GO Fund Student Homes in Nicaragua.

For years we had worked with orphanage organizations which invested in young children, abandoned, abused, and neglected. After many years of seeing these children receive large amounts of attention by well intentioned foreigners, buying clothing, bringing gifts, and taking kids out on group activities, we had an epiphany moment. For every child we took to the pool for a swim day, or the beach, there were many others "outside the fence" looking in, dreaming what it would be like if it were them on the inside. This evolution of thought eventually led us in a new direction in early 2008.

The GO Fund's flagship program in Nicaragua has become it's student homes. These homes provide educational opportunities to young adults finishing up High School, or entering Vocational Education or University.

We operate a home for young men called Casa Juan Marcos (House of John Mark) and a home for young ladies named Casa Esther (House of Esther). Each home has capacity for 8 students. Acceptance into either home is based on applicants level of poverty and motivation to study and achieve a higher standard of living for themselves and their families. Each student agrees to follow certain rules and take on responsibilities. They are required to maintain a full schedule filling their time in three basic areas: 1) Studies, 2) Be involved in spiritual development/church, and 3) Volunteerism. Once a student is accepted, they attend local schools where they will learn a trade or University degree and round out their studies learning computer skills and English language.

Our house Directors provide career counseling for the students. They also screen the applicants and provide guidance in their studies. In addition to a house directors, we also have a hired cook in each home. This allows the students to focus their time towards their goals. Students are required to participate in the upkeep and maintenance of the home, respect the other members, and do their chores in a timely manner.

We presently have students from as far as five hours north of Jinotepe, an hour to the west, east, and south. And even a couple from around Jinotepe proper.

For the participants in the student homes, this opportunity is most likely the only chance they would have to learn the skills required to escape poverty. Our hope is that through this program, these young people would set a new course for themselves, their families, and their communities. And that they would no longer be on the outside, looking in.


Over the next few weeks and months we will profile the students on our program. If you'd like to donate to this ministry please send your tax deductible donation to:
GO Fund, Inc.
PO Box 67 Bingen,
WA 98605

Photos:
Top - Julie in front of Casa Juan Marcos
Center - With Cook at CJM
Bottom - With Isabel at Casa Esther