Learning from India:)

Hi there,

I just returned from a graduate seminar in two locations in India. The whole experience was enriching and challenging. I am also happy to report that I visited an amazing organization called 'El Shaddai' that works to house, clothe, and educate children from the street and desperate slums. Their work was truly inspiring. They started out small (just like our little project), and they now manage to support about 100,000 kids in India. Although it does seem like a tiny number in the scheme of India... their work is truly inspiring. I appreciated the friendliness of the staff, and we talked to many volunteers who firmly believed in the work of El Shaddai. You can have a look at their website: http://www.childrescue.net/about-el-shaddai-childrescue

El Shaddai is a Christian organization, but their philosophy is very liberal. They choose not to force religion on the children; they feel that religion should be chosen by the children later in life. I appreciate this philosophy greatly. If anyone you know is looking to volunteer in an english speaking country--India would be quite the experience! El Shaddai comes very recommended.

As one of the founders of Nicaragua School Project Society, I am happy to have had the experience of seeing how other projects in world are operating. I have YOU to -thank- for your dedicated donations and thoughts!:) I loved my time in India, but it also made me realize that Nicaragua is my home away from home, and that my commitment to the people and culture is even more important.

Kathryn:)

ATTN: VICTORIA residents

An exciting fundraiser for only $20.00

South American Tea Tasting fundraiser for the Nicaragua School Project Saturday July 24 4 pm – 4:45 pm$20 per person.

A variety of teas are popular throughout South America – from Yerba Maté, to thirst-quenching teas featuring herbs such as hibiscus and chamomile, along with black teas as well. In Nicaragua, a delicious drink known as Cacao is made by combining cocoa beans with sugar, rice, cinnamon and ice. Spend an enjoyable time exploring a variety of South American tea traditions as you taste a selection of delicious iced and hot teas, including a tea-inspired version of Nicaraguan Cacao! Be inspired by refreshing iced tea recipe ideas that are nutrient rich, and that you can learn how to make and enjoy at home throughout the summer. Nicaragua School Project was started in 2008 by Kathryn, a Canadian from Victoria, BC, and by Juan Carlos Roblero and José Andres Martinez (local Nicaraguans)—to effect change and foster hope for in-need communities. The benefits of the project are far reaching: while students gain access to essential supplies, the heavy burden of affording them is lifted for numerous families. Yearly, approximately 500 children receive school supplies and benefit from this Project. All of the supplies are purchased in Granada, Nicaragua with donated funds - www.nicaraguaschoolproject.org

Seating is limited – you must pre-register and pre-pay to attend. To register, call 250-704-2688 ext. 2, or email silkroad@silkoadtea.com. This event takes place at SILK ROAD 1624 Government St. in Victoria’s Historic Chinatown District.See More

TAX RECEIPTS!!!!!!!!!

I have exciting news. Nicaragua school project has become a partner project of 'Nicaragua Children's foundation' run by a lovely family from Vancouver. Because of their kindness, we are currently able to give tax receipts for donations over 50.00.

If you would like to donate and receive a tax receipt. You can either use their pay pal... credit card option via their website: http://www.nicaraguachildrensfoundation.com/donate. You may also write a cheque to: Nicaragua Children's Foundation to: Mona and Allan Donovan
3855 Bayridge Avenue
West Vancouver. B.C.
V7V 3J3

Please indicate to them that you would like to money to go to the Nicaragua School Project Society on both options.
Please make sure to include your name, address, and amount in order to make the receipt writing easy (write a separate note when using pay pal.)

Mona & Allan have been working in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua since 2006, improving schools and equiping children with school supplies and uniforms. Their foundation operates on the same values as ours; thus, we are able to work together in harmony.


Kathryn
http://www.nicaraguaschoolproject.org/

Thank-you for your patience!

I continue to get amazing amounts of people who want to help out with this project. In order to gain more success, I would like to get charitable status; although, I am finding that it is not an easy task. I continue to work through the documentation process, and I hope that all those who have donated in the past are still keeping us in mind for their yearly charitable causes. I hope that one day, we too, can provide you with the tax exempt receipt.

I also want to remind you that August is rolling around the corner, and I will be needing some more donations in order to buy the two schools of kids school supplies. You can write cheques:

Nicaragua School Project Society
1627 Wilmot Place
Victoria BC
V8R-5S3

2 years and counting! It feels good to get those school supplies right into the hands of the deserving children.

-Kathryn

Part 2 of Studio Red Dot's Documentary of the Nicaragua School Project Society

Part 2 of 2 on YouTube!

Part 1 of Studio Red Dot's Nicaragua School Project Society Documentary!

Part 1 of 2 - see it on YouTube!

New Web Site & Documentary Launch

Check us out at:

http://www.nicaraguaschoolproject.org

Plus-- (something, I can't stop watching...)

Please see the Studio Red Dot 11 minute mini-documentary on our project. Go to Youtube and enter: Nicaragua School Project Society into the search box. There is a part 1 & part 2.

:)

Nicaragua School Project Society Making Dreams a Reality Once Again.....February 2010

We are extremely proud to report that our project has supplied more than 450 students this year with school supplies. Over the week of February 2nd to 6th; we bought 1,400 american dollars worth of school supplies, organized them into individual packages, and delivered them to smiling faces. We are also happy to announce that we have taken on the responsibility of another rural school in the area of El Pantanal. This school has about 60 students and resides deep in the country---where very little outside intervention has gone. I have promised to keep them in our minds as we collect donations, and help these children in need as well. This year we were able to help 2 schools in EL Pantanal, Nicaragua----Jose De La Cruz Mena and introducing- Escuela Salomon De La Selva.
Unlike other organizations, our project works directly with the culture. I work with two local Nicaraguans to fulfill the needs of school children. All the donations that are collected in Canada are put into the Nicaraguan economy. We buy directly from a local school supply in Granada, Nicaragua called: La Gomper. Each child is personally given their school package (6 notebooks, pencils, pens, an eraser, and a pencil sharpener.) We enter classroom by classroom; we announce each childs’ name and hand it to them. We try to have a little bit of fun with them as well
Bonus Project*
This year, we paid for the education of a 14 year old girl, Hilce. I have known Hilce for about 3 years and she has always been a positive and friendly young girl. Last year, her father left her mother, and the family was left without money and abandoned. She also suffers from the emotional abuses of her alcoholic brother, who is in and out of jail. Hilce was forced to drop out of her private school and start going to a public school. She was faced with a long walk in the hard sun every day. Being disconnected from her friends was very difficult for Hilce. I heard about this situation and took a few days to decide to take on Hilce as a bonus project. We payed for her full year of private school. She is now back in her private school with her friends; safe and happy. I also bought her a pair of shoes. All of this only cost 300.00 US.She cried when I told her I would this for her, and so did I.
Thank-you for helping us with this project. Please help us continue to do what we do. Because if you can, they can laugh (Si Quieres, Pueden Reir.)
-Kathryn, Andres, and Juan Carlos.

Pictures:
#1 at top- Hilce
#2 at top- School boy from Jose de La Cruz Mena

January 2010 News

Well hello supporters,

Si Quieres (the Nicaragua school project) is turning 2 years old this February. So exciting. And in these last two years, we have:
-supplied 500 studens (3 times)
-Built six flush toilets
-supplied 15 children in Casa Xalteva with school supplies- 1 time
-Built a library for the school
-Donated 6 dry eraser boards (the modern blackboard) to the school
-Helped some neighbours in the area with essential groceries

All thanks to your generous support:)

2010 is exciting- I am heading to Nicaragua on January 17th- with a bank account full of donated cash (thanks for the donations at my dad's birthday!!) The kids in Jose De La Cruz Mena will be getting their school supplies this year.

The next big project will be: a covered basketball court at the school. I am planning to have this appraised while I am there. Donations are always welcomed and appreciated!!!! I would ideally hope to start this project in 2011. I would love to bring some joy and escape to these kids in El Pantanal; they struggle more than any of us could ever imagine. Please email me about this----- if you have suggestions or might want to volunteer to help:)

I am hoping to gain charitable status within the next 6 months, so that that I can give out receipts to all you fine people.

The website is coming along- I have been putting it off a little bit since I have been slammed with paper after paper in my MA program. However, I am hoping to have it up and running very soon. Thanks again to Alicia for donating the beautiful photos. And also to-Jacquie Troy, who is the genius behind the web site design. I will hopefully figure out how to connect a pay pal donation box to this website.

This project is evidence that a little dream can go so far--- Something so small that means so much to the kids & their families in El Pantanal, Nicaragua and also to: Kathryn, Andres, and Juan Carlos Roblero.