Nicaragua - Women and Children First

Serving women and children in Nicaragua through love with mercy and grace and with the hope that all will come to know Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.

Nicaraguan women and children are utimately the victims of the poor economic conditions.  Only 36 % of the women are economically active and often earn less pay than men in the same job.  Un-wed pregancies are common with 52% of the women giving birth by age 20.  Domestic violence and actions of violence against women are widespread.  Children often suffer malnutrition and infectious diseases.  The average Nicaraguan has completed less than 5 years schooling.  Almost 30% of children aged 3-12 remain outside the formal education system.  Only 67 % of those over the age of 15 can read and write.

Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  Earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanic eruptions, and forest fires occur frequently, often with devastating impact.  For the nearly 6 million population, poverty, hunger, and the need for healthcare can cause daily struggles.  Income levels are now lower than those of the 1960's.  An estimated 75% of the population live on less than $2 per day. Nearly 65% of the workforce is unemployed or underemployed.

The goal to improve the quality of life for the people in Nicaragua to a level similar to other Central American countries is one that will not come easily or quickly.  The problems are so immense. But we can certainly help those in need today by sharing the love of Christ with encouragement and assistance to the women and children of Nicaragua.