Nicaragua

Our support is largely focused on strengthening and promoting the rights of women and workers, and the Miskito communities on the Atlantic coast.

Challenges

With almost 30% of its population living in poverty (on less than $2 per day), Nicaragua ranks as one of the poorest countries on the American continent. An additional 8% of Nicaraguans find themselves in worse conditions, living in extreme poverty (surviving on less than $1.25). The greatest victims of these conditions are Nicaragua’s youth, whose education, health, and social integration suffer as a result. Approximately 50% of youth and adoloscents in Nicaraguan live in poverty.

According to a 2012 report published by UNICEF, only 48% of youth will successfully graduate from primary school. In addition, the report mentions that 500,000 youth and adolescents between the ages of 3 and 17 are not registered in the educational system at all. Education and support for youth and adolescents, continues to be a difficult problem for Nicaragua.

Poverty Levels in Nicaragua

What We Do

Horizons has partnered with Nicaraguan grassroots organizations since 1980, when the country began a process of reconstruction following the Somoza dictatorship. Since then, our support has focused largely on strengthening the co-op movement, promoting the rights of women and maquila workers, providing opportunities to youth, and working with Miskitu community on the Atlantic coast. Additionally, Horizons and its partners in Nicaragua work to:

  • Promote food security, agricultural cooperatives, and micro-credits,

  • Support basic education and healthcare,

  • Defend Indigenous, youth, and rural communities,

  • Empower youth and women – particularly maquila workers rights in the workplace, and combat gender-violence.