Educate Young Women in Nicaragua

Hi, my name is Jen and I am fundraising to create a FREE 4-month course to help teach English and career skills to a group of young women in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua.

This February, my husband, my 3 kids, and I will be traveling to Nicaragua for the 3rd winter in a row. Three winters ago when my husband and I were both on parental leave after the birth of our daughter, we were invited by a friend to visit Nicaragua. We traveled there for the month of January, and we instantly fell in love with the country, the culture, and the people. We have returned every year since.

I recently came across this comment that a man left on a post about living in Nicaragua. It explains perfectly why I love traveling there with my babies. ❤

"[Nicaragua is] A place where the streets are the playgrounds of carefree kids, armed with sticks and rubber inter tubes. Where horses and cows casually share the roads, and the simplicity of life proves that being poor doesn't mean being unhappy. A world where joy transcends material wealth."

Although I believe it true that "joy transcends material wealth" there is no denying that Nicaraguans are some of the poorest people in the Western Hemisphere. Nicas (as they affectionately refer to themselves) welcomed us and our family into their community so quickly and warmly that upon our return this year, I want to give back to them. As a certified teacher and a native English speaker, I feel that I can do this best by offering my time and abilities to the young women of San Juan Del Sur.

While progress is slowly being made, women in Nicaragua do not have the same rights and quality of life that men do. (Read more here: https://data.unwomen.org/country/nicaragua). One of the best ways to improve the future of these young women is through education. I will be running a 4 month-intensive ESL course through the lens of building career and entrepreneurial skills in SJDS for girls aged 16 to 25.

Although I am giving my time for free, there will be some costs associated with running the course.

These costs include but are not limited to:

12 copies of The Lost Dreamer, by Lizz Huerta = $150

Fees for facilities rental = $200

Food for students = $ 400

Stationary supplies = $100

Chromebooks (I'm hoping to bring down 1-3 for students to share in class) = $150

If possible, I would like to pay for childcare for any mothers wishing to take the course. Bonus! this would also provide an income for another Nica woman. = $250

Total Cost = $1250

If this campaign fundraises more than the initial $1250, the extra money will be given to the students to put towards their goals.

One of the good things about Nicaragua is the cost of living is still fairly low, so all of this can be accomplished for a modest sum! Every little bit you can donate will go a long way. We truly appreciate every dollar. Thank you so much for donating :)