In 2004, we started working in our first community in Nicaragua. Our core program of home visits and intensive student and family support brought the school retention rate from 50% to 80% in the first 3 years. Although this was an unheard of retention rate for this area, we wanted to do even better. Over the next 4 years, we experimented with peer-to-peer counseling and tutoring, study areas, computer access, and retention programs like photography and biking. Three years ago, our overall retention rate hit its highest rate ever, at over 90%. Was it a fluke? Or was it real? Well, last year was even higher! And this year, there is now no doubt, this is not an accident. Our programs are solid and growing more solid!

The keys to our success?

•  First, a strong foundation has been built and sustained, with lasting relationships with the entire family. Our staff has personal relationships with each child and parent.
•  We work with the entire community. Community development is a huge piece to the puzzle and we don't exclude any family within one of our two communities. One of our achieved goals is to instill the proper value of education in the communities. Now, they realize how valuable education is.
•  We attract children and retain them by giving them a sense of belonging in one or more of our various enrichment activities like photography, biking, soccer, volleyball, computer classes, and English.
•  We don't give handouts; we give a hand up. Each child and parent has responsibilities and, the more they are responsible for their own children and selves, the more rewards and satisfaction they reap.
•  We listen to the needs of the community. Often they show us what they need and we do our best to meet those needs.
•  We are facilitators who assist in removing barriers to education.
•  Our students are becoming owners of some of the programs such as peer tutoring.