POSTED November 30, 2020
How we’re finding strength to overcome tragedy in Nicaragua
What I’m seeing and how Children Believe is helping Nicaraguan program communities following the landfall of two hurricanes
By Keysi García, Children Believe, Nicaragua, volunteer
All of us who have witnessed the tragedy plaguing Nicaragua stand in solidarity with the victims and want to be part of the relief.
Nicaragua was hit by two powerful hurricanes in the first two weeks of November. Hurricanes Eta and Iota, which impacted the country on a scale of 4 and 5, respectively, completely devastated communities and left the most vulnerable families in uncertainty.
In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, some Nicaraguans had to overcome the loss of their family members due to the severe damage caused by the second hurricane, the most lethal for the country and the strongest registered in the last 40 years.
Sadly, at least 18 people, including children, were killed by Iota’s fury. Nearly 124,000+ homes have been partially damaged or destroyed nationwide, approximately 700,000 children in the country are without a home and 275 families in our program areas are affected.
Homes, belongings, communities and livelihoods are either gone or completely destroyed.
However, despite the dire circumstances, I have been surprised and proud to see the strong motivation of Nicaraguans to support the victims.
Collective help is being directed through state institutions and organizations working in the communities, including from Children Believe, which continues to monitor and attend to the needs of affected families, many of whom need food, medicine, hygiene products, mosquito nets, warm clothing, clean water and more.
We’re keeping in contact with the families we help, monitoring their safety and working with local partners to coordinate assistance as funds are diverted to provide aid. Community leaders in our program areas are also stepping up to provide support and ensure their neighbours are safe.
Although there is no official data yet on the damage and loss caused by Eta and Iota, the affected communities require our continued support.
ABOUT CHILDREN BELIEVE:
Children Believe works globally to empower children to dream fearlessly, stand up for what they believe in — and be heard. For 60 years, we’ve brought together brave young dreamers, caring supporters and partners, and unabashed idealists. Together, we’re driven by a common belief: creating access to education — inside and outside of classrooms — is the most powerful tool children can use to change their world.
About ChildFund Alliance:
A member of ChildFund Alliance, Children Believe is part of a global network of child-focused development organizations working to create opportunities for children and youth, their families and communities. ChildFund helps nearly 23-million children and their families in 70 countries overcome poverty and underlying conditions that prevent children from achieving their full potential. We work to end violence against children; provide expertise in emergencies and disasters to ease the harmful impact on children and their communities; and engage children and youth to create lasting change and elevate their voices in decisions that affect their lives.
