What
is FH's Child Development Program (CDP)?
What
are the essential components of a child's development?
* Relationship with God: Every
child needs to know that they are created in the
image of God, who loves them and knows them by name.
* Intellectual / Vocational:
Children should have opportunities to grow in the knowledge and
skills needed to cultivate their potential to
contribute to their community.
* Physical/ Health: In order to develop properly, children need to eat a balanced diet, have access to clean water, as well as living conditions that minimize the risk of diseases.
* Social/Emotional: Every child needs an environment of love and support in which to learn good character and develop healthy relationships.
How does CDP support children's development?
CDP focuses on 5 key strategies to support the integrated development of children in each of the aforementioned areas. These strategies are:
* Transformation of the heart through biblical teaching
* Personal relationship, in which CDP staff serve as living testimony, sharing the love of Christ and the truth of the gospel in word and deed with the children and families of the community
* Equipping churches, leaders, and families to meet the needs of their children
* Designing a specific development plan for the community in collaboration with local leaders who identify their specific needs, priorities, and goals
* Child Sponsors who are informed, engaged, and in prayer for the children of the community
Where
is CDP being implemented in Nicaragua?
CDP is being launched in 2009 in two peri-urban communities in the city of Chinandega: El Limonal, and Bayardo Arce.
Most of the families in these communities live in homes made of scrap wood, cardboard and plastic. In El Limonal , many survive off of the nearby dump, collecting recyclables to sell. In Bayardo Arce, families run small stores or sell tortillas, fruit, or water in the streets of Chinandega, earning $2-$3 per day, while food costs at least $6 per day for a family.
Regardless of whether it is the dry or rainy season, the general health of the community is poor, due to dust or dampness, standing water and poor hygiene. Common illnesses include malaria, dengue, anemia, malnutrition, respiratory infections and parasites. Families primarily eat rice, beans, corn tortillas and very limited amounts of fruits and vegetables. The community is connected to the municipal water system of Chinandega but its distribution system is limited and there is no sewer system.
To
support the ongoing implementation of CDP in
these communities, we invite you to consider
sponsoring a child.
