Help Nicaragua's Poor Climb out of Poverty

By investing in hard-working Nicaraguan youth, families and farmers, you are providing the resources communities need to drive true development and holistic transformation. The Emprendedora (“Entrepreneurship”) Technical School was founded by Opportunity Nicaragua in 2012 and is one of many successful programs in Nicaragua, empowering approximately 300 rural youth. The school provides a relevant education preparing students for careers in hospitality or agriculture, the country’s two high-growth industries. Students can earn both a high school diploma and a technical degree in either agriculture or hospitality and receive hands-on experience through operating the school’s organic agricultural businesses, which include a vegetable farm, egg hatchery and butterfly farm. A new well was just dug to ensure that the school has proper irrigation for its agricultural businesses, and the school plans to increase agriculture production with at least two more greenhouses next year.

With the school’s very first class 48 seniors preparing to graduate, administrators are providing key professional opportunities in preparing for them to attend college or launch successful careers after graduation. Program and community leaders are conducting workshops to empower this year’s graduating class to embark on their future journey, and Opportunity is collaborating with local business leaders and international companies like Cargill to establish internships and job opportunities. A regional Cargill staff member is engaging local business leaders and is so impressed with Emprendedora and the students that she is proposing a mentoring program. The school also plans to host a job fair later in the year featuring guests from local or international employers. These unique educational and experiential programs combined with your support will prepare these students for a brighter future.

Links:

• Where We Work: Nicaragua
• Opportunity International