01/12/2026
At Neighbors to Nicaragua, our work is rooted in one simple belief: when a community is supported with dignity, care, and education, lives can change.
Just steps away from our school lives Manuela, a 61-year-old grandmother who has devoted her life to caring for her physically challenged granddaughter, Kelly. For 19 years, Manuela has been Kelly’s constant - her advocate, her provider, her family. Living alone and carrying this responsibility, Manuela finds support through Neighbors to Nicaragua, receiving monthly groceries and additional care that help her continue providing for Kelly with strength and love.
Across the street from Manuela live two of our students, siblings Alondra and Miguel, whose lives reflect both the challenges and the hope within this community.
Miguel is a determined young boy who balances school with the responsibility of helping to support his family. After attending classes and receiving academic support at our center each afternoon, Miguel walks nearly seven kilometers to the beach with his mother and sisters to sell quesillo, a traditional cheese, until evening. Miguel faces learning challenges, particularly with reading, and has limited time for rest or study. Despite failing third grade, and losing access to public education, he continues to show up to our school every day. Our teacher Marvin works closely with Miguel both in the classroom and during extra support sessions, ensuring that education remains within his reach.
His sister Alondra’s journey shows what happens when opportunity meets perseverance. Living with her family in a modest tin home, Alondra arrived at our center with reading difficulties as well. With consistent support, encouragement, and her own dedication, she improved her academic skills, passed third grade with strong grades, and is now entering fourth grade with confidence. In recognition of her hard work, our school proudly rewarded her with a backpack and school supplies - small tools that carry big dreams.
These stories are not separate. They are connected by place, by people, and by purpose. Neighbors to Nicaragua is honored to walk alongside families like Manuela’s, Miguel’s, and Alondra’s - providing nourishment, education, and hope right in their own backyard, where our school resides. Together, we are building a stronger community, one family and one child at a time.
