Cada Niño Cuenta

Okay. So I have mentioned One Child Matters (Cada Niño Cuenta en Español) a lot… let’s see if I can paint a more detailed picture of what that program looks like in Nicaragua. 

First, I want to give a summary from a recent article about education statistics in Nicaragua:

1. On average, half of the teachers are untrained and not certified.

2. Teachers are poorly paid and receive an average salary of $200.

3. Approximately 94% of students entering university are failing the entrance exams.

4. The school infrastructure is lacking with large class sizes and 25% of classrooms are in desperate need of repair.

5. Students are dropping out of school with 4 out of 10 students dropping out before grade 6 and half that enroll in grade six will not graduate.

6. Many school-aged children are not enrolled in school. It is extremely difficult to collect accurate data, because the government seeks to portray the best scenario possible. 

Read the full article at: http://nkboersema.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-context-of-education-in-nicaragua.html 

With this being said. Our students need help! So this is where One Child Matters comes in!

“One Child Matters believes that a holistic approach – ministering to all of a child’s needs, not just a select few – is the most effective method of promoting child development. This is why we carefully and thoughtfully minister to each child’s spiritual, physical, socio-emotional, and mental needs. 

Much like a flower, a child will grow and mature to a limited extent regardless of whether or not each of their specific needs are met. But the degree of nurturing a child receives will determine whether or not that child truly blossoms. By facilitating the holistic development of children under our care, we help a child reach his or her God-given potential. 

One Child Matters is not seeking to westernize our children or merely provide a handout; we do not promote a particular cultural mindset or create a state of dependence. Instead, One Child Matters hopes that by nurturing the needs of the whole child, we are equipping them with the ability to fulfill God’s specific calling on their life.”

Again. More about OCM at: onechildmatters.org

So what does this program look like in Nicaragua?!

·      2 development centers (Jinotega and Apanas)

·      6 hours of mentoring each week (in two sessions)

·      100 students in each center

·      4 staff members at each center

·      3 amazing administrators (Edwin, Ileana and Juan Carlos)

·      1 Faithful Father who makes it all come together

Two weeks ago (March 17-21) was full-on training for 8 mentors and staff. They worked with Edwin and Ileana in the morning; then Sheila and I in the afternoon. We talked about ways to help children learn and grow without thinking “classroom mindset.” Things like having clear expectations, having a detailed plan of the day, different types of activities (individual and group, active and calm) and we even got to have circle/calendar time! Sheila is a wonderful teacher with years of experience in teaching and training teachers. So she was able to give specific direction for these new mentors. I had an opportunity to share some things I learned over the last year working at Kidz Academy and the Havens. By Friday, the mentors and staff were very excited for the program to start.

Week one in Apanas

One of the mentors working one-on-one improving letter recognition!

While the first week (March 24-28) wasn’t perfect, we would certainly say it was a success! The children came- that was a big answered prayer as attendance is not a recorded thing in Nicaragua. The staff was ready to handle the expected- then dealt with the unexpected. We are so hopeful to see this program thrive and have an impact on these children. The mentors have told us over and over that they want to make these centers a safe place where the children grow and trust them. Please keep praying that this happens. Continue to pray for renewed energy for the mentors and a desire to learn from the children. Continue to join us in prayer that all these wonderful children will be sponsored.

The Incredible Staff.  Such beautiful women of God.

We have weekly meetings on Friday to stay on the same page, see what worked (or not) in the last week and get more ideas for what's coming up. This picture was from our first Friday brainstorming. They came with great questions and triumphs. It's been so encouraging to see their enthusiasm!

Thank you for sharing in our joy, excitement and petitions to the Father!