Soldotna Rotary Plans International Literacy Project

The dump in Ciudad Sandino is a place of desperation.  A community, which began sixteen years ago, was formed in response to the busing of families due to relocation efforts because of many floods, hurricanes, and such throughout the country of Nicaragua.  The Ciudad Sandino Dump community has evolved.  Many survive by picking through the trash that is dumped.  There, they find today’s food and clothes.  They also pick thru trying to find plastic, metal or glass to sell for recyclables.  Every day, they work.  Every day, they struggle to survive.  They learn at a very young age that everyone must play a part.  From a very young age, the children quit school both due to the inability to buy school supplies and uniforms along with the need to assist the family picking through the trash.   There is a high illiteracy rate along with a high teenage pregnancy. 

 

In February 2013, Project H.O.P.E. along with the help from Convoy of Hope food distributions, began a feeding program to assist the families in feeding the children in the area.  Initially, this program began in partnership with the concept to provide food but quickly the other needs surfaced.  A safe place for the children to play, educational activities, tutoring and literacy for adults were just a few.  In October 2013, the Center of Hope was built to provide a physical building to house the evolving program.  Today, the Center opens daily and provides safe, educational activities for the community along with employment for four people in the community.  Last year, as a donation from the Soldotna Rotary Club, computers (Rotary, “Network in a box” computer project, 8 computers’ and all the equipment needed) were obtained increasing the opportunities at the Center.  In addition to computer and English classes, vocational classes to include sewing, cooking, pottery and jewelry making also are offered.  

 

Due to the increased activities and future development of daily tutoring for school age and literacy classes for the adults and teenagers, an additional classroom is being requested to continue to provide educational assistance.  The room will be used for literacy for adults along with computer skills and vocational advisement.