Partnering To Build Brighter Futures For Teens In Nicaragua
As we move through the summer months, we want to give you a few snapshots of the work we’re partnering to do all around the world. In many countries, we have staff on the ground and operate our own facilities to serve children and families in need. We’ve found that in other areas, it makes the most sense for us to link arms with like-minded organizations and use a partnership approach to tackle the work that needs to be done.
One area where we have a strong, effective partnership in place is in Nicaragua, where we support the work of Orphan Network. They have an incredible ‘transition program’ aimed at helping young people find a successful path forward once they’ve aged out of their respective orphanages. The program is geared for both male and females who have come from homes/orphanages of extreme poverty, abuse or abandonment.
In Nicaragua, unemployment rates hover around 50%, but the aim of the program is to help students achieve their life goals despite difficult circumstances, and help them understand how to continue walking with God as they live independently and begin assuming financial responsibility for their own lives. The transition program is set up to ensure that appropriate life skills are in place as these teens transition into the ‘real world.’ First and foremost, our prayer is that the students will have a relationship with Christ and get involved in the local church.
In addition, the program is designed to help place the young people in jobs and internships so they can gain valuable work experience. Practically, we even make sure they have appropriate clothing for job interviews and work with them on developing a professional resume and help hone their interview skills. One of the most redeeming aspects of the program is that we give the students the opportunity to serve younger kids in foster homes so that they learn what it means to ‘pay it forward.’
Education is also an important piece of the puzzle! We support these students by helping them with tuition, fees and everything a college student might need throughout the month, such as hygienic supplies, food and transportation.
David Valle Avalo is 19 year old student in the transition program in Nicaragua. He was born in Mulukuku, but his mother passed away when he was 13 and his sister couldn’t provide for him. He ended up in an orphanage and his future seemed very bleak. Through our partnership with the Orphan Network transition program, David has been able to enter our transition program and now has dreams of one day becoming a chef! He is living in Managua and studying culinary arts.
This is a young man whose life has been forever changed by the generosity of OP donors. We pray that David will continue to grow into a man who loves the Lord as he pursues his dreams. Please join us in praising God for David, and continuing to pray for this young man’s future!
Thank you for giving to support the work of Orphan’s Promise!
