My Nonprofit Reviews

I have been to Nicaragua 4 times since 2005 and have observed the oustanding work that Cantera does. This is an amazing organization! "Friends of Cantera" is an organization in the US that supports the work in Nicaragua by Cantera. They begin working with your people of pre-school age in inner city barrios. Many of those children are still in the program in their teens and early 20's, helping to train the next generation of younger children. The many programs that Cantera operates on a limited budget is mind boggling! They help farmers in rural areas; created a bee-keeping cooperative among women to raise funds by selling honey; provide access to text books for school children (schools are free in Nica but the text books are not); teach classes in art, music, folk dance, karate & other activities to keep teens out of gangs; provide scholarships for promising students to take university level courses; foster a concern for the environment among their participants in order to help protect the natural beauty in Nica. The concept of gender equality runs through all of the programs, beginning with their youngest participants, so that the plight of girls and women is better. Perhaps best of all is that they work to develop the SPIRITUAL SIDE of their participants, so that they come to believe in themselves and are willing to create a better life for themselves; come to respect themselves and other people; have hope in their abilities. Cantera intentionally chooses to work among the poorest people in Nica, and helps to realize what they dream of for their communities and families...and then they help equip them with the tools to achieve these goals. They have received some grants from foreign countries but as international funds dry up, the Friends of Cantera in the US are working hard to keep their programs fully operational. Many people in the US and in Nicaragua volunteer their services with this organization because it touches the heart and soul of people in a unique way.

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