UNIDOS Nicaragua
In 2004, Northshore adopted the city of Los Cedros, Nicaragua, and came alongside Eben Ezer Church to help address the tremendous economic and spiritual needs of the community, which is about 30 miles from the capitol city of Managua. Our shared vision is for the name of Jesus to be proclaimed throughout the area, for all the children of the area to grow up in good health and with a quality education, and for Nicaraguan nationals to do most of the work needed to make those things happen.
Since then, dozens of teams and hundreds of Northshore people have invested in this mission, transforming countless lives both here and in Los Cedros and building a relationship that cuts across cultural lines and will last into eternity.
The largest single project has been the expansion and support of Escuela Havila (Havila School), which was founded by Eben Ezer Church to serve the poorest of the poor in their community. When we first partnered with Eben Ezer, the school was operating in a single room in the church building and serving about 30 preschool students. Today, Havila School occupies several acres and serves about 175 students ranging from preschool through sixth grade.
Northshore teams have also been involved in medical clinics, children’s camps, youth ministry, music ministry, housing construction and repairs, women’s conferences, men’s conferences, and economic development.
In 2008, Northshore established UNIDOS Nicaragua to oversee and shape the ongoing ministry. UNIDOS Nicaragua is a non-profit organization recognized in both the United States and Nicaragua that works in coordination with the Northshore global missions department, administers the Sponsor a Student program, and holds the ministry’s Nicaraguan assets.
We continue to send several short-term missions teams to Los Cedros every year with a wide range of ministry objectives. In addition to our ongoing support of Havila School, we also support Eben Ezer’s efforts to plant churches in neighboring communities.
Sponsor a Student
Havila School is named after the land in Eden where gold and precious stones were found. The school, which complies with the curriculum of the Nicaraguan Department of Education, is operated through a partnership between UNIDOS Nicaragua and Eben Ezer Church.
By sponsoring a child at Havila School, you are helping children of poor families who cannot afford the minimal costs of their local public school. For many, sponsorship means a child can stay in school instead of being pressed into low-wage labor at a young age.
Almost all of Havila School’s funding comes from sponsors like you. Your financial support will help pay the teachers and staff, procure books and supplies, operate and maintain the facilities, and fund a school lunch program. Students receive lunch at school, and for some this is the only meal they will eat that day. In addition, the students’ basic health is monitored by teachers and visiting health care professionals, and the students learn about hygiene and maintaining personal health.
Each sponsor is assigned to an individual student, and that student is yours alone. You will receive updates from and pictures of your student, and you will have several opportunities during the year to write to your student and send photos. Letters are translated by the Sponsor a Student team.
The financial commitment to sponsoring a student at Havila School for the 2012 school year is as follows:
- $30 monthly
- $90 quarterly
- $360 yearly
All donations go directly to the support of Havila School and its programs. The Sponsor a Student program is operated by volunteers who have a heart for the people of Los Cedros.
For more information on how to sponsor a student or make a one-time gift, please visit the UNIDOS Nicaragua web site or e-mail Tom and Kay Simpson.
