How it all Began…
In 2012, our community approached us with the idea of building a high school. They had identified that attendance at the elementary schools had grown, but the options for continuing to high school were inadequate.
The existing high school choices as of 2012 were:
1. A five-year intensive Sunday program, located in a local elementary class
2. Travelling at least two hours daily on multiple buses to attend the closest high school
Consequently, only a small minority of local children chose to further their education past the sixth grade.
Waves of Hope agreed to champion the project, which involved both logistical and financial support and it was a great team effort that included:
- Getting initial agreement from the Ministry of Education
- Dedicated local teenagers and young adults, who went door-to-door to gauge interest and build community support for the project.
- Raising $130,000 to support the construction through various fundraising initiatives and collaborations with other like-minded non-profits such as Surf for Life
- Hosting over 250 volunteers who worked alongside our community to physically build the high school
How Far We’ve Come: Our High School by the Numbers
| 2014 | Year 1 | 76 students in attendance |
| 2015 | Year 2 | 144 students |
| 2016 | Year 3 | 210 students |
| 2017 | Year 4 (projected) | 240 students |
| 2018 | Year 5 (projected) | 300+ students |
In December 2016 we will see the first class of 16 students receive their graduation certificates. Many plan to move on to post-secondary programs. Our role in the planning and construction of Olas de Esperanza High School is one of our proudest accomplishments, and we have so much gratitude and appreciation for the hundreds of individuals, families, schools, organizations and corporations who helped bring the school to life.
A Good Problem To Have…The Growing Culture of Education in Northern Nicaragua
This past February, we were honored to attend this year’s opening day assembly to kick off the new school year. As always, the energy was high, the uniforms were crisp and there was a buzz in the air.
It was on this day that the director of the school approached us and said that we had a big problem: the numbers at the school are growing more quickly than projected and we are running out of space to accommodate new students.
This is a good problem to have- and we are so proud to witness these exciting changes in the attitude and culture of education that are taking place in our community.
One Brick at a Time!
Beginning this December when the school year has ended, we are hoping to begin constructing four new classrooms to meet the increased demand for secondary education.
We need your help to make this dream a reality!!
Please consider ‘Buying A Brick’ (or several) in support of improving the opportunities for higher education in northern Nicaragua!
CANADIAN DONORS please click here.
US & International donors please click here.