Hope After Loss Hurricane Julia left significant damage to rural areas across Nicaragua, with many losing their homes, crops, and in some cases, their lives. One of these areas was the Kilambé region in northern Nicaragua. Juana Bidea, a community leader, was not satisfied with the emergency response from local authorities and reached out to […]| CEPAD
Graciela has struggled to make ends meet as a single mom with four kids.| CEPAD
Johandy, like many young adults in rural Nicaragua, found himself going to Costa Rica or other nearby cities in search of work. He is studying to be a primary school teacher and is passionate about working with youth. When CEPAD started to provide workshops in his community, Johandy got involved with our Youth Leadership Program, where he learned about stress, mental health, bullying, drug and alcohol abuse, teen pregnancy, and more. He felt more committed to staying in his community and help...| CEPAD
“Being in the program has helped me a lot. Before, I didn’t really like socializing with others; I was really shy. Now, I’m able to share about what I’ve learned with other youth in my community through games and conversation.”| CEPAD
“The land was the inheritance of our ancestors, which they gave us. I want to provide this same inheritance to my own children, adding in all that I’ve learned in CEPAD’s program.”| CEPAD
Enrique, a father to six daughters, was struggling to provide for his family as he tried farming staple crops like corn and sorghum. When he was invited to join CEPAD’s Sustainable Agriculture Program, Enrique learned new and organic farming techniques, which has allowed his farm to flourish.| CEPAD
“I want my son to grow up with potable water, electricity, and good roads to walk on. I want to help create a community where the kids of the future feel dignity and aren’t embarrassed about where they live.“| CEPAD
Maura, along with her husband, are caring for their three small grandchildren now that their children have left the country in search of work. They were struggling to make ends meet and often struggled just to put food on the table. | CEPAD
“CEPAD is the first organization that I have gotten involved with. The staff is very kind, organized, and responsible with the work that they do. They are always available for questions, helping not only with the Youth Leadership Program, but also with farmers and women. They involve the whole family.”| CEPAD
Much of rural Nicaragua continues to be a machista society, with women being constrained to traditionally women’s roles. CEPAD is trying to change that by empowering women and putting them in positions of leadership. Silvia is just one of the women leaders who is learning how to advocate for her community’s needs. | CEPAD