Juana, a single mother, knows what it’s like to live vulnerable on the margins of society.

“I grew up in this community and started my household here, but my partner left me when my daughters were little. I have been mother and father to them. I raised them while I worked in the fields. My middle daughter became pregnant, and she and her partner didn’t care for the child. My grandson suffered a very serious fever at 1 year old, which left him disabled. He can’t walk or talk, so I needed to help my daughter. While she worked, I would take care of him. 

He also suffers from Asthma, and has had several very serious attacks, which have left. him unable to breathe. Sometimes, he can’t breathe for so long that his heart stops, and he’s ‘died’ on various occasions. We keep fighting for him, and thanks be to God, he is still with us. Unfortunately, his mother died a year ago, so now the child is in my care.”

When CEPAD started working in Juana’s community, she was intrigued by the Family Gardening Program. She cleared enough space in her yard to be able to join, and was allowed to participate.

“The program provided me with seeds for tomatoes, peppers, onions, cabbage, cucumber, and squash. I am able to save so much money from not having to buy vegetables. I used to have to spend 50-100 Cordobas ($1.20 – $2.75) each week to buy produce, but now I can just go to my garden and cut what I need – pepper and onion for the rice, and tomatoes and radish for my salads.”

While a small garden may not seem like much, it is everything for Juana. She no longer has to spend money or time traveling to the closest market to purchase produce, and she is able to spend more time at home taking care of her grandson. As her garden continues to grow and flourish, she can even sell excess produce to supplement her family’s income.

Thanks to generous donors like YOU, Juana is able to work hard to sustain herself and her family. CEPAD’s workshops also provide a space for Juana to meet others in her community and build valuable relationships. While she still lives with many difficulties, she is no longer marginalized.

To help more vulnerable women in rural Nicaragua, join us here.