Nicaragua

A 20-year civil war in Nicaragua has left thousands of innocent children without parents. Rev. Mario Aviles was instrumental in founding several children's homes hoping to create a haven for some of those left behind.

Hogar de Fe in Managua is not only an orphanage, but also serves as an elementary school, high school and vocational school. For the 53 children who live there, Hogar de Fe provides the education and guidance needed to become active and independent members of their community. Many of these children would have otherwise been lost had they continued to struggle for survival out on the streets.

Set in the middle of a lush rain forest in Nueva Guinea, 20 precious children enjoy the family-like environment found at Hogar el Reposo. Within these walls, an education, warm meals, clean water, medical attention and clean clothing are provided.

Because the great climate of Nueva Guinea allows for generous harvests of fruits and vegetables, children at the home learn how to grow them.

The children at both homes are taught at an early age to become self-sufficient through various life skills programs and vocational courses.

Through your generous donations, we can see the transformation of children that arrive in these homes from being hungry and malnourished to being top students and award-winning athletes with a goal in life.

Capitol - Managua

Size – 50,193 sq. mi.

Area Comparative – slightly smaller than the state of New York

Language - Spanish

Population – 5.6 million

Life Expectancy – 70.92

Annual Income/Person - $3000

Exports - coffee, beef, shrimp and lobster, tobacco, sugar, gold, peanuts

Religions - Roman Catholic 72.9%, Evangelical 15.1%, Moravian 1.5%, Episcopal 0.1%, other 1.9%, none 8.5% (1995 census)