Light From Within 

"There are two ways of spreading light ...
To be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it." 

Edith Wharton   

Empowerment International (EI) strives to reflect and strengthen the amazing light of hope and potential within each child we serve.  When the recent economic recession threatened our ability to provide that support, an unexpected light from within burned brightly for these children and their community.

These past few years have resulted in financial hardships for us all. Families in the US and Nicaragua alike have had to make many financial cutbacks and sacrifices. Sadly, during the year-end parents' meeting in December 2011,the EI staff was faced with the difficult task of informing parents that EI would have to cut back on some of its programs due to lack of funding.

It turns out that cutting back on their children's education was not one of the financial sacrifices the parents were willing to make.  

Almost immediately, Sonia Dominguez, mother of three children in the EI program, stood up and proposed that the parents donate money to fund EI's programs.

 "Empowerment International is part of our family. The EI center is for our children!  How is it possible that Kathy and people far away in other countries raise money to provide for children that aren't even theirs and yet we cannot do the same?"

Jahayra Rodriguez whose son is in the EI program echoed a similar sentiment: 

  "EI has changed my child's life. Because I don't know how to read or write, I can not give my son the support he needs in school. EI has provided that support and so much more. They have always been there for us- now we need to be there for them."

Together, parents collected approximately one thousand cordobas,  or over forty dollars (equivalent to a typical monthly wages in Nicaragua). This money was used to pay the electric bill for the Education Center. They are also planning a community fundraiser to generate a revolving community fund to donate to EI.

Director and founder Kathy Adams was deeply touched by this gesture of solidarity.

"This is one of the greatest achievements for an organization like ours - to have the community own it from within. Our goal has always been that the communities we work in would gradually take on more and more responsibility for its own center and project."

Although the monetary amount of the donation may be small, it represents the priceless value that parents are now placing on the education of their children.

 "We are not able to give as other donors have,but we can give something", Sonia explained. "My house may be made of scrap metal but it does not define me. I am not poor. What defines a person's wealth is their willingness to share and give back."

This act of generosity and commitment by the EI parents has demonstrated their true wealth and commitment to the program and the education of  their children.   A big thanks to the EI parents, who have now partnered with you, the community of all of our generous donors, for helping the children of Nicaragua to shine!

Article by Miranda Jennings.