Empowerment International addresses the root cause of poverty and the plight of many street children in the slums (‘barrios’) of Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Street children generally come from poor families. They cannot attend school even where public education is free due to lack of funds for mandatory uniforms and school supplies. They also lack emotional support from their families. Instead of being educated, they are sent out to work on the streets selling fruits, vegetables, and trinkets. EI reverses this trend by working with the children and their families to enable them to attend school. We provide financial and emotional support and facilitate solutions to seemingly large barriers to attending school daily. When these children receive an education, they are able to stay off the streets, find better jobs, and eventually break the cycle of poverty that has haunted their families for generations.

The mission of Empowerment International is to break the cycle of poverty before it is transferred to yet another generation, by building more educated and productive communities. Our vision is to enable every child to go to school and achieve the level of education they desire.

Empowerment International does incredible work with a very small budget - every donation makes a HUGE difference. Thank you for your support!

To learn more visit our website at
http://www.empowermentinternational.org

About child sponsorship:
Child sponsorship is a great way to make a direct different in a child's life. You provide not only financial support, but also strength and motivation to the child through their knowledge that someone cares about their well-being. You can opt to sponsor a child by making $30 monthly donations (or a single $360 donation for the year). "Padrinos" receive information about the child, including biographical information, photo, letters from the child, and updates. You may also write letters to your sponsor child if you wish. We also offer the option to sponsor "half" a child for $15 per month. If you select this option you will still receive information, updates, and a letter from the child.