Nicaragua 4

Let's talk for a moment about micro lending and education.  In Los Pinos there is a school building, it was built in the 70's by Ted Turner's TNT network.  It is pretty rudimentary, but there is a small building.  The Rainbow network pays a teacher and there are volunteer assistants.  School supplies are virtually non-existent.  Woods Chapel could outfit the school with supplies and those that had an interest in teaching would be more than welcome to spend time with the children.  Education is through the 4th grade.  To continue on into high school, the children must have a sponsor.  Many children in Los Pinos need to be sponsored.  We asked, and college seems to be a logistical impossibility for them.

The micro-lending program provides money to dependable members of the community to start their own businesses.  They are required to pay the money back on six month intervals.  If one of their team does not make a payment, the other members of the team have to cover the payment.  So it is a pretty accountable situation.  When the people get their loan, they stand up and say thank you, and they promise to pay back this loan before you and before God.  Some sign their papers, others make a mark with their finger print to seal the deal. 


Businesses that we saw included, raising chickens, raising pigs, making hammocks, and various little stores like the one pictured on the right.  Woods Chapel could help by increasing the size of the program, finding other types of businesses that might work, and reducing the cost of some of the commodities involved.  The micro-lending program gives people a sense of pride.  They are not getting a hand out, but a hand up.

If you have the opportunity for an education and the opportunity to be employed, you are truly blessed.

It's a beautiful day in God's world, be sure to see the good.