How One Organization is Leading Change in Rural Nicaragua
As you drive through the sun-soaked countryside of Nicaragua, the beauty of the landscape is contrasted sharply by the stark reality of poverty. Along paved roads and green fields, makeshift homes cobbled together from corrugated tin, weathered wood, and even black plastic sheets speak volumes about the daily challenges faced by many families here. For a visitor from a country like Canada, the contrast can be jarring.
A typical home
But amid these challenges, hope is rising—brick by brick, and story by story.
One such story belongs to Fatima, a spirited and determined woman who works as the gender facilitator for CEPROSI, a grassroots organization supported by the Kenoli Foundation. Fatima welcomed us recently to share something deeply personal and inspiring: her new home.
“I always dreamed of having a house with windows,” she said with a quiet smile. Until recently, she and her family lived in a home made entirely of corrugated tin. Now, thanks to a small loan and grant from CEPROSI, Fatima has constructed a sturdy house made of cement blocks. Though the window frames are currently just wooden sticks and the floor is still dirt, she beams with pride at the progress.
Ken entering Fatima’s home
A simple bathroom has already been built, and a kitchen is in the plans. Her husband did all the construction work himself, helping to stretch every dollar further. As Fatima expressed her gratitude to us, tears welled up in her eyes. “I am so thankful,” she said, her voice full of emotion.
Fatima showing her bathroom
But her story doesn’t stop at her front door. Fatima’s determination has become a beacon for her community. Her two sisters, who live nearby, have been so inspired by her progress that they’ve begun building better homes for their own families.
Fatima also introduced her daughter, Dalia, now 14 and full of life. But Dalia’s early years were difficult—she was frequently sick and severely malnourished. Fatima turned to CEPROSI, this time joining their nutrition program, where she learned how to make soya milk. It changed everything. “After that, Dalia began to thrive,” she said. Today, Dalia is a healthy, happy teenager with a bright future.
Fatima, Dalia and nice
Fatima’s story is just one of many. Across communities, women are transforming their lives—and the lives of their families—through the support and leadership of CEPROSI. These are not just stories of survival, but of strength, ingenuity, and resilience.
What may begin with a small loan or a nutrition lesson often becomes something much larger: a home, a healthy child, a legacy of empowerment.
In a place where hardship is common, Fatima is building more than just a house—she’s building hope.