Community Pride

Nicaraguans are proud people; they have great pride in their country. However, it is amazing how they often assume someone else will resolve the problems that have been holding their great country back from progress.

One of NICA's primary goals is to show that each of us are responsible for the street we live on, the community we live in, the country we live in, and ultimately, our world. NICA started this campaign by working with school children to get them to clean up the streets of the community to earn book bags and school uniforms. This crusade has evolved to include adults and children alike.

After parents saw that NICA would deliver high-quality merchandise, many adults started submitting requests for aid of some type. They wanted a chance to earn something too.

Because of the overwhelming interest, NICA started the Individual Aid Program to answer requests for aid. Ultimately, NICA has created and maintained nearly 100 jobs in the town since January 2007. People line up for the chance to clean the streets, the coast, the health center, the school and the public well, to teach folklore dance, and to plant trees along the sides of the streets. In return, they earn various types of building supplies, medical supplies, and school supplies.

Townspeople line up because there are no jobs and people have needs. NICA pays them after the contract for work has expired and they have completed their end of the bargain. The people of El Tránsito get a clean community, and a chance to earn needed supplies. It is a win/win situation for the town.

One sign of progress: El Tránsito was recently acknowledged as one of the cleanest towns in Nagarote, the municipality that governs the town.

In you are interested to find out more about what we are improving community pride in El Tránsito, please contact us.