SchoolTools: School Challenges in Nicaragua

In 1998, Hurricane Mitch devastated Nicaragua, its flooding and mudslides destroying entire villages and ruining lives. Nicaragua is still struggling to recover from the hurricane, which destroyed many of the few existing schools. Additionally Nicaragua’s economy is quite unstable. Inflation has put the cost of living at more than what most families can afford, particularly with the growing unemployment rate. Any meager wages earned must first go to pay for food and shelter; often there is not enough left to pay for other things which we consider “essentials,” such as school supplies. Because of this, almost half of school age

Nicaraguans do not attend school and one-third of the entire population is illiterate. However, your donation of SchoolTools for Kids is helping to end this cycle. With school supplies comes the opportunity for education, and education leads to better prospects for work and wage earning. A World Vision Nicaragua staff member reports: “The donation of school items had a great impact on the population of the communities. This encouraged children to return to the classrooms [and to] enthusiastically and happily continue their school year. Likewise, this encouraged parents who [give] thanks specially for the support provided to their children in their schooling.” Thank you for helping to put a “happy and soft smile” on these families’ faces.