Life as a child in Nicaragua
Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in Latin America; it has huge debt and is highly dependent on the receipt of external aid. In a population of around five and a half million at least half live below the poverty line with a significant number living in extreme poverty.
A survey by the US Department of Labour in 2000 estimated that almost 10% of children under 14 worked to earn a living. In rural areas, children work in the production of export crops such as coffee or tobacco, as well as in fishing, stockbreeding and mining. In urban areas, children work on the streets selling merchandise, cleaning car windows, or begging. Some children are forced by their parents to beg, and some are "rented" out by their parents to organized groups of beggars. Child prostitution is a widespread problem in Nicaragua, particularly in Managua, port cities, along the Honduran and Costa Rican borders, and near highways.
Whether a result of extreme poverty, abuse, family disintegration, trafficking or sexual exploitation a large number of children end up on the streets - particularly in the capital Managua. Estimates of the numbers vary but they are measured in their thousands.
What Casa Alianza is doing
Casa Alianza Nicaragua opened its doors in 1998 and now works with over 5,000 children each year. Children come to us in crisis - most have been abandoned not only materially but also emotionally. Many have already suffered considerably, been trafficked or sexually exploited and often have problems with addiction.
It can take a long time to build trust and get these kids to think positively about the future. As part of this process Casa Alianza Nicaragua is currently seeking to expand a range of activities for children in our transition homes. Simple activities such as music, participation in sports, art therapy and other cultural activities such as going to the theatre are extremely important in getting the children to relax and to start being children again. We are seeking to raise £12,000 in total - with a target of £5,000 to raise online.
EVERY PENNY RAISED BY THIS APPEAL WILL GO DIRECTLY TO NICARAGUA
Thank you!
Casa Alianza UK
