“This garden is changing my family’s life.”
Those were the words of Mayra, a single mother of three from the rural community of Miraguas in Esquipulas, Nicaragua. For the past two years, Mayra has been participating in programs offered by Kenoli’s partner organization, ODESAR, and the results have been remarkable.
What was once a small plot of land has been transformed into a thriving oasis filled with vegetables, medicinal herbs, and fruit trees. Mayra’s goal is simple but powerful: to grow enough food to nourish her family so she no longer has to spend scarce resources purchasing these essentials.
As we walked through her garden, it was clear that Mayra’s success is no accident. She proudly showed us a detailed chart tracking every plant she grows, along with a carefully drawn map of the garden itself. The fresh produce now provides healthy, nutritious meals for her children and greater food security for the entire family.
Mayra is fortunate that her community has access to water around the clock, a rarity in an area where water shortages are common. Through ODESAR’s training, she has learned organic gardening techniques and gained valuable knowledge about nutrition and family health. For a woman living in extreme poverty, these skills have been life-changing.
The benefits of ODESAR’s work are also evident in its early childhood development program that Mayra’s two-year-old daughter participates in. During our visit we observed a session in the nearby community of El Rodeo.
Parents shared that children who have participated in the program arrive at school noticeably ahead of their peers. Using toys and learning materials crafted from recycled items, families actively support their children’s development at home. The children we met were animated, attentive, and fully engaged in learning and play—a clear testament to the program’s effectiveness.
Stories like Mayra’s remind us that lasting change often begins with small seeds: a garden, a lesson, a caring community. Through its commitment to empowering families and investing in young children, ODESAR is helping to create healthier futures, stronger communities, and new opportunities for generations to come.
We are proud to partner with ODESAR as they continue changing lives and bringing hope to the poorest families!