Background

Poverty is hunger. Poverty is lack of shelter. Poverty is being sick and not being able to see a doctor or purchase medication. Poverty is not being able to go to school, or having a job, its fear for the future, living one day at a time. Poverty is losing a child to illness brought about by unclean water or sanitation. Poverty is powerlessness, suppression, lack of representation and isolation. It is the most horrible suffering in the world! Mahatma Gandhi said “Poverty is the worse form of violence”. The UN reports that over 940 million people (almost one-sixth of the world’s population) live in abject poverty!

San Juan Del Sur is a small coastal community located in southwestern Nicaragua. Estimate coordinates are 11`15.14 N and 85`52.54W. If you look at a map you will find San Juan Del Sur on the West Coast, near the border between Nicaragua and Costa Rica.

The primary industry remains to be fishing and farming. Fish stocks have been in decline during the past few years resulting in the closure of the only fish plant. Low production and high prices have affected the fishing industry. Subsistent farming is also prevalent in the region. Farmers work small plots of land and sell their harvests to the local markets. Chief crops include frijoles, plantains and corn. The surrounding land is steep and unforgiving. Unlike larger more sophisticated fincas (farms) where water is supplied by pipelines, subsistence farmers are strictly dependent on Mother Nature’s temperament. Recent efforts have been made to develop a tourist based economy in hopes of attracting foreign investment to the region to help offset the decline in the other limited resources.

 For more information contact Eric Blackburn

eblackb@earthlink.net CDN: 250-919-4095 (604-831-8567) USA: 949-374-0803 NICA: 011-505-668-1501 NICA WKF Directora: Sandra Lorena Garth NICA Phone: 011-505-640-6252 Contributions may be made by Cheque or On Line In Canada: In the U.S.A: World Kids Foundation 120-C 17th. Ave. South Cranbrook BC    Canada V1C 3A5 World Kids Foundation PO Box 839 Dana Point, CA    92629 Because We Care With Vision and Action