their children’s educational development.
In the future, we are exploring communities which are connected with an organization called Opportunity international. They are starting community-based library projects where the community actually takes complete ownership of the libraries. We feel our synergies in these communities will accelerate their development, especially considering the community is starting to work together as a whole and has demonstrated strong interest in educating their children.
What is EI’s evaluation process for the children in the program?
Both the children and their parents are involved in an evaluation process to remain in the program for the next year. The criteria of renewal into the program are as follows:
The attendance is the most important and counts for 50%; the grades count for 30%; parental involvement 10%; and child’s motivation 10%. The last two are ranked by volunteers and staff who work daily with the children. At the end of each year, we have a full day discussion with the participants and parents as part of the evaluation process. If children are marginal with attendance or grades we have a new process of working with them.
What type of support do you give to the families?
We visit the families and review the children’s school work to model this type of feedback and involvement for the parents. We give the parents advice on how to work with their children on their schoolwork, even if they don’t have much education themselves. We show them how to review the children’s work, how to encourage them and motivate them.
When obstacles arise we facilitate in finding solutions. Since it often is still an economic hardship for the children to go to school (the children often work themselves or take care of household chores or their younger siblings so the parents can work). We really emphasize the value of this long-term investment versus the short-term every day needs.
When other issues arise beyond our scope we connect the families to the proper assistance when possible. (ie. NGOs or governmental agencies)
How do you encourage communities to take ownership of the program?
We have a parental committee which assists us with the program. Although this is still in the developmental stage, they help us with planning activities ranging from distribution of school supplies, to parties, to owning the medical program. They also provide us with input on how things are going and we are starting to have them take on roles of mentoring other parents. We also are involving the parents in monthly meetings and this has been a huge success. In the beginning the parental attendance was about 30%. Today it hovers around 98%.
What other organizations do you partner with?
Pronat
They save 8 slots in their English and Computer skills programs for girls in our program.
Clinica Alabama
They provide medical treatment and medication. We purchase tickets at a cost of $2 each (the required co-payment). We provide tickets only to children in the program.
Opportunity International
We are looking at having all our uniforms made by one of their women co-ops in Granada for next year.
Global Education Fund
They offer us bilingual supplies and books on occasion.
Give a Kid a Backpack
They have supplied all school supplies one year and packs another year.
Misc other.
There are several organizations in Granada that are involved in education on various levels and we informally exchange ideas whether program related, or on other things such as policies, financial management, marketing etc.
There are several other educational related organizations which we share our processes and ideas with. There are several organizations we are exploring a bulk purchase of uniforms with which would be made through a local Nicaraguan cooperative. Also, the shoes we purchase as part of the children’s uniforms are made by a local shoemaker as well.
Up until what grade do you support children?
Currently up to 11th grade (end of primary school for Central America).
We have two students that will be graduating this year and we are considering how to support them, since they wish to go to college. We have already secured scholarships for ½ of their tuition. We are exploring other organizations we can connect them with. Or we may take them on and ask for special assistance from donors for each.
- Kathy Adams & Janine Ramlochan
In Nicaragua 50% of the kids that start 1st grade never make it to 5th grade. It is our goal to make this percentage drop significantly.
$100 is what it takes us at Empowerment International to put a child in school for a year. Imagine, for the price of a pair of Nikes you can help a child attend school for one year! If the idea interests you, please click on the link below or contact us -
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September 16, 2009 at 10:29 am
I am very surprised of your job, i am from leon, and from a long time ago ive been thinking in create a ngo in leon, but i dont have a clear idea of how to start it…i know there are many things you have to do, but maybe you could help me, i love children, i have a beautiful 5th monthns girl, and i really want to do this in my city…. i hope you could take some time of your day to help me and maybe to meet you one day…sorry about my english i know is not very good but i hope you understand it…please mail me to arauz_salinas0403@hotmail.com…