Poverty, migration and a lack of participation characterise the situation of many children and young people in Nicaragua. The project work of Asociación Infantil "Tuktan Sirpi" in the north of the country not only has a long-term effect on the children, but also changes their environment: success begins to take hold.
Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the world. Poverty forces many children to go to work to help support their families. In addition, the migration of their parents abroad aggravates the situation of many children. They are neglected, mistreated, exploited and have little say. terre des hommes schweiz counteracts this situation and supports the organisation Asociación Infantil "Tuktan Sirpi" (ATS) in the cities of San Sebastian de Yali and Jinotega in the north of Nicaragua. In recent years, ATS has repeatedly impressed with its reflective and innovative work, which is increasingly having a sustainable impact. This is all the more important as terre des hommes schweiz is working towards getting out of projects that can finance themselves.
1300 Children and young people
ATS supports 1300 children and young people and involves 600 adults from various stakeholder groups in their environment. Children and young people today recognise and counteract risk situations such as exploitation, discrimination or violence in their living environment, such as family or school. Through the project they become aware that they have rights and entitlements to education, health, family, leisure time and a non-violent approach to life without exploitation.
Opening and strengthening doors
In the current phase 2015-2017 it was decided to support children and young people not only in the existing centres and on the market, but also directly in their living environment, in their neighbourhoods. Rooms were rented there and so-called "mini-clubs" were founded. Under the motto "opening doors" and "strengthening" activities such as dancing, screen printing, computer courses etc. were offered with a mobile team. Slowly the children have gained confidence and now organise their own activities in the miniclubs. They have also managed to get a road repaired.
Free premises
ATS also accompanies the children in the negotiations with the local representatives of the district. It was planned that they would take over the costs of the mini-clubs from 2017 onwards, so that ATS can slowly withdraw from the mini-clubs. The nice thing is that already now in some districts the rent is taken over or parents offer rooms for activities, so that rooms are available for free. A few weeks ago, in another district, the party FSLN offered rooms to young people. Here the young people are supported by ATS in such a way that they are not taken by party members.
Children and young people on radio and television
To make their rights known, children and young people are present on radio and television. ATS is also committed to representing and enforcing their interests and rights in the children's commissions of the two cities of Jinotega and Yali. Within the framework of leisure activities, the children and young people develop vital social, creative and technical skills and learn about their rights and how to claim them. Children and young people who have experienced violence receive psychological support, are strengthened and, in serious cases, are even taken to court.
