Speaker for September 22 - Jeanette Berez

Jeanette Berez, Chief Administrator of Gocare, provided an update on the work being done  in Pantanal, near Granada, Nicaragua.  We began with an excellent high-quality video.  A number of people were interviewed for the video, including teachers, parents and some teens.

Their preschool not only provides schooling for the children, it allows the mother to work during this time.

They provide computer training to children, providing this essential training in the 21^st century.  English instruction is also available.  Vocational training is also of great importance.  We heard interviews from someone who learned bakery. Another learned to be a seamstress, so she can make clothes for her girls as well as for others.  Women are also trained to be beauticians.  In a country where some families only earn $1 per day, the vocational training can increase that to $4 per day and bring them into a much better situation.

Gocare built and maintains a Community Center.  This facility is used for family education, including family values and training to avoid domestic violence as well as for general meetings.  Over 400 people used the Center last month alone.

Scholarships are made as funds are available.  Recently they have received 10-15 applications each day.  One of Gocare’s goals is to double the number of scholarships given during this next year.

Microcredit loans are made on a unique basis.  A group of twenty people was allocated $3,000 and asked to design a program and determine rates.  Currently there are 37 loans.  Every month, everyone with a loan meets together, repays their loan, which is typically then immediately re-loaned.

Jan Lindsay was proud to note Jeanette has developed a model for how to work with other people and groups in Pantanal.

Gocare is a U.S. nonprofit corporation.  Their current budget is $120,000.  The Rotary Club of Ventura East currently provides $600 per month ongoing support for vocational training.  They have very recently become an official NGO under Nicaraguan law.  Among other benefits, Gocare will be able to avoid the 40% import tax, stretching their dollar much further.

More information can be found at www.gocarekids.org.

Thank you, Jeanette and Jan, for your update on Gocare and the wonderful work being done in Nicaragua.

Rocky Ludes