SCP cooperates with the Nicaraguan Ministry of Education to make improvements in school facilities. In 2017, with SCP funding the construction materials, La Poma community members built a new preschool. Thanks to a donation from the Returned Peace Corps Volunteers/Madison, a school kitchen is being built at the La Chota elementary school.
Basic nutrition is provided by the Nicaraguan government, and mothers from the community take turns cooking a hot meal at lunch time. SCP provides supplemental support. The diet includes rice, beans, and plátanos, with the addition of local vegetables.
Packets of school supplies are provided for each of the preschool and elementary school children and their teachers in the five Chacocente schools, La Chota, El Terrero, Escalante, La Poma and El Papalón. In 2018, over 200 packets will be delivered. Additional equipment and supplies are provided as budget priorities are identified. In 2017 the classrooms received dictionaries, maps, natural science posters and text books.
Each year SCP gives $500 awards to the two scholarship students graduating from secondary school with the highest grade average. This is to help them continue their education in college or technical school. Two of our first three recipients have graduated from nursing programs and are working in the communities.