Programs

JustHope supports our Nicaraguan partner communities in the following programming areas.

Dental Hygiene

Even though totally preventable, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic diseases in Nicaragua. Understandably, rural areas have especially limited access to dental hygiene education and timely, thorough treatment of dental concerns. JustHope supports Chacraseca’s dentist, Dr. Sampson, on an on-going basis by providing dental supplies for use in the Chacraseca Clinic.

Green Stoves

woman stands by a concrete stove; two pots sit on top; ends of firewood poke out of a hole on the side

Green Stoves are a small investment that makes a big difference! That’s why JustHope has built eleven green stoves in our partner communities since January 2018.

Latrines

simple latrine or outhouse made of cinder block, metal roof, and metal door

Open defecation and improper sanitation are systemic problems in Nicaragua, which lead to around 300 childhood deaths each year (WaterAid, 2014). As the World Health Organization explains, “open defecation perpetuates a vicious cycle of disease and poverty.”

We are trying to break that cycle, one latrine at a time! JustHope and partners construct pit latrines for families and schools in our partner communities to ensure improved sanitation and a private place to “go.”

Tippy-Taps

School children gather around several large plastic bottles of water hung from a wooden crossbeam for hand washing.

Handwashing stations, also called Tippy-Taps, are a low-cost solution for schools that do not otherwise have a place for children to clean their hands during the school day. Fashioned from low-cost and readily found materials, they are easy to install and maintain.

Teacher Enrichment Program

Teachers in Chacraseca believe the greatest resource they have is themselves. Through the Teacher Enrichment Program, teachers receive supplemental trainings on requested subjects and learn innovative uses of teaching materials.

Subcategories

Social Enterprise Article Count: 7

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Accomplishments Projects

Creating jobs and opportunities for economic development is the primary way that JustHope lives into our mission of "combating extreme poverty." We believe that every person has a right to work, and our experience shows that meaningful work not only helps people meet basic needs, it increases one's sense of dignity.

JustHope’s Social Enterprise programs focus on creating a culture of entrepreneurship and innovation that cultivates inclusive and diversified economies in our partner communities. We do this primarily through supporting small business ventures and through microcredit lending banks.

In 2018, JustHope...

Maintained 14 microbanks, providing loans to 157 people.
Supported the Chacraseca Hardware Store in serving an average of 200 people per week.

...And the La Flor Community Store.
Kept the Stitching Hope Cooperative going, employing 5 women.
Sold Nicaraguan artisan goods, such as pottery by the Lopez Family and Stitching Hope items, at events in the U.S.