Bayardo hard at work
© Wilf Whitty
Over half of Nicaragua’s population is under 16, a third of whom receive no schooling.
With CEPAD, Amos chose a small project to commit to in the long term- the Avocado Tree School in the town of La Concepcion (‘La Concha’). This rural town 30 miles outside Managua had been dependant on the coffee harvest. As the international price paid to coffee growers plummeted the towns economy was ruined leaving 85% of its 50,000 population unemployed.
The Avocado Tree School was set up with a commitment to supporting children who could not otherwise afford to go to school. The classes start at kindergarten and go through primary and secondary school – with infants and primary classes in the morning and secondary school classes in the afternoon. The stable school life these children now enjoy is just as important for their health as it is for their future prospects.
There is no financial support available from the government for the school and Amos therefore seeks to support the salaries of the 22 staff involved. As a result of our support 415 children are now enrolled, most of whom receive a free or heavily subsidised place. We also seek to provide the school with support toward their structural and maintenance needs.
Despite severe financial shortfalls, the highly dedicated teaching team continue to develop the facilities and the education offered to these children. As long as Nicaragua remains the second poorest country in the western hemisphere we will continue to work with the Avocado Tree School to create hope and opportunity for the children of ‘La Concha’.
To support the Avocado Tree School, click here Why not visit the beautiful country of Nicaragua with Amos Trust, click here for more information about our trips
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