Nuevas Esperanzas
“New Hopes”
El Tuma, Matagalpa, Nicaragua
Size: 344 acres
Population: 36 families
Founded: 2008
Originally known as El Naranjo, Nuevas Esperanzas in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, is comprised of families who came together from different areas such as San Pablo, El Naranjo, La Colonia and La Garita. These families connected through their group leader, René, who learned of Agros through the nearby Agros village El Edén. Immediately, René shared information about this group with others in his church and compiled a list of about 30 families interested in collaborating with Agros. Since January 2006, René and the families have been attending meetings with Agros to learn more about working together.
Two years later, the persistence and patience of the community has paid off. René and the 36 families of this community are now living on their own land and learning new skills to organize themselves and develop a variety of human and agricultural development projects. Before, this group’s primary agricultural activities were growing basic grains on rented land and working as day laborers harvesting sugar cane and coffee on plantations. With Agros, the families are beginning to diversify their crops and economic activities in order to keep their families together and provide better opportunities for health and education.
Projects for the 2008-2009 fiscal year include:
* Values-Based planning
* Temporary housing, latrines and water system
* Small livestock project
* Vegetable and basic grains projects
* Nutrition and hygiene education
