Talents to Treasures Program (T2T)
T2T’s goal is to eliminate spiritual and material poverty for poor and orphaned teenagers in Nicaragua. The program helps teens discover who they are and their gifts and talents. Teens then develop a Life Plan with specific, achievable and measurable goals. Once developed, the program aims to renew their hope, build their self confidence and self worth, and tangibly improve their prospects for a better life — all while investing in their homes and local communities.
Who - T2T currently serves materially poor and orphaned high school students with hopes and dreams to further their education.
When - T2T focuses on motivated students in their junior and senior year of high school, continuing through their college years for up to a maximum of 6 years.
Where - T2T is currently working with teens living on the Island of Ometepe and nearby community of Rivas in the mainly rural portion of southwestern Nicaragua.
What - T2T provides the opportunity for teens to earn money toward their education. Post-high school education costs can range from $50 to $200 to over $300 per month for tuition, room and board and associated expenses depending on the type and location of school, degree program and ability to obtain any available scholarships. These costs are out of financial reach for most Nicaraguans.
How - To be eligible, teens must successfully complete a 4-part Life Skills Training course and attend a follow-up meeting to review and discuss their Life Plan and goals developed. Teens must also document and verify achievements and attend additional periodic follow-up meetings. Dollar credits are earned for achieving goals and better grades, performing extraordinary household chores, and volunteering in their communities. The most talented and motivated teens would have the ability to fund the majority or all of their education. A typical participant can earn between $50 and $100 per month, and will require family, community and/or outside involvement to make up the difference. Payments of earned dollars will be paid directly to institutions or responsibly dispersed on a periodic basis.
Why - Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Having been subject to war, natural disaster and political turmoil for decades, there are little family resources and little to no government support for the vast majority. For most children, the cycle of generational poverty, addiction and abuse will continue. Hope for a better life, if it exists, is often an unrealistic dream. The reality is that many teens are forced to leave high school early to try to find scarce work or because of pregnancy or abuse. By building hope through education, relationships and a Life Plan, T2T aims to connect action with opportunity – a connection that is virtually non-existent without intervention.
Your Help is Needed
With at least 8 program participants intending to attend college in 2012 our need for the 2012 academic year
beginning in January could be as much as $10,000.
Can you sponsor an individual participant for 1 month, 1 semester or 1 year … or can you sponsor the program with a one-time or monthly gift of an amount of your choice? If so, please complete the information below and send copy with check amount to ADios Ministries P.O. Box 6851 Portland, Maine USA 04103 Attention: T2T Program or donate online via www.adiosministries.org. Your donation is tax deductable and 100%
of the donation will be used to support the program.
Thank you in advance for considering your financial and prayer support.
Please contact Peter Atherton at pca@wright-pierce.com to learn more or to join us on our next trip to Nicaragua.
