Nicaragua has about 5.4 million people living in a country slightly smaller than the state of New York. Half of the population is under 16 years of age. It is a rich exporter of coffee, shrimp, lobster, tobacco and cotton. 80% of its population lives below the poverty line. Only Haiti and Guatemala are poorer countries in this hemisphere. About 49.5% of Nicaraguan’s earn less than a dollar (U.S.) per day. Women head 34% of the homes. Half of school aged children do not (cannot) attend class. More than half the deaths of children under four are caused by preventable diseases (diarrhea, pneumonia, malnutrition etc).

Feeding Project

More than 600 babies and children aged 6 months to 6 years are served QPM porridge with pinches of barley malt that will allow them to absorb protein and double caloric intake. Mothers receive education in proper health, nutrition and sanitation practices. They also receive loans to cultivate QPM seed to benefit the entire family.

Want to help? Check out this 1-page flyer on Self-Help's effort to build a daycare in San Carlos, Nicaragua.