As the financial world still reels from the
credit crisis, it is more important than ever to invest in something we trust.
Investment in a child's future always pays dividends and never loses value.
For us at Empowerment International (EI),
2008 has brought some very exciting achievements and additional
responsibilities. Early in the year, we had our first two
Nicaraguan high school graduates. One, Margarita, is in the university studying
computer science while working with us as an intern part-time. She is not only
setting a rare example of continued higher education in the community but also
working with EI to help other children.
For 6 months, we had the assistance of two
wonderful volunteers, Patrick and Melissa Chiapetta. Melissa's experience
with statistics, fundraising and grant writing led to our successful
application to the Weyerhaeuser Foundation. Patrick created a baseball program
which resulted in a visit from baseball legend, Cal Ripken Jr. and ongoing
support from Cal's foundation.
Our digital photography program has
encouraged children such as Alexander to improve their attendance and complete
the school year. We will celebrate this program with an exhibition of
their work at the Galeria Juan del Sur in San Juan del Sur on December 18th.
Utilizing Skype technology at our 5th annual
Fiesta de Esperanza in September, we were able to link up several of EI's
children in Nicaragua with their sponsors in Colorado. This was a highly
emotional and rewarding experience for both the children and their sponsors.
In November, we hosted a photography tour
with 6 participants from throughout the western United States. This was an
exciting new way to generate interest and support for our program.
We have currently, 200 children in Villa
Esperanza, 50 in Santa Ana de Malacos, (the two barrios on the edge of Granada)
and 50 in Costa Rica. The children in Santa Ana will be supported for the next
year by a generous grant from the Weyerhaeuser Foundation but we still need to
ensure that the remaining 250 are able to continue their education. For this
reason, we are asking for your help. We believe that continuing to provide
these children with education is the best investment for their future. There are
three ways whereby you can help.
