We’re Dreaming For The Next Five Years. Will You Join Us Under the Mango Tree?
A letter from Executive Director Damaris Albuquerque
CEPAD began as a dream under a mango tree. After 42 years and thousands of lives changed, we keep dreaming.
We dream of serving more communities each year. We dream of sharing our proven techniques with other organizations. We dream of upgrading our offices and delegation accommodations. We are in the process of strategic planning for the next five years, and as we reflect on the past and implement our vision for the future, I want to thank you for all you have done over the years to make so many dreams come true. We are able to do this work because of you, the churches, organizations and individuals who walk with us in partnership. Without your donations, visits and prayers in these many years CEPAD would not be here today.
We hope you remain committed to CEPAD so we can continue to provide the services, resources and support that propels communities forward. During strategic planning, we will evaluate our impact in the 43 communities we partnered with since 2009 and choose new communities for the next five years. These processes are critical for the communities and the staff.
Community leaders lead the way on evaluation and reflect on their achievements, challenges, and goals for the future. They evaluate CEPAD’s staff performance, from agricultural trainings to the value of meetings. Even though leaders in some communities wish CEPAD could continue there, they are excited that we will be able to work in nearby communities so they too can grow their economies and strengthen their infrastructure.
As we renew our mission and refine our programs, we are examining how CEPAD, Nicaragua and the world are changing. We have learned to adapt to war and peace, to the emergencies and day-to-day struggles of Nicaraguans. We’re also mindful of the funding challenges that may limit our ability to achieve as much as we hope. In the last five years, we have seen a steep drop in funding from international organizations that have pulled out of Central America. We also recognize that many of our partner churches and organizations were impacted by the international economic crisis.
I hope we can count on your support as we implement our new strategic plan. Your gift to CEPAD will mean someone receives materials and training from CEPAD who might not have otherwise. Every gift expands our ability to reach men, women and children throughout Nicaragua to give them a better chance of economic security, family stability and a more hopeful tomorrow. Consider giving today, whether to renew your support or give for the first time.
Thank you for making dreams come true.
