The Need: Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere [1]. According to the UN Development Programme, 79.9% of the population lives on less than $2 a day, and 45.1% lives on less than $1 a day. The number of extreme poor has risen to 2.2 million from less than 1 million in 2001 [2]. 65% of the population is unemployed or underemployed [3].
Mission
The mission of ATRAVES is to support a community of small Nicaraguan organizations that are carrying out creative, locally autonomous approaches to development, education, health and justice.
Who We Are
ATRAVES is an international non-profit that builds connections among communities, organizations and people in Nicaragua and internationally to support development, health and educational efforts in Nicaragua. ATRAVES was founded in 2004 by Nicaraguan educators, community workers and one U.S. volunteer. Since then, ATRAVES has grown into a strong organization that is becoming an increasingly effective instrument in the success of the communities it serves.
ATRAVES is comprised of ATRAVES U.S., Inc. (a U.S. (501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization located in Rhode Island, U.S.) and ATRAVES Nicaragua (a Nicaraguan 501(c)(3) equivalent charitable organization located in Managua, Nicaragua).
What We Do
ATRAVES mobilizes human, financial and material resources to support education, health and development programs in Nicaragua. ATRAVES does so specifically by:
- Linking these initiatives to resources that communities cannot otherwise access;
- Placing, coordinating and educating international volunteers and delegations;
- Creating and maintaining an international network of people in solidarity with Nicaragua and its poor communities; and
- Mobilizing our network to become a powerful support system.
ATRAVES has shown that this model is highly effective in Nicaragua. ATRAVES currently works with communities across the Pacific side of the country.
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Hear first-hand from volunteers and community members »
Our People
ATRAVES maintains a small staff to manage its programs, coordinate activities and ensure the education and safety of volunteers. With its recently attained U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status, ATRAVES is fundraising to expand its staff and services in Nicaragua. ATRAVES continues to be built and sustained by the incredible commitment and contributions of volunteers throughout the world. In addition to the staff, these include dedicated Boards of Directors, Association Members and other volunteers.
Our Name
ATRAVES is an acronym for Asociación TransAmericana de Voluntarios En Solidaridad, meaning "TransAmerican Association of Volunteers in Solidarity." The word is pronounced "ah-trah-VASE," pronounced the same as the Spanish phrase "a través." The phrase means "across," or "by means of," and is the inspiration for our tagline: work across borders/trabajando a través de las fronteras.
References