Urania, a student in JustHope’s University Scholarship program, has completed her coursework in Education and is on the cusp of receiving her degree. She is writing her thesis, and after she defends it, her university work will be complete.

In October, JustHope provided funds for the "Food Bonus for families in extreme poverty" project of ACOPADES, our partners in Chacraseca, which has seen increasing hunger due to the pandemic, increasing costs, the war in Ukraine, and hurricane damage to crops.

Through new English enrichment classes at the Chacraseca Cultural Center, Patricia gives back to the community and programs that formed her.

This is the third year in a row that teachers from our partner community of Chacraseca have won best-teacher contests sponsored by the Ministry of Education.

Fifteen women in La Flor recently completed a class in sewing, sponsored by the municipality of San Ramón which provided the teacher and sewing machines for the duration of the course. With these new skills, the women are in a position to contribute even more to their household economy.

From a very young age, Rodolfo watched the doctors and nurses in his community and how residents waited in long lines to receive medical treatment. Now he is a nurse working in that same clinic.

Dr. Escobar was excited to receive a large donation of speculums from JustHope. She is so thankful for JustHope's work and support in providing the speculums that will help with the detection of cervical cancer among women. She says, "The prevention of cervical cancer is in our hands and we can make many patients happy."

Celebrating the indigenous people of Nicaragua and Tulsa.

Torrential rains in La Flor cause damage to staple crops and infrastructure.

An encounter between three individuals encapsulates JustHope’s approach: Recognizing that all parties have important contributions to make in a partnership.

On September 15, Nicaragua celebrates its independence from the Spanish Empire in 1821. Children in La Flor and across the country help their communities celebrate and remember the legacy of their ancestors.

Each September, huge celebrations surround the feast day of the patron saint of León, Nuestra Señora de las Mercedes ("Our Lady of Mercy") also known as the Virgen de la Merced.

The women who are involved in the La Flor microcredit program continue to strengthen their small businesses. They have faced many difficult situations over past few years, but they move forward in supporting their families through their business.

The fritillary butterfly spans national boundaries, linking Nicaragua and the United States — not unlike JustHope's PartnerTrip program.

The Model Farm's yuca (a.k.a. "cassava") crop has been harvested. The profit from the sale was excellent and will help support the Chacraseca community.

Maintaining the road to La Flor is a community project for young and old alike.

Partners in the U.S. help alleviate hunger in Nicaragua, because an empathy of Solidarity includes a decision to act.

After suffering a injury that required substantial medical attention, Freddy says, "I don’t know what would have happened without the generosity of the people and friends... and the solidarity of JustHope and ACOPADES."

Maria Anielka looks forward to putting her Marketing education to use in her community.

Students in La Flor receive "a lot of encouragement to continue studying."

Access to a school printer: a small thing that makes a huge difference in the lives of Chacraseca's teachers and students.

As the pandemic lingers on worldwide, La Flor reports that 94% of families have been vaccinated.

Elba Delgado couldn't imagine what impact the new microcredit program would have or the ways that women would come together to support each other. But over the next decade, it became clear that Women United are women with power.

Norvin found that Economics is the perfect marriage of his passions: human behavior and mathematics. JustHope's University Scholarship Program is helping him pursue those passions.

May 30 is Mother's Day in Nicaragua, and the newly formed youth music group at the Cultural Center gave a performance in honor of mothers.

Several lean years have given way to an historically big harvest with record profits for La Flor's coffee growers, like Donaldo.

The patron saint of farmers is celebrated in a big way in the agricultural community of Chacraseca every May. This story includes a short video of the parade and celebration.

With health, time-saving, and financial benefits, "green stoves" are "best standard of living that women have."

Angelica is a pharmacy student supported by JustHope's university scholarship program.

In a community full of culture and folklore, Candida and her family are alchemists, transforming mud into beautiful art.

By raising pigs and growing corn made possible by the Microcredit Program, Sonia has become "a woman who has reached her dreams and will reach many more."

Make your own rosquillas, an Easter tradition from La Flor.

The farmers of La Flor harvest the beans that will sustain their families.

With knowledge in her head, skills in her hands, and a diploma on her wall, Flor can now fulfill her dream.

Nimia puts her entrepreneurial skills to good use by opening a store to fill the need in her community.

A new cohort of youth forms at the Cultural Center with a new name "Proyecto 22."

Scarleth's tenacity and JustHope's support have together enabled her to complete her degree against the odds.

Rosa Ojeda, a dedicated community leader in Chacraseca and shaper of JustHope, died last week. JustHope Founder Leslie Penrose remembers the important role that Rosa played in making JustHope the organization that it has become.

Chacraseca, one of JustHope's two main partner communities, is a sprawling agricultural area covering about 30 square miles (76 sq km) just to the east of the city of León. Since we often refer to Chacraseca's 12 Sectors, we wanted to offer some background on how Chacraseca and its sectors developed and got their names.

The triplets in La Flor are doing well, and have a new house.

Jesus Guido was a leader in his community working tirelessly to fulfill his dreams and inspiring other leaders.

José and Luz were dance students at the Cultural Center. Now, they help preserve Nicaraguan identity as the dance teachers.

Yesica studies Marketing and Publicity at UNAN-León with support from JustHope's university scholarship program.

The Ramirez-Lainez Family recently moved into their new house: "This new house is making a difference because now I feel safer."

The women of the Stitching Hope fabric art and sewing cooperative have new hope in the midst of struggle.

Patricia has wanted to be a musician for years. Her tenacity and the Cultural Center is making it possible.

Claribel and her family's lives have changed thanks to running water in their house.

Iliana maintains a hope that will not be deterred in the face of hardship. She says, "There is no impossible dream, you just have to make it come true."

Lesbia is a hard-working wife, mother, grandmother, and leader for Chacraseca, the community where she lives and where she was born. She says, "The satisfaction of being a leader is working hand by hand with my community."

Ilce, a teacher in Chacraseca, talks about the struggles of teaching during the pandemic and what she holds dear from JustHope's cultural exchange trips.

Dr. Sampson improves his quality of care with a new air compressor.

Cooking with Martha

Martha shares the benefits of "green" stoves and her recipes for gallo pinto and tortillas.

Student Profile: Geycil

Geycil is a 3rd year nursing student, juggling family, work, and school.

Nicolás's Coffee: "Growing, Improving and Being Better Each Day"

Nicolás tends his coffee plantation, focusing on "growing, improving and being better each day."

COVID vaccine campaign runs at the clinic in Chacraseca for 2 days.

The 2021 Wine for Water fundraiser was an incredible success, thanks to your efforts.

The youth at the Cultural Center wrote a song to help bind the community together.

Urania Pérez loves doing labs as she studies Natural Science at university.

Come celebrate with us this Thursday eveing at Wine for Water 2021: Building Tomorrow Together.

The Wine for Water auction in now open for bids: Don't miss your chance!

Geissell uses her microloan to raise livestock both large and tiny.

Abi and Lynne show how collaboration works for teaching music across borders.

I am Saraí de Los Ángeles Cajina Romero, and I am 8 years old. I am in 2nd grade and I am from a small sector in the community of Chacraseca called La Concepción. JustHope's backpack scholarships are important to me because...

Elba, our Social Enterprise Coordinator, witnessed this act of kindness on the flooded roads of Chacraseca. “It was dangerous,” she says, because the water was deep. “But it was beautiful… a small act filled with kindness and solidarity.”

Maria prayed every day for a house and never gave up. Now, she and her husband and boys have a new home.

Wine for Water 2021: Building Tomorrow Together

Register now for Wine for Water 2021: Building Tomorrow Together.

Stitching Hope and Quinceañera

The women's sewing collective, Stitching Hope, takes on a variety of projects, including making quinceañera dresses.

On the Farm

On the Model Farm, a field has just been planted with yuca. No, not "yucca". Yuca! Also known as cassava. Find out more about this tropical staple.

Valeria

Valeria is a recent graduate with a degree in medical technology and is eager to put her knowledge and skills to work supporting her family and community in Chacraseca.

Nimia's House

Last November, when a pair of hurricanes hit Chacraseca within two weeks of each other, Nimia’s house was flooded beyond repair. Learn about how her enterprising work is building her new home.

Maria's First Loan

When faced with the prospect of signing for a loan, Maria Cristina Lopez had a problem...

Quick News is JustHope's new weekly news tidbit. In this inaugural issue, you can learn about how JustHope has supported a family from La Flor who welcomed triplets born this spring.