http://www.solentiname.org

The mission of The Solentiname Beca (scholarship) Fund is to encourage and assist students from Solentiname by providing them with financial support, as well as counseling and tutoring to help them graduate from University. Actually the program starts with Leer Solentiname in preschool and primary school. You will notice that each of our students from the time their join their first class in Leer have a student ID. This ID is their name and the year that they will graduate from University. We want students to believe that University is a viable option, that this goal is within their reach, and that there are people who want to help them sculpt their own vision of success and accomplishment.

This self-confidence will transfer to their lives as students realize they are capable of anything they put their minds to. Every month, each student pays C$100 to attend the intensive week of CPU, which is completely dedicated to their scholarship fund. They are creating a savings account for their scholarships. In the beginning we thought that it was enough to get them admitted to University, but soon we learned the real challenge was preparing students for graduation from University. It was not just the academic skills, but also the soft social problem solving skills, especially when we have to use them in a new place away from home. One of our staff visits students at University at least once every two months. Again, they need to know they are not alone.

It started with one student in 2007, then two more in 2009 and now we have 11 students in daily University, 9 in distancia, 22 in CPU, 45 in Sbatinos, and over 200 in Leer. It may be the best program we have created, but we need your long term help to provide opportunities for their development. Education empowers people to break the cycle of poverty.

Annual sponsorship of students:

• Daily Univeristy Student, generally in Leon, Managua, or Juilgulpa: $50.00 month, $600.00 year.
• Distancia University Student: $35.00 month. $420.00 year.
• CPU Student; $25.00 a month; $300.00 per year.
• Sponsor BiblioBote for $250.00 a month.

We encourage you to learn about this program and to participate as sponsors. Once students join the program, they are expected to maintain their academic level, act as a mentor to younger students, and participate in community service projects. It isn’t a free ride; all students, even the primary school students of Leer are also required to participate in community service projects.  This year, the projects include starting a garden at an elementary school, planting fruit trees, collecting trash, maintaining the local park, visiting older residents who are shut-in, and raising funds by hosting an Arts Festival for Solentiname.

As you read their profiles, you will see that most of our students are willing to leave Solentiname to get their education, but they are planning to come back home to give back to their community. Our recent graduates, Evert2012 and Oli2011 are living and working in Solentiname. It is a unique connection with home.

100% of all donations received in the Scholarship Fund are dedicated entirely for scholarships.

While funds are pooled together for that group of students, we hope that you will be able to create a personal connection with one of these students to show that "we care" about their future. It’s a tangible and measured way to support the future of Solentiname, with some great rewards!

We want to thank you for your interest, financial support and most of all, your solidarity with our community. Education is the bridge out of poverty and these students are doing their part to take advantage of the opportunity. Together, all of us working together can provide the tools and resources these young people need to attain their dreams.

For more information, please contact us.