Youth Development News
We believe that investing in and empowering young people is the most impactful way to facilitate long-lasting transformation in Nicaragua.
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Welcome to your hub for staying connected!
This page is designed exclusively for our scholarship sponsors and those interested in supporting our Youth Development programs. Here, you’ll find updates on the Youth Development Program, inspiring student stories, milestones, and behind-the-scenes highlights. See how your support is transforming lives and building brighter futures, one student at a time.
Academy Updates
Impact in Numbers
Number of Students:
214
Students in Need of a Sponsor:
0
Service Hours Completed by Parents:
4,144
Meals Served at the Academy:
78,246
Meet Our Students
Gladys Mileydi Espinoza Alvarado
6th Grade
Gladys is a current 6th grade student here at the Academy. She joined us here in 2nd grade and was incredibly timid. She did not feel confident in herself, and this showed in her friendships, her grades, and interactions with her teachers. For several years, we worked with her to break her out of her shell and build self-confidence. She worked with the psychologist one-on-one and in small-group self-esteem groups to build a deep-rooted belief that she is valuable and loved as her authentic self.
This last year, something clicked with Gladys. She has become a leader in her classroom and the entire school. She speaks up in class, has several close friends, and is not afraid to speak in front of the school in our Monday morning meetings. She always has a smile on her face and is very attuned to the needs of others. Gladys is a bright light in her 6th grade class and we cannot wait to see what she accomplishes as she moves on to middle and high school at the Academy.
Adriel Isaac Caballero Martinez
3rd Grade
Adriel has shown a great ability to adapt to life at the Academy. His punctuality, responsibility, and values such as honesty have been steadily strengthened with the support of his parents and the Amigos Academy. An important aspect, which he himself acknowledges, is the way he reacts to situations that make him upset. In his previous school, he often struggled to control his impulses when classmates teased him; today, he is aware of the importance of managing his emotions and has learned to resolve conflicts through dialogue and calmness.
In his academics, Adriel has proven to be a very capable student, excelling not only in his core subjects but also in extracurricular activities.
One of his most notable characteristics is his empathy and solidarity: he is always willing to help others, even without being asked.
Sponsor-Student Encounters
This school year, we have been honored to welcome over 60 scholarship sponsors who have visited their students at Amigos Academy! These visits create a powerful moment of connection—where students feel deeply encouraged by meeting those who believe in them, and sponsors witness firsthand the incredible impact their support makes. Together, during these meaningful moments, both students and sponsors are inspired and strengthened. We are excited for all the sponsors who will join us this year on a mission trip!
Special Events
Family Day
At Amigos Academy, we don’t just celebrate Mother’s Day or Father’s Day, we celebrate families! Many of our students are raised by grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, or even neighbors, and each one plays a vital role in their growth. Día de Familia is a chance to honor the love, care, and support that surround our students, no matter what family looks like. Juntos somos familia!
Values Fair
Our value for the months of June and July was responsibility, and we celebrated the conclusion with a “Values Fair”. Students played fun games, reflected on daily choices, and shared the ways they practice responsibility both at home and at school. These activities help bring values to life, showing students that responsibility isn’t just a word, it’s a way to grow as leaders in their families and communities.
Service Activity in La Chuscada
In August and September, our students put into practice the value of service! Each class at Amigos Academy had the chance to bring joy to the students at the wooden school in La Chuscada. From a piñata to school supplies to a fruit salad to share, every class contributed something special. It was a beautiful week of giving, reminding our students that service is about making others feel seen, valued, and celebrated.
6th Graders Serving with Lifepoint
Our 6th graders lived out the value of service by joining friends from LifePoint NC to help with construction on the new middle and high school! They worked hard digging, building, and learning the joy of serving others. Their enthusiasm was contagious even when it started pouring rain. The students even asked if they could return to help build on Saturday!
Leaders in Action
Impact in Numbers
Number of Students:
245
Students in Need of a Sponsor:
37
Service Hours Completed by Students:
5,992
1st Generation University Graduates:
16
Meet Our Students
Sara Sara Rebeca Caballero Tórrez
Community
Sara, a Leaders in Action student from La Picota, is already making a remarkable impact in her community. This year, she began offering after-school tutoring in her home to nine elementary students, providing them with a safe and accessible place to learn that no longer requires long walks to attend extra classes.
Her work goes beyond academics. By guiding students, especially the energetic boys, she helps them channel their energy toward learning while developing focus, discipline, and confidence. One fourth-grade student, who struggles with reading and writing, is already showing measurable progress thanks to Sara’s dedication and patience.
Sara’s own life is being transformed as well. Studying Medical Technology, she is passionate about learning and dreams of continuing her education to support others just as she has been supported. She lives with a chronic medical condition, but this has not stopped her from pursuing her goals and giving back to her community.
Sara’s story is a powerful example of how education can change lives, both for the students she serves and for herself, and a reminder of the lasting impact that a scholarship can have on not just one person but an entire community.
Deybi Josué Meza Mendez
High School-Baseball Academy
Scholarship student Deybi Josué Meza Méndez has been an active member of the Líderes en Acción program since 2023 and is currently in his fifth year of high school at Colegio Hogar Paulo VI.
This trimester, he has stood out for his initiative and commitment, which led to his nomination as a Punto de Luz (Bright Spot) . Deybi has shown a genuine interest in joining programs that contribute to his personal and professional growth. A clear example of this is the effort he made to connect with the Economic Development team to learn about the requirements needed to become part of the farming initiative. This experience has inspired him to reflect on his academic future and even consider this area as a possible career path.
In addition, Deybi continues practicing baseball, demonstrating discipline and responsibility as he organizes his time to stay consistent across all areas of his life. He successfully balances his scholarship commitments, academic studies, and collaboration in a work project alongside his father. That project recently completed its trial period with success, making them eligible to move forward into the next stage.
Deybi is very motivated to improve his English skills and is enthusiastic about every opportunity he has to do so. Recently, he decided to join the English Academy offered by the program, seeking to strengthen his abilities and broaden his future opportunities.
Deybi’s story reflects an integral development, standing out for his responsibility, motivation, and eagerness to take advantage of every opportunity the program provides in an effort to strengthen both his personal and professional journey.
Sponsor-Student Encounters
“Being Lisbeth’s sponsor has been one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Every time I go to Nicaragua, I can catch up with her, go out together, and talk about her school experience and her growth. I am able to support her with my advice, and I consider her another daughter to me. We have a very special relationship and although the economic support is a monthly contribution, our emotional bond and connection that we’ve been able to create is worth so much more. I care for her so much and it fills my heart with joy to see how she is growing into her potential.”
“I loved getting to see Miss Mary again and getting to share time with her. I also liked our time together because we talked about how I’m doing in my classes and about my family. What I like the most about talking with her is that we laugh about the good things that we share with each other. I also love listening to what she has to say about her trips and work events. I love her advice. She is a lovely person and for that reason I love getting to see her.”
Program Activities
University Retreat
Our university students in the Leaders in Action program recently spent a special day on one of the islands in the Isletas de Granada. Surrounded by the beauty of nature, they enjoyed a full day of team-building and faith-centered activities designed to strengthen their bonds as a community. The theme, Creating Memories Together, reminded students of the value of unity, friendship, and shared experiences that will inspire them as they continue growing as leaders.
Leaders in Action Workshop: Discover Your Path
As part of the Leaders in Action program, students recently participated in the “Discover Your Path” workshop, a hands-on experience designed to support them in their vocational exploration and life planning. The workshop provided tools for self-awareness, decision-making, and connecting personal interests with individual talents. This initiative highlights the unique value of each student and empowers them to recognize themselves as agents of change in their communities.
Stress Management Workshop
As part of the Leaders in Action program, university students participated in the “Biohack Your Stress” workshop, a space designed to strengthen emotional self-regulation and promote intentional self-care. Through dynamic, hands-on activities such as breathing exercises, guided reflection, and therapeutic writing, students explored the main sources of stress in their academic, family, and work contexts.
High School Retreat
Our high school leaders recently gathered for a two-day retreat centered on the theme Chosen to Shine. During this special time, students stepped away from their daily routines to focus on growth, unity, and their calling as young leaders. Through team-building activities and development sessions, they learned the value of working together, encouraging one another, and using their God-given gifts to serve others. This retreat not only strengthened friendships but also inspired each student to return to their schools and communities with renewed passion and courage to shine brightly. We are so proud of these leaders and excited to see the impact they will make!
Baseball Academy
Impact in Numbers
Number of Players:
180
% of Players Enrolled in School:
100%
Number of games played:
642
Students on Scholarship in Leaders in Action Program:
25
Meet Our Students
Jonny Osniel Espinoza
High School-Baseball Academy
At just 13 years old, Jonny Osniel Espinoza from the neighborhood of La Resistencia in Chinandega has already built an inspiring baseball journey. A standout pitcher in the Juvenil AA category at the Amigos for Christ Baseball Academy, Jonny has earned several individual pitching awards that highlight his talent and dedication to the sport.
In 2024, he proudly represented Nicaragua on the national team that became runner-up at the Latin American Williamsport Tournament in Panama. His success continued in 2025 when he was selected for the Nicaragua Pony League team that competed in California. That same year, he also played with the Juvenil A Tigres of Chinandega at the National Championship in Managua.
Beyond baseball, Jonny is an active member of our Leaders in Action program and a dedicated 8th-grade student at Colegio Mercantil de Occidente. Known for his humility, respect, and determination to grow, Jonny is a young man whose values shine just as brightly as his athletic achievements.
Jheremy Isaac Berrios Oviedo
Baseball Academy
Jheremy has shown impressive growth both on and off the field. Once a shy and quiet child, he has gained confidence, made friends, and come out of his shell through baseball.
The Baseball Academy has played a key role in helping him build self-esteem, overcome fears, and discover a passion for the game. Jheremy is a shining example of humility, perseverance, and the power of community.
Program Activities
RBI Vero Beach 2025
Nicaragua competed in the RBI Pre-World Cup Tournament in Vero Beach, Miami, Florida, with several of our academy players selected to represent the national team. Their participation on this international stage is a reflection of their dedication, discipline, and growth as athletes. It also represents an exciting opportunity to showcase the talent being developed in our academy. We celebrate their achievement and look forward to seeing how these experiences continue to inspire their journey both on and off the field.
Williamsport National Champions 2025
The Chinandega Tigers have been crowned National Champions in the Williamsport Major Category 2025. This outstanding accomplishment was made even more special with the participation of several players from our academy, who contributed greatly to the team’s success. Their dedication, discipline, and teamwork were evident throughout the tournament, and this victory is a reflection of the hard work and commitment each player has put into developing their skills.