CURRENT PROJECTS
Scholarships and Apprenticeship Programs for Casa Jacinta Graduates
Prescolar Abuelita Carmen - Rural Preschool
Carpentry Apprenticeship Program for high risk youth and hearing impaired students
Las Esperanzas Vocational and Educational Program for Impoverished Adolescent Girls
Scholarship Program for Graduates of Casa Jacinta, home for abandoned youth
Our focus is to make lasting changes in the lives of the children and adolescents we serve. We are building a bigger scholarship program, giving priority to graduates of Casa Jacinta, a shelter for abandoned youth in Leon.
In 2008, the Nicaraguan government shifted its child protective policies to emphasize family reunification and less reliance on shelters like Casa Jacinta. The government reclassified the home as a temporary shelter for children and adolescents in crisis or who cannot be placed with a family member or caretaker.
Continued support through NCFC scholarships
Casa Jacinta is still home to five older boys who are attending academic and technical high schools with NCFC scholarships. Two other former Casa Jacinta residents, including a 17-year-old girl, are living with extended family in Leon. These students once found shelter at Casa Jacinta after being abandoned by their families.
NCFC is making the dream of a high school education a reality for them and we have become their extended family. NCFC’s support covers tuition, special tutors, school materials, school athletic costs, computer expenses and uniforms. NCFC’s vocational counselor is a “surrogate parent”, and stays on top of the students’ academic progress and emotional needs. These six boys and girl have grown into healthy, hard-working high school students and athletes. NCFC looks forward to the graduation of seven students from high school and vocational training schools over the next four years!
Twelve former Casa Jacinta students attend Hogar San Cristobal, a wonderful residential and educational program in Managua operated by Pan y Amor Foundation, a Nicaraguan and American non-profit organization. NCFC supports Pan y Amor with a yearly donation to cover expenses of former residents of Casa Jacinta.
