Ashly, Yessis, and Daríl are your average 17 and 18-year-olds living in rural Nicaragua. They faced great challenges due to poverty but have improved their lives and their future thanks to you.

All three have been very involved in CEPAD’s youth leadership development program, where they learn about and discuss the social needs in their community, Las Huertas, and how to face these challenges.

Ashly, Yessis, and Daríl have learned how to reach out to other kids and teens in their communities through fun activities like playing sports to get others involved and create a safe environment to talk about these challenges. Their work aids in conflict resolution and prevention of violence within families. The cases that require more professional help can be referred to other organizations that CEPAD works within their region.

All three serve as good role models for other youth in their village as they are all first generation high school graduates. They are now attending university in León and are studying psychology (Ashly), cardiology (Yessis), and architecture (Daríl).

Ashly, Yessis, and Daríl are so appreciative of what you have made possible in their village and their lives.

“I can only say thank you – You’ve invested in us as youth to help future generations. CEPAD has been the best organization that has come to our community, because what they teach is so important. Thank you so much for your support.” -Yessis

“I saw the need in my community and said, ‘I want to be part of this’, but after a while, I fell in love with psychology. I’ve decided to study it in university because I’m so passionate about it.” -Ashly

Thank you for being the agent of change in Las Huertas. You have provided hope, growth, and opportunity where there wasn’t any before.