Of the 5.1 million people in Nicaragua:
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70% live in poverty--two meals a day of rice and beans are standard.
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nearly half of the country has no access to drinking water.
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28% of those able, can find work.
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53% of the population is under age 18.
Nueva Vida Resettlement Community
Nueva Vida "New Life" is a resettlement community for about 15,000 survivors from Hurricane Mitch. In 1998, 1500 families who lost everything were moved to two cow pastures in Cuidad Sandino. Each family was given a 10'x15' plot of land and a plastic tarp for shelter. While some still live in these conditions most families in the past few years now live in a small concrete structure. The surrounding city has an 80% unemployment rate and an annual tax base of $2.30/person.
This area has a tremendous need for outside support. Besides the obvious lack of even moderate conditions there are many things that can be done to help improve the lives of so many who have been devastated and see little hope for change or improvement. Some of the areas that would be great to see change include:
- build latrines (pit toilets with ventilation).
- a well would provide clean drinkable water for the entire community and help with sickness ad dehydration.
- disposal program (all trash and materials are burned daily which causes huge air and health problems).
- lack of health care and medicine.
- increased funds available for feeding shelter.
The Feeding Center
The Feeding Center was constructed in 2001 and was intended to feed 200 kids, 2 times/day. With lack of funding to maintain the facilities, the shelter was destined to remain an unused resource. With some fundraising by a few small groups they were able to raise $16,000 to run the facilities that year. The program continues to run and helps to feed, educate and inspire many children in that area. Consistent funding still remains the biggest struggle and only about 50 children are currently able to receive 1 meal per day, 5 days per week. Faithful Stewards' goal is to raise money and find people to sponsor and support this program and the children of Nueva Vida. Our goal is to support that facility and enable them to fully provide for the 200 children that it was intended for. It is heartbreaking to see close to 150 children turned away daily because of the lack of funds. With your help we can help meet the basic needs of many more children and provide nourishment, hope and share the love of God with them in a tangible way.
There are several ways in which you can make a difference to this community. If you are able and feel led to contribute please contact Brandon at brandon@faithfulstewards.net.
