Dear NicaClinic Supporter,
Ricardo’s story is one of my favorites to tell…
He is such a shining light in our community. Born into an impoverished family, with his father suffering from diabetes… Ricardo came into our Padrino program in 2011 as a child.
He started his studies in San Ignacio community (primary school), with a support from a sponsor. His sponsorship afforded him school supplies, uniform and medical check-ups. Several years later, we were pleased he went on to high school in the same school.
Sounds normal, but for Ricardo, that decision wasn’t easy.
He lived with his sister, dad, and grandmother. His mom abandoned the family when he was just 5 years old.
Then in 2018 Ricardo lost his grandmother, the one who raised him, as his dad was challenged with his disease. Ricardo decided to keep moving and progress with his studies. Once 2020 arrived, with Covid ravaging Nicaragua, sadly his dad acquired the virus and spent weeks battling it in the hospital until he passed away.
Now Ricardo, still a teenager but in university, was officially the man of the household, alone with his sister.
Ricardo was studying to get a degree in English at Anunciata University in Rivas.
Our team at the Clinic stayed close to Ricardo, so proud that he was continuing his studies.
Ricardo became depressed, not sure if he should continue. He was torn between his dream to graduate university versus providing for himself and his sister with a full-time job.
The Roberto Clemente Health Clinic reached out in these hard times to support Ricardo and his sister however we could so he could finish what he started in university. We found a sponsor to help us cover all his university costs.
In 2023, the big day arrived. Ricardo achieved his Bachelor’s Degree in education, with a focus on English.
The entire Clinic team and Board celebrated. He was our first graduate in the Padrino program going all the way through from primary to college graduate!
Ricardo started to work as an English teacher in 2023 in a primary school in Limon 2. Here’s a note he sent us…
I just want to say thank you so much for being part of this beautiful family at Roberto Clemente. This has been the most beautiful experience for me, being part of the Padrino program. A few days ago I got my English degree. Now I’m teaching English in primary school so this is a big dream for me. I pray to God that you can continue helping more kids and they can become professionals like me. What a great job. God bless you.
Next he became an English teacher at the CREA library and afterschool program, where he is currently working.
He credits the Clinic with seeing him through to achieving his dream.
Ricardo wasn’t “lucky.” His accomplishment didn’t happen by chance.
It happened because of his hard work and perseverance, and the motivation he received from someone like you who decided to become a Padrino.
And we have over 10 children from local impoverished families, with challenges to overcome just like Ricardo… who need sponsorship to make it happen.
Will you consider supporting a young student today?
It only takes $25/month ($50/month if you want to support both education and health checks and medicines).
Our Padrino program is creating ripples of change throughout southwestern Nicaragua:
- We now support 72 children and their families, carefully selected as the most vulnerable in our communities.
- We serve children facing chronic health conditions, learning disabilities, and challenging home situations – like parental abandonment or single-parent households.
- We’ve contracted a physical therapist who provides specialized care for children with disabilities and special needs.
- In 2024, we supported 46 active students in universities.
- Two of our students graduated from university in 2024 with degrees in Building and Design Engineering and Tourism.
- Three more students are on track to graduate from university in 2025.
- We’ve celebrated graduations at all levels, from Primary level through University.
- Several program participants have become the first in their families to attend university.
- Graduates are returning to their communities as teachers, nurses, and small business owners.
- Each sponsored child improves the prospects for their entire family.
“When we started, families were skeptical about education’s value,” says Program Director Enmanuel Jarquín. Now, parents approach us asking how their children can join the program. They’ve seen the difference education makes.
For just $25 or $50 a month, you can create this kind of transformation.
Your sponsorship provides everything a child needs to stay in school: medical care, school supplies, uniforms, and nutritional support. But perhaps most importantly, it provides hope – the knowledge that someone believes in their potential.
Would you consider becoming a Padrino or Madrina today? Visit www.nicaclinic.org or here.
As this Spring Padrino Campaign continues, I’ll share how our sponsors stay connected with their sponsored children and the beautiful relationships that develop across borders.
With gratitude,
Julia C. Guth
Chair, The Roberto Clemente Health Clinic
[email protected]