Connecting lives around the world

With our help, SCIAF works in 16 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, including Burundi, India and Nicaragua.

N i c a r a g u a, k n o w n a s ‘ t h e l a n d o f l a k e s a n d v o l c a n o e s ’, i s o n e o f t h e p o o r e s t c o u n t r i e s i n L a t i n A m e r i c a. M i l i t a r y d i c t a t o r s h i p s, c i v i l w a r a n d ‘ n a t u r a l ’ d i s a s t e r s h a v e h i n d e r e d i t s d e v e l o p m e n t.

What do you think life is like for people in Nicaragua?

Nicaragua - facts and figures Population: 5,891,199 Capital: Managua Life expectancy: 72.7 years Poverty ranking: 124th poorest country in the world. Literacy rate: 78% Languages: Spanish (official) Religion: Christian Currency: Cordoba. Exports: coffee, tobacco, sugar, gold, textiles, peanuts, shellfish.

BIG ISSUE - CLIMATE CHANGE Some people think that climate change is not an urgent issue. But the communities that SCIAF works with in Nicaragua and many other countries are already suffering because of climate change. Ironically the worst effects of climate change are being felt by those who have contributed least to its causes. Extreme and unpredictable weather, caused by climate change, is destroying peoples homes, crops and livelihoods.

Meet Jairo - one of our global neighbours. In Jairo’s community 2,500 people were killed by a mudslide caused by a hurricane. Jairo told SCIAF that one the biggest problems when extreme weather like hurricanes and floods have struck his community, is that they have become completely cut off - making it impossible to get food or get medical help.

One of the practical way that SCIAF is supporting communities, like Jairo’s, to deal with climate change is by helping people set up their own emergency rescue teams. The rescue teams, like the one Jairo is in (pictured), are trained in rescue methods, first aid, fire fighting and how to set up a first aid centre.

In Nicaragua SCIAF also supports other projects, like Special Families or Familias Especiales (in Spanish), based in the city of Matagalpa. Special Families provides care, therapy (including physiotherapy and horse therapy) and training to children and adults living with disabilities. The training includes yogurt and cheese making as well as the production of art and crafts from recycled materials. Special Families also has an amazing play park called the ‘Park of Stars’ (pictured) which has been specially designed for children living with disabilities.

Making arts and crafts which are sold in their own shop T h e w o r k o f S p e c i a l F a m i l i e s … R e c y c l i n g W h e e l c h a i r w o r k s h o p P r o d u c t i o n o f y o g h u r t a n d c h e e s e Training and jobs Education Special children’s play park Guidance and counselling to people living with disabilities Therapy provided to children living with disabilities, including horse- riding therapy

SCIAF partner organisation: Special Families (Familias Especiales) Project number: NIC 051 Location: Matagalpa, Nicaragua Amount needed (each year): £35,000 £500 provides scholarships for 20 young people to have vocational therapy. £1,000 helps to transport people with disabilities to Special Families and also to collect recycled materials from around the city and bring them to the workshops at the centre.

Lord Jesus, We ask you to care for and support those who are suffering because of climate change. We particularly think today of people living in Nicaragua. Teach us all to respect your creation and help us to protect it for future generations. We ask for you to bless all those involved in the Special Families project. Remind us that our lives are connected with our brothers and sisters in Nicaragua and right across the world. Amen

To find out more >>

SCIAF 19 Park Circus, Glasgow G3 6BE Tel: Web: SCIAF is the official international aid agency of the Catholic Church in Scotland. It is also Scotland’s leading aid agency. SCIAF responds to emergencies around the world and supports partners in 16 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America. SCIAF also campaigns for a more just world. SCIAF (Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund) is a company limited by guarantee. Company No Recognised by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator and by the Inland Revenue as a charity. Charity No. SCO12302 Photo credits: Sean Sprague, Gonzalo Bell