In 2009, GVI Phoenix started working in the small community of La Thompson, outside Estelí, in Northern Nicaragua. Here we built a school where children without access to a formal education could come and receive classes. The kindergarten is formally recognised by the Ministry of Education and we are offering reinforcement classes to the children in grades one through six.
In July 2010, we expanded our work into the community of Chiriza located in the foothills fifteen minutes outside of Estelí. We constructed a provisional open school structure with wood supports and a metal roof. Our kindergarten was formally recognised by the Ministry of Education in November 2010 and we also offer reinforcement classes to the older primary school children.
Without these projects, the children in La Thompson and Chiriza would face many obstacles in accessing a consistent and beneficial education. By donating, the projects will receive much needed financial support that will help us sustain our current work as well as improve and expand our projects in these communities.
Project Wish List:
Completed school structure in Chiriza: The school in Chiriza consists of a metal roof and wood support beams. The open school leaves the students and staff vulnerable to weather: rain, wind and strong sun. Also, the open school is not an ideal learning environment. We aim to have the school enclosed with walls and flooring in 2011!
Basic Need Baskets: We want to begin a basic need basket program for our families in La Thompson and Chiriza. The program will be modeled after Plan Ancianos in Guatemala which has seen huge success. Monthly or bi-monthly, families of children with exceptional attendance and behavior will receive a basket with basic food and household items. The agreement is reciprocal as the family receives a benefit for encouraging and supporting their child or children’s education. We hope we will see a rise in the number of students attending as well as a higher rate of attendance amongst the students.
Secondary Education Support: Secondary education retention is very low in Nicaragua, especially among students in rural and poor areas such as La Thompson and Chiriza. GVI Phoenix Nicaragua aims to initiate support for secondary students who have passed through our schools. The support will be in the form of financial assistance for school materials, transportation to and from school and other costs related to their education. To receive funding, students will need to confirm their attendance and grades each semester with GVI Staff. We believe this additional support will encourage the student’s to continue with their secondary education as well as provide them with a continued positive support.
By working side-by-side with local teachers, coupled with the projects core ideals and aims, we can all be educated in community development and sustainability. The children are the future and primary and secondary education gives them a shot at this future.
Many thanks for everyone who has been a part of GVI Phoenix in Nicaragua, and thanks in advance for everyone who will be part of it! Please also keep up to date with the blog on http://gviphoenix.blogspot.com/
Cheers
