Help 1,600 Nicaraguan Farmers Rise Out Of Poverty

One of the things I was struck by in visiting Nicaragua was how our partners are pillars of the community.  I was continually astounded at how many of the things that were going really well in that community were the result of a concerted effort by our partners and their borrowers to support the whole community in a variety of ways.

While walking around Nueva Guinea on a little tour of the city after having some delicious pupusas, we stopped in the town square to view a soccer match. People of all ages were playing furiously, and in the bleachers, people were talking, laughing, and cheering. In talking with COOPEFACSA’s leadership, one staffer mentioned casually “we organize most of the local teams. It helps build community.” Later, as we drove by a vacant building, our hosts would comment “that is where we are going to build the community center so people out in the campo (countryside) can have access to computers.”

Lifting up the whole community, whether by providing affordable access to credit or even a soccer match, matters especially in the light of tragedies like the Contra War and Hurricane Felix. These people saw their community torn apart by things outside their control, but by working cooperatively together through COOPEFACSA they were able to rebuild and provide support that has lifted the whole community up. Now, the community is peaceful and growing in prosperity thanks to COOPEFACSA and other organizations committed to the area.

On another day, we visit Isidra in her small pulpería (store) and diner in the San Antonio colony just outside Nueva Guinea. She is a founding member, having been involved since 1996. Before that time, she didn’t have access to credit and lost her farm. But now, she can provide for her family through her store.

She makes lunch and dinner for the area's surrounding entrepreneurs, farmers, and merchants, and as we ate, it struck me that we were in one of San Antonio’s hubs. She and her establishment are pillars, demonstrating in a tangible way what access to opportunity can do.

We (meaning YOU and WCCN staff/volunteers) made this project happen together, and I wanted to thank everyone for donating - it has made such a big difference! Together, we can be the pillars of a more peaceful and equitable society.

 In service,

 Zac