BECAS: Building Education, Communities, and Society

Support Education in Nicaragua 

Education is essential for sustainable community, family, and personal development.  In Nicaragua, unfortunately, due to the extreme poverty in which many families live and lack of government resources, not all children are able to attend or finish school.  Approximately one-third of all Nicaraguan students either repeat or drop out of the first grade. On a test of basic math skills in grade three, 60 percent of students scored in the lowest level or below.  It is clear that something must be done to change these statistics and improve the level of education in Nicaragua.

We believe that, together,  by providing families and communities with the material, economic, and academic support they need we can help contribute to growth, development, and positive social change in Nicaragua. 

Viva Nicaragua! supports education through the work of all of our interns and projects. However, due to the extreme poverty in many communities we cannot meet all the needs and many children do not have the opportunity to study.  For this reason, with the support of community leaders, activists, and interns, we created the BECAS education sponsorship program. 

What is BECAS?

BECAS is an innovative sponsorship program that allows donors to sponsor Nicaraguan children young people and families at various levels of education.  The scholarships are for students with high potential and limited resources and include assistance with tuition, supplies, books, and food.  Through the BECAS program, sponsors select either the  individual children, children and their families, or other community efforts that contribute to learning, education, and community developement.

A little can go a long way in guaranteeing the educational development of a child.  For as little as $40 a year, a sponsor can provide all of the materials a child needs to complete one school year.   Twenty-five  dollars a month can support a family and guarantee that their children complete  school.   Community education efforts such as tutoring or a library can be supported with as little as $30 per month. 

BECAS is a revolving program designed not only to support children and their education, but also local small business ventures and the local economy. 

   

The BECAS program also supports development projects in that all uniforms will be made by women at the Casa de la Mujer Women’s Center and all shoes by the Solidaridad’s shoe business.    It is designed not only to sponsor one child, but contribute to sustainable economic and social development.

 Combining the efforts of Viva Nicaragua!, local NGO’s,  and sponsors, we can increase education levels and contribute to community development in Nicaragua.

How are children and families selected?

The BECAS program works with families and children in the former squatter’s community of Solidaridad located in Granada, Nicaragua.  In this community, most of the families are supported by single mothers, and over 70% do not have a steady income and live in situations of extreme poverty.  Many times mothers and families do not have the resources to send their children to school or the time to help them with their homework.  Sometimes they must pull their children out of school in order to send them to work to help support the family.   Without the ability to study, the cycle of poverty in Solidaridad will never end.  Our goals are to support children and their families, give them opportunities to study, and allow families and the communities to rise above their current social and economic situation.

 The children and families of BECAS were selected after carefully interviewing families in the community.   Interview questions addressed academic performance, income, family education levels, and other socio-economic indicators.  A committee of community leaders, Viva Nicaragua! representatives, interns, and socio-political leaders selected the children with the greatest need and/or potential for academic advancement.   

In the future, once the needs of children in Solidaridad have been met, we hope to expand the BECAS program to other marginalized communities where there is need and potential. 

The BECAS Sponsorship Programs

For each tax deductible donation, sponsors receive regular updates via blogs and newsletters in order to learn about the progress of each family and child. 

Basic – $25 per year

The basic program provides all of the school materials that a child needs to study, including uniforms, shoes, books, and general school supplies.   Scholarships are allocated to the needs of each child.

Basic plus - $25 per month

In addition to school materials/supplies, the basic plus program includes any other need the child might have in order to excel in school.  This includes English or computer classes, tutoring, or psychological counseling if needed.

Family - $30 per month

The family program supports any needs that a family may have that prevent a child from receiving an adequate education.  This includes lack of economic resources for food.   Donations will be used to provide families with a basic food basket (rice, beans, sugar, oil, pasta, tomato paste, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap).  In exchange, the families must keep their children in school and assist them with their homework.  

University - $25 per month

Support a young person with great potential and limited resources or a child who has gone through the basic program.  With as little as $25 per month you can allow young people to realize their dreams and continue their university education.   A university degree opens up many doors to employment opportunities and can contribute to overall social and economic development.  

Community-$30 per month

Support the Solidaridad Community Center that offers programs for children and the community.  With your support, we would like to build a library, hire English teachers and tutors, and eventually put in a computer lab.  We ask for a minimum of $30 per month, however any donation is appreciated.

What do donars receive?

As a sponsor, you will receive pictures and letters via  blog updates and newsletters and yearly program progress reports .  All donations are tax deductible. 

How can I donate?

Please contact Viva Nicaragua! for more information on how to make your tax deductible donation to the BECAS program. 

Thank you for your support! 

CONTACT US for photos, profiles, and more information about the BECAS program.