Escuela Vida Nueva (New Life School)
Academic and vocational training for street kids
“Escuela Vida Nueva (New Life School) provides a safe alternative to the streets.”
The colonial city of Granada is often the first attraction for tourists visiting Nicaragua. Rich with five centuries of history and a bustling international expat community, the city pulses with life and character. But dangers and traps lurk in the shadows, especially for adolescent Nicaraguan boys who find themselves outside the system. Begging, crime, and addiction are staples of a hard life on the streets, sometimes without hope of escape. Escuela Vida Nueva (New Life School) provides a safe alternative to the streets, and an opportunity to obtain an academic and vocational education.
Academia de Beisbol y Sofbol (Baseball and Softball Academy)
Extracurricular sports are incentives for educational goals
“Tipitapa is home to an innovative sports program, the Academia de Beisbol y Sofbol.”
Located just 30 minutes from the capital city of Managua, Tipitapa is home to an innovative sports program, the Academia de Beisbol y Sofbol. The boys are coached by a former Nicaraguan professional baseball player and the girls team is organized by a local librarian with a passion for girls’ empowerment. Players must maintain good attendance and submit quality work in class, as well as serve in various community service projects. In return they receive coaching, life skills, and the opportunity to play in national and international tournaments. It is a remarkable alternative for many teens who would otherwise quit school for an early and unstable life of labor.
Letter Exchange
Cross-cultural letters, a new era pen pal program
“A letter exchange was born.”
After seeing a presentation about the living conditions in the Cristo Rey community, Jennifer Wilson, a third grade teacher from Renton, WA, asked Go For Hope to take hand-written letters from her students to the kids at Escuela Cristo Rey. The students in Nicaragua reciprocated, and a letter exchange was born. Letter-buddies learn about each other’s school, family and friends. Our program encourages students to broaden their horizons, think globally, and value differences.