Earlier this month I visited our Pathway to Change program in Nicaragua alongside Hand in Hand board members and staff. It was amazing to meet the students and staff there, to see the grandeur of Nicaragua, and to be reminded that life is more beautiful when we step outside of ourselves to see others, listen to others, and learn from others. The world is too big and full of wonder not to get out there and experience it.
One of the many highlights was interacting with the students and staff at our Education Center. We played games, cooked Nicaraguan food, read books, and made crafts. Even though there was a language barrier, we shared a lot of laughter and joy. It reminded me once again that love and care for one another transcends language and culture, and that the barriers and differences we experience can be overcome when we engage with an open mind to listen and learn from those around us. I am convinced this is the best way to live. My life has been enriched with every opportunity I’ve had to step away from my world and enter someone else’s. I encourage you to make that choice for yourself in 2025, however, that might look for you.
Max is an 8-year-old boy in our Nicaragua program who speaks near-perfect English. He is a truly incredible kid, full of light and joyful energy. We played Jenga and shared a strong bond in the few moments we spent together. I don’t think I will ever be able to forget Max’s smile. I met his mom and his younger brother. They are both just as gentle and kind as Max. It was an honor to visit with them and have the opportunity to see their world and learn from their lives.
Mauro is a young man who graduated from our program, attended college and is now head of operations for a large law firm. Mauro is a joy to be around, always looking for an opportunity to crack a joke and bring a smile to others. Though he started our program as a small child, he is now in his mid-twenties and is planning his future as an adult. Mauro is currently building his own home on a picturesque plot of land and was so proud to show us around the worksite.
Max and Mauro represent both ends of the spectrum. Max is just starting in our program and has his whole life ahead of him. Pathway to Change will ensure Max stays in school and has the resources to build the life he wants for himself and his family. Our program will ensure Max has the holistic support he needs while he progresses in his studies. Mauro has officially completed our program, but he will always be a part of the Hand in Hand community. He has a bright future because of his own hard work, but also because of the many doors that have been opened for him through the support of our organization in Nicaragua. Our program provided Mauro the opportunity to stay in school and earn a degree, opportunities that Mauro would not have been afforded otherwise. Our Pathway to Change Program continues to flourish in its mission of developing young people into adults who are emotionally, physically, spiritually, and financially successful. None of this would be possible without the generous support of Hand in Hand from donors like you.
Your support of Hand in Hand helps to accomplish our mission within each of our programs, “to bring people together to instill hope in one another as we meet the housing, education, and health care needs of the economically vulnerable.” I was inspired to see that mission firsthand in Nicaragua and through the lens of Max and Mauro.
Always hopeful,
Luke Chase, Incoming Executive Director
