Scholarships for Chinendega Nicaragua Students

Scholarships for Children of the Dump in Nicaragua.

Gloria Bain and Alan Derby have selected three students from the Children of the Dump, on behalf of our club, to receive University scholarships. They are Cristhian Alberto Mendoza and Eddy Palma Tercero who plan to study Electronic Engineering and Mariam Sanchez Velasquez who plans to study Law. The financial commitment is for $1,430 per year per student. District Grant funds to be recovered from the $4,290 are $2,000 leaving a net cost to the club of $2,290.

From among the students at the School of the Dump and the Trade School only students that 1) show good leadership qualities, 2) have good character, and 3) have good grades are considered. The eligible recipients are selected by the Executive Director, the school principals and the teachers. They must provide receipts for all expenditures, make a report with copies of their grades each semester, and do volunteer work at the schools when they are in Chinandega, including their summer breaks. The scholarships cover tuition, fees, books, room and board, and transportation. It is expected that each scholarship will continue for four years at $1,430.00 per year as long as the student maintains the requisite qualifications and our club agrees to continue to fund the scholarships in future years. The President elect and President nominee have each indicated their support to continue the program.

Jim Kite of the Rotary Club of Brenham reports that some 20 students from the Children of the Dump have graduated from universities in Nicaragua. These graduates include accountants, civil engineers, teachers, Agricultural engineers, lawyers and psychologists as well as others active in the business community. Two years ago we decided to try to expand our scholarship students. At that time we had 8 students. Last year that number was increased to 22 and this coming year we will have approximately 30 students on Rotary scholarships. These students are the cream of the crop not only in grades, but also in leadership and character.

These are outstanding role models for the other students.