Migration

The lack of formal economic activities in Nicaragua has prompted many individuals to emigrate to Costa Rica. Women and men leave their families and cross the border, often times without documents, in hopes of improving their economic situation. In Costa Rica, they confront discrimination, poor pay, and violations of basic labor and human rights. Despite the difficult situations they confront in Costa Rica, this is the only alternative for many Nicaraguans.

There are currently an estimated 500,000 Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica. The recent declaration by Costa Rica's Ministry of Labor that the country needs an additional 120,000 workers over the next three years, has prompted a new wave of Migration. Some Nicaraguans will be granted temporary work permits if they can pay a $120 fee, others will take the risk of crossing the border without permission.

Migrating to Costa Rica is the only way for many Nicaraguans to earn a living and support their families. The money they make in Costa Rica is enough to support themselves and send money back home. However, the social and economic impacts of migration are great. As most migrants are young, Nicaragua loses a large supply of its future workforce, further limiting the economic opportunities of the country. Families are divided. Men leave their families to go and work, and some never return. Women leave their children with family members for years at a time. Children suffer the most, being divided from their parents and sometimes neglected by their caretakers. Without the support of both of their parents, depression, abanonment of their studies, and high-risk behavior is sometimes the result. . The social marginalization and violation of basic rights faced by Nicaraguans in Costa Rica has profound emotional impacts as well.

Reducing the impacts of migration is necessary. The creation of new economic opportunities in Nicaragua is the only way to slow this migration and the associated impacts. Projects that include vocational training, support for small and home businesses, and micro-loans can help generate much needed income for Nicaraguans. Programs for youth and families, including academic support, counseling, and self-esteem building activities also help to mitigate some of the associated impacts of migration.

Halloween in Nicaragua

We started an after school program for girls in the neighborhood.  We help with homework, teach English, PLAY, and try to incorporate lessons on self-esteem, stereotypes (gender), and the importance of studying and staying in school.   After reading about Halloween the girls wanted to celebrate.   We made cookies, danced, played...and had the best Halloween party ever!

Granada - A city of contradictions

 Only three blocks from this beautiful cathedral is one of the barrios that we have been working in.  The reality of life in the barrios is a  stark contradiction to the the colonial center.  

Why Nicaragua?

We are a Nicaraguan non-profit organization that supports sustainable development efforts in Nicaragua through placing volunteers with collaborating organizations.    So, why do we work in Nicaragua, and why does Nicaragua need your support?

• Nicaragua is the poorest Central American country, with 43.8% of the population living below the poverty line. Government resources are not enough to improve the country’s crumbling infrastructure and improve people’s access to formal employment, potable water, education, and adequate health care. The country has some of the highest rates of infant and maternal mortality, infectious diseases, and illiteracy in all of Latin America. The conditions of poverty feed social problems such as teenage pregnancy, sexual and physical violence, emigration, and alcohol and drug abuse. With limited resources, the government recognizes and depends upon the efforts of non-governmental and international aid organizations to confront the multi-faceted problems of poverty and underdevelopment.
  

• Nicaraguan governmental and non-governmental organizations need the assistance of qualified and motivated individuals to help with a wide range of development projects. You can volunteer with youth organizations, women's development projects, street children, in clinics and hospitals, and many other development projects.  There is so much that needs to be done and so much you can do.  
  

• Nicaragua is safe.  Despite a turbulent history of dictatorships, US intervention, war, natural disasters, and political corruption, it is one of Central America's safest countries.
  

• Nicaragua is a beautiful country with a vibrant culture, dynamic history, and fascinating people.  The best way to really see Nicaragua is not as a tourist - but by living amongst and interacting with Nicaraguans.