Our Aid & Empowerment Programs...
100% of all money or services received go directly to our programs. Overhead costs are covered by a local donor and will not come out of your contribution. Our programs are focused on helping those in need to help themselves through support and training. Proyecto Laguna works to create a self-sustaining growth cycle where parents and teachers learn to do for themselves. It is our goal for them to eventually be self-sufficient. Self sustainability takes serious time and effort but with the proper tools these communities are seeing results and experiencing the benefits.
Sponsor a Child - Our Most Popular Donation Program
Give a child a chance at a better future. Your much needed donation will go very far in Nicaragua and will directly impact the life of a child.
You matter, make a difference! Complete details here...
Proyecto Laguna Mailing List Registration - Complete details...
Educate.
Lack of education and poverty are directly linked. It is our priority to ensure that children have access to education and the necessary materials to attend school as such. Children involved in our sponsorship program receive school supplies, shoes and uniforms. By assisting parents in providing these elements, the children are more able to attend school and receive an education. Our program requires parents to be involved in parent groups, attend seminars and assist in events and school refurbishing. The response to our program has been overwhelming and we currently have over 700 children participating. Teacher and parent groups are also being trained to support themselves and provide for the students.
Nourish.
Without proper nutrition a child's brain does not develop properly and they are unable to learn. Many of the children we work with only receive one very basic meal per day. Proyecto Laguna is implementing school meal and clean water programs in conjunction with other aid organizations. Our goal is to construct quality kitchens in each school and provide the food so each student can receive a nutritional meal every day. This will not only increase attendance but it will also provide the students with proper nutrition to assist brain development and enable them to learn. Additionally, we provide a registered nurse to attend to the needs of all of the children attending the schools we currently support. Proyecto Laguna provides basic health care for the students and coordinates further assistance for those in greater need. Proyecto Laguna, in conjunction with other organizations, is also working with the school to create school gardens. With these gardens the schools will not only have an available source of vitamins and minerals for the children but they will also be able to do hands on learning.
Empower.
Our programs are based on support and empowerment, not hand-outs. When we need 800 pairs of shoes we locate a local cobbler, help him to formulate a business plan and then hire him to make the shoes. This is empowerment. It creates pride, it generates income and creates jobs and it keeps money within a community furthering the reach of every dollar. Proyecto Laguna works with parents and teachers to focus on the tasks they feel their community needs and with guidance and support we help them to succeed in their goals. This strategy empowers the community to take care of itself and create its own future. Micro-lending and direct economic development for the community is our next step, this tested method has been proven as a successful tool in lifting families permanently out of poverty.