PROJECTS | NICARAGUA

General
We commenced operations in Nicaragua in 2000. The bulk of our operations are in the community of Pantanal which adjoins the city of Granada in Nicaragua.  This community is characterized by extreme poverty. We currently work with the village council and meet with them regularly to evaluate new and existing GOCARE programs.  Our professional staff, however, meets with individual members of the council on an as needed basis to implement and monitor our programs.

New Projects for 2010-2011
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Preschool
In Pantanal we addressed the concerns expressed by a number of parents by creating a preschool.  Many mothers were having difficulty earning desperately needed funds because their children were not yet of age to attend public schools.  In addition, studies have shown that children exposed to education at an early age (i.e. prev 5 years) had lower elementary dropout rates once they commenced elementary school.  We employed a local parent with a high school education to conduct the preschool.  Currently the school has about 30 students.

Computer Instruction
We engaged a local computer school in Granada to conduct special classes for a sample of children from Pantanal.  The sample was selected by the village council.  We have 20 students enrolled and have implemented the program.

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English Instruction
We engaged a local English teacher in Granada to conduct special English language instruction classes for kids from Pantanal.  As with the computer instruction, the kids who attended these classes were selected by the village council.  There are currently 3 levels of instruction being given.  The program has 10 currently enrolled.   This is a very popular program for the high school kids in the village as English proficiency substantially improves their job opportunities which would be substantially limited otherwise.

Vocational Training
We provide vocational training to adults in baking, sewing and cosmetology.  This is an ongoing program involving 30 individuals from the Pantanal community at any given time.