El Hogar de Los Niños began its work serving the poor children in Nicaragua in 2001. Prior to the establishment of our non-profit, we were a loose-knit group doing what we could in response to the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. Since 1999 several of our faithful group have traveled to Managua every year to visit and above all to participate in the healing of lives and in the rebuilding of a country. We surveyed the needs of various neighborhoods and organizations, and by using the generous contributions we collected throughout the year, we distributed funds accordingly, ensuring they went to help in the best ways possible. Thanks to the generosity of people in the Bay Area and beyond, we have had the opportunity to dedicate over $300,000 in human and financial resources, providing hope to otherwise hopeless circumstances.
In 2007 we were fortunate enough to join forces with the organization CANTERA, which has been working in Nicaragua since 1988. With their help we were able to use our resources to save a school that was otherwise headed towards closure, and funded the education of all 145 of their students for another year.
Currently we are solely responsible for the education of over 200 students who live in a barrio dubbed by many as the worst in the city. The children range in age from three to eight. Without our help they would have no educational opportunities whatsoever. Education in Nicaragua is not free. Added to the impoverished circumstances, children are left to languish in ignorance and, worst of all, are subject to a violent drug culture and child prostitution.
Some parts of Managua are as progressive as any city in the United States. In most parts, however, the poverty and human degradation is rampant. Over the years we have been able to make small inroads in lessening the severe suffering. Nevertheless we are filled with hope in spite of the formidable odds. Our hearts are filled with gratitude at the growing numbers of us, magnifying the goodness that began in very small ways ten years ago.
Board of Directors:
Mary Hauke, Steven Gatlin, Susan Denham-Gatlin, Julie Keener, Julie Krug,
Harold Myers, Thelma Russo, Pat Sharp, Martín Ugarte & Cecilia WyCoff
