VISEDAL Annual Report 2014

VISEDAL Partnership Annual Report | 2014

Dear Friend of VISEDAL:We are proud to present our 2014 Annual Report. This document highlights our accomplishments in2014 and previews our goals for 2015, as well as provides a general overview of our program.VISEDAL had a successful year in 2014, thanks to the hard work of our scholars, the generosity of oursponsors and donors, and the dedication of our staff and volunteers. We are excited to highlight someof our top achievements:2014 Scholar Highlights• One scholar graduated from high school• One scholar graduated from primary school (6th grade)• Four scholars graduated from various levels of preschool• Two scholars successfully finished their first year of college• Five scholars learned to read2014 Organization Highlights• Opened Casa VISEDAL, which includes a computer lab• Contracted with a licensed psychologist to provide optional counseling services• Launched our College Scholars Program• Created a Spanish version of our website• Established VISEDAL as an NGO in Nicaragua• Helped scholars get ID cards2014 Financial Highlights• Received $37,538 in donations• Raised $13,687 through fundraising activities• Spent 91% of our expenditures on direct program expenses in Nicaragua• Saved $7,593 for future initiatives and expensesThanks so much for your interest in VISEDAL and for reading this report. Please do not hesitate tocontact us with any questions or for more information about how you can help our scholars becomeleaders in their families and communities!Sincerely,Dylan Waugh Daniel Schutrum-Boward Esmir CaleroPresident Vice President Country Directorwww.visedal.org

Table of ContentsAbout VISEDAL............................................................................................................................................................................................1About Nicaragua and Managua..........................................................................................................................................................3Scholar Scholarship..................................................................................................................................................................................52014 Scholar Statistics..........................................................................................................................................................................7Focus Areas for 2014 and Action Items to Address Them................................................................................................92014 Staffing Changes........................................................................................................................................................................11Volunteering with VISEDAL................................................................................................................................................................13Fundraising Efforts..................................................................................................................................................................................15Financial Summary..................................................................................................................................................................................17 2014 Financial Summary......................................................................................................................................................17 Financial Comparisons of 2012-2014..........................................................................................................................19Success Stories.......................................................................................................................................................................................252014 Challenges.....................................................................................................................................................................................272015 Goals..................................................................................................................................................................................................29Selection Process...................................................................................................................................................................................31How You Can Help...................................................................................................................................................................................33Our Team......................................................................................................................................................................................................35

About VISEDAL

Back to Table of ContentsAbout VISEDALOur MissionWe use education, leadership training, and mentorshipto empower Nicaraguan children and young adults tobecome leaders in their families and communities.Our VisionFor all children and young adults in Managua, Nicaragua,to have the opportunity to become educated, confident,and selfless leaders.What We Believe• We believe every child and young adult is special and has the right to follow his or her dreams.• We believe every child and young adult is loved by God.• We believe positive, loving relationships have the power to transform the life of a child or young adult.• We believe education is critical to ensuring a child or young adult’s future success.Who We Serve VISEDAL began by working with a small group of children in Managua and has grown to serve childrenand young adults from all across the city, together with their families. Our scholars mostly live in threeneighborhoods within Managua that are nearly 20 miles apart. These neighborhoods, or “barrios,” areamong the poorest and most dangerous in the city.Many children in these neighborhoods have to work in order to financially support their families and areunable to attend school, often dropping out before finishing 6th grade. Most of the parents of VISEDALscholars commute to work in the most central parts of the city, where they sell goods for a living. Beforeentering VISEDAL, many of our scholars had dropped out of school to work with their parents or beg formoney on street corners.Most of our scholars’ parents have not completed school beyond the 6th grade, and some have notreceived any form of education at all. Together, we are working tirelessly to get their children through highschool and into college, eventually breaking the cycle of poverty that has held their families captive forso long. 2

About Nicaraguaand Managua

Back to Table of ContentsAbout NicaraguaNicaragua, home to more than 6 million people, is thesecond-poorest country in the Western Hemisphere,with a 2013 GDP per capita of $1,851.10 (comparedto $53,042 in the United States).1 Nearly half of thepopulation lives on less than $1 a day.2 Inflation (7.1%in 2013)3 has a significant impact on quality of life.While poverty is not the only problem that plaguesNicaragua, it is the most visible.About ManaguaManagua has been Nicaragua’s capital since 1852 and ishome to almost 40% of its population, with more than 2 millioninhabitants in its metro area. In actual area, Managua is largerthan New York City; however, its neighborhoods are spread farapart. In 1972, Managua suffered a devastating earthquake that leftthe city in ruins. Because Managua lies on a fault, it experiences a majorearthquake at least every 50 years, a troubling reality as the city attempts toconstantly rebuild its infrastructure. Despite its devastating poverty, Managua remainsNicaragua’s political, social, cultural, educational, and economic center.Education in NicaraguaThe Nicaraguan school system comprises six years of primary school and five years of secondaryschool. Primary school attendance is mandatory by law, but 20% of Nicaraguan children do not finishon time, if at all.4 More than 50,000 primary-school-age children do not attend school in any capacity.5Only 69% of students even enroll in secondary school.6VISEDAL scholars are given the option to study in the public or private school of their choice. Whilepublic schools do not charge fees, costs such as school supplies and uniforms can make schoolattendance impossible for some children and their families. VISEDAL staff work directly with thescholars and their families to help them make the best choice for their education.1 World Bank. “GDP per capita (current US$).” http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. 42 World Food Programme. “Nicaragua.” http://www.wfp.org/countries/nicaragua/.3 World Bank. “Inflation, consumer prices (annual %).” http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG/countries/NI?display=graph.4 World Bank. “Primary completion rate, total (% of relevant age group).” http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.PRM.CMPT.ZS/countries/NI-XJ-XN-US?display=graph.5World Bank. “Children out of school, primary, male.” http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.PRM.UNER.MA/countries/NI-XJ-XN?display=graph; WorldBank. “Children out of school, primary, female.” http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.PRM.UNER.FE/countries/NI-XJ-XN?display=graph. 6World Bank.“School enrollment, secondary (% gross).” http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SE.SEC.ENRR/countries/NI-XJ-XN?display=graph

ScholarSponsorship

Back to Table of ContentsScholar SponsorshipThrough our Scholar Sponsorship Program, VISEDALscholars receive everything they need to succeed inschool and life. This includes clothing, scholarships,tutoring, food stipends, medical care, access toextracurricular activities, optional counseling services,optional Christian spiritual guidance, and mentoring fromour staff.Sponsors are the backbone of VISEDAL. We believepersonal investment is the best way to promote changein the lives of others; therefore, we make the ScholarSponsorship Program as personal as possible. Through ourSponsor-Scholar Connection Program, sponsors can personallyencourage and communicate with their scholars. VISEDALscholars understand that they are loved and cared for, and they growto be thankful for their sponsors.Igniting change is a long process that requires commitment, andwe are extremely grateful for the dedication of our sponsors. Weare confident the difference they are making in the lives of ourscholars is worth the sacrifice. 6

2014 Scholar Statistics31 scholars (ages 5-­22)16 15boys, girls2 15College Scholars , high school students10 4primary school students, preschool students90% of scholars advanced to the next grade (28/31)

Back to Table of Contents2014 Scholar Highlights1 scholar graduatedfrom high school1 scholar graduatedfrom primary school4 scholars graduated from various levelsof preschool2 scholars successfully finished their first year of college5 scholars learned to read 8

Focus Areasfor 2014 andActions Takento Address Them

Back to Table of ContentsFocus Areas for 2014 and Actions Taken to Address ThemRent a Facility Establish VISEDAL in NicaraguaWe started renting part of a ministry center―a After almost a year of working with thesmall office space, a big indoor/outdoor garage Nicaraguan government, VISEDAL is now anarea, and a patio area―in downtown Managua. official nongovernmental organization (NGO)This space, which we call Casa VISEDAL, has in Nicaragua! This is an exciting developmentbeen a huge success. Our psychologist provides because it gives us the ability to purchase realone-on-one counseling services in the office estate and vehicles, formally employ staff, andarea, and the garage area and patio serve as receive donations from Nicaraguan businesses.a safe, reliable place for the scholars to dohomework, practice English with Rosetta Stone, Launch a Spanish Version of Our Websiteplay games, and just hang out with each otherand VISEDAL staff. Our website is now available in Spanish at es.visedal.org. We would like to extend our thanksSet Up a Computer Lab and overwhelming gratitude to The Rosetta Foundation for translating all of the text from ourWe sought to acquire multiple computers for our website, and to Reverbeo for offering a platformscholars to use for homework and Rosetta Stone for our Spanish-version site.lessons at Casa VISEDAL. Throughout the year,generous donors provided three new computers Help Our Scholars Acquire ID Cardsand four used computers! Our scholars use ourcomputer lab every weekday. Government-issued identification cards are required in Nicaragua for employment, enrollingAdd Staff in Nicaragua in college, and many other activities. Many of our scholars did not have ID cards, and ourIn May we started contracting with a licensed staff worked diligently to help these scholarspsychologist to work full-time with our scholars. obtain them. Several scholars had to go throughEach scholar has a standing weekly time slot in an extensive process to obtain their birthwhich he/she can meet with our psychologist. certificates. This has been an arduous process,While meeting with her is optional, nearly all of our but it is nearly complete.scholars have chosen to receive counseling. Establish a Presence on InstagramLaunch Our College Scholars Program Building on and complementing our 2013 effortsAs part of our College Scholars Program, our to enhance our Facebook presence, we createdCollege Scholars work at Casa VISEDAL for 8 an Instagram account (@visedal) to share pictureshours each week, tutoring the younger scholars of daily activities at Casa VISEDAL and beyond.and helping the Country Director with office work. Each week, our Instagram page shows multipleIn exchange for this help, VISEDAL rewards the pictures of our scholars studying, playing, andCollege Scholars with a monthly stipend and a hanging out at Casa VISEDAL, as well as otherfull college scholarship, providing an opportunity activities such as buying school supplies andfor them to manage their own money, maintain a celebrating birthdays.consistent work/study schedule, and gain valuablework experience. Yahoska participated in the 10College Scholars Program in 2014, and in 2015,Aura, Yahoska, and Jonathan will participate.

2014 StaffingChanges

Back to Table of Contents2014 Staffing ChangesBrad JohnsonAfter six years of volunteering with VISEDAL and oneyear of working for us in Nicaragua, Vice PresidentBrad Johnson has left VISEDAL to embark on a careerin the design field. We are immeasurably grateful forthe amazing work Brad has done. During the past year,he led or assisted with numerous projects and did awonderful job of mentoring our scholars. For the lastseven years, he was an encouraging presence in theirlives who showed them they are special and loved. We willtruly miss him, and we wish him the best.Daniel Schutrum-BowardWe are thrilled to have Daniel Schutrum-Boward as our next VicePresident. Daniel has volunteered with VISEDAL for several years,joined many volunteer trips, interned both in Nicaragua and in theUnited States, and has been serving as our Special Initiatives Coordinator.He has been instrumental in helping VISEDAL in these roles, and we are excitedto have him step into a larger role. See “Our Team” to learn more about Daniel.Esmir CaleroEsmir Calero was promoted to the position of Country Director in 2014. Esmir had served as our part-time Program Coordinator since 2008, overseeing our Scholar Sponsorship Program and developingdeep, nurturing relationships with our scholars. He will now be directing our operations in Nicaragua ona full-time basis. We are extremely appreciative of Esmir’s passion for helping our scholars succeed,and we know he will do a fantastic job as our Country Director. See “Our Team” to learn more aboutEsmir. 12

Volunteeringwith VISEDAL

Back to Table of ContentsVolunteering with VISEDALVolunteer TripsOur volunteer trips are designed to encourageVISEDAL scholars in their studies and celebrate theiraccomplishments in and out of school. In 2014, a totalof 32 volunteers attended our two volunteer trips—onein June and one in December. Our June trip consistedmostly of adult volunteers, while the December tripfeatured six students from a Baltimore-area high schoolin addition to some adults.During our 2014 trips, we went swimming, played soccerand softball, went to an amusement park, visited our scholars’homes, had birthday and Christmas parties, and hosted agraduation ceremony. On each trip we also did our scholars’favorite activity—food distribution! Our scholars prepare andhand out bags of food to people in need in a community outside ofManagua. Our scholars love the opportunity to give back and serve others.Volunteers in the United StatesVolunteers are an essential element of VISEDAL. Besides our one full-time employee and one contractemployee in Managua, all other VISEDAL team members are volunteers. Our President, Vice President,Treasurer, Secretary, and Board Members all serve in a voluntary capacity.Our volunteers in the United States provide a wide variety of assistance. They help organize events,work at fundraisers, spread awareness, make and sell handmade items to benefit VISEDAL, conductresearch, manage our website, and pray for our scholars, among a number of other activities. Many ofthese volunteers have also attended numerous volunteer trips and developed rich relationships withour scholars. Several have gone on to sponsor scholars as a result of meeting them in Nicaragua.Volunteers in NicaraguaIn 2014, three Nicaraguan volunteers helped with both mentoring our scholars and administrativetasks. One volunteer came on both of our volunteer trips, where she encouraged our scholars andtranslated for our team members. In addition, she recruited her sister to volunteer during our secondvolunteer trip. Another volunteer provided valuable guidance throughout the process of applying to bea legally recognized NGO.Summer InternsWe had two Summer Interns in 2014, Mekaila Murray and Jessie Merek. Mekaila facilitated self-esteem and empowerment sessions with the older female scholars, while Jessie led a variety of craftprojects. In addition, they both provided tutoring assistance and did a fantastic job of developingencouraging relationships with our scholars. 14

FundraisingEfforts

Back to Table of ContentsFundraising EffortsVirtual 5K FundraiserOur Virtual 5k provided an opportunity for anyone―runners and non-runners―to support VISEDAL by doingfive of any activity, anywhere in the world, on the sameday. We are thrilled that 83 people from all over the globeparticipated, helping us raise nearly $2,500.Example participant activities:• Visit 5 sick friends• Play music for 5 hours• Catch 5 fish• Brew 5 gallons of beer• Read 5 chapters of a bookBark Candy and HandcraftsWe again sold our delicious bark candy and our handmade tablerunners and quilts at various craft shows around Baltimore. Wealso partnered with several businesses to send our bark candyto their clients as holiday gifts.In addition, we sell our table runners, quilts, and otherhandcrafts year round at our Etsy store. 16

2014 Financial Summary2014 Overall Expenses: $43,632In 2014, our total expenses were $43,632. Just like in 2013, direct program expenses in Nicaraguaaccounted for 91% of our total expenditures. We are thrilled to again devote such a high percentage ofour resources directly to our mission.Legal expenses (largely for becoming an official NGO in Nicaragua); taxes; and PayPal, Etsy, and banktransfer fees totaled 6%. Administrative expenses (i.e., office supplies, marketing expenses, and postage)were 2%. Miscellaneous expenses (e.g., former Vice President Brad Johnson’s farewell party with thescholars) accounted for 1%. 6% Administrative Expenses 1% Direct Program Expenses in 2% Nicaragua91% Bank Transfer Fees, PayPal Fees, Legal Expenses, and Taxes Miscellaneous Expenses

Back to Table of Contents2014 Direct Program Expenses in Nicaragua:$39,660 Food StipendsDirect program expenses <1% 2% Staff Compensation andin Nicaragua totaled 9% Intern Expenses$39,660 in 2014. Staff School Tuition and Othercompensation and intern 16% School Expensesexpenses in Nicaragua School Suppliesaccounted for 25% 18%of our direct program 17%expenses. Schoolsupplies (18%) and foodstipends (17%) were the College Sponsorship Programnext biggest categoriesof expenditures. Casa 13% Medical CareVISEDAL rent and 25%other staff expenses(i.e., transportation,communications, and Mentoring, Extracurricularnetworking) accounted Activities, and Giftsfor 16% of directprogram expenses. Office and Staff Expenses inSchool tuition and other Nicaraguaschool expenses totaled13% of program expensesin Nicaragua. Mentoring, extracurricular activities, and gifts were 9%. Medical care (2%) and our CollegeScholars Program (less than 1%) accounted for the rest of our direct program expenses.2014 Donations and Fundraising Income: $51, 225We received $51,225 in donations and net fundraising income in 2014. Scholar sponsorships accountedfor 41% of our income. One-time, general donations and fundraising initiatives each brought in 27% of ourfunding. Staff Fund donations accounted for 5%. 5% 41% Net Fundraising Income 27% General Donations 27% (Initiatives) Scholar Sponsorships Staff Fund Donations 18

Financial Comparisons of 2012-2014VISEDAL’s Financial Growth, 2012-2014VISEDAL is growing financially, thanks to our amazing supporters. The increase in our donations andfundraising income has allowed us to enhance our support to our scholars as well as add more scholars toour Scholar Sponsorship Program.The following pages provide detailed comparisons of our (1) Overall Expenses, (2) Direct Program Expensesin Nicaragua, and (3) Donations and Fundraising Income from 2012, 2013, and 2014.$60,000$50,000$40,000$30,000 2012$20,000 2013$10,000 2014$0 Direct Program Donations and Overall Expenses Fundraising Income Expenses in Nicaragua

Back to Table of ContentsComparison: Overall Expenses, 2012-2014 $43,632 $50,000 $40,000$30,000 $23,733$20,000 $18,871$10,000$0 2013 2014 2012Breakdown of Overall Expenses, 2012-2014The significant increase $45,000in 2014 overall expenses $40,000was driven by the additionof eight new scholars and $35,000the substantial expansion $30,000of the services we provide,such as adding an office,optional counseling $25,000services, birthday gifts, andan additional staff person. $20,000 2012 2013Fees were higher in 2014 $15,000 2014primarily because of thecost of becoming an official $3,000 20NGO in Nicaragua. We see $2,500the expense of becoming $2,000an NGO in Nicaragua asan investment in VISEDAL $1,500and our scholars because $1,000we can now purchase realestate and vehicles, formally $500employ staff, and receive $0donations from Nicaraguan Administrative Expensesbusinesses. In addition, while Bank Transfer Fees, PayPal Fees,PayPal fees have increased Legal Expenses, and Taxes Miscellaneous Expensesover the past few years, Staff Trainingthe convenience of PayPal Direct Program Expenses in Nicaraguapayments has allowed usto expand our donor basefrom mostly local Baltimoreresidents paying by checkto donors across the UnitedStates paying over theinternet.

Financial Comparisons of 2012-2014 (continued)Direct Program Expenses as a Percentage of Overall Expenses, 2012-2014We strive to maximize the impact every dollar we receive has on our scholars. While indirect costs (e.g.,becoming an official NGO in Nicaragua) can provide major benefits, in general, direct program expenses arethe most efficient method of supporting our scholars.We increased the percentage of our overall expenses that are direct program expenses from 83%in 2012 to 91% in 2013, and we maintained that level in 2014. This is largely due to the fact that ourincreased overall spending during the past two years mostly comprised direct program expenses.Primarily, we spent money enhancing the services we provide for our scholars (e.g., adding staff andrenting Casa VISEDAL) and providing direct support (e.g., tuition payments) for the new scholars in ourprogram. As we move forward, we will continue to work diligently to ensure our donations make themaximum impact on our scholars.92% 91% 91%90%88%86%84% 83%82%80%78% 2013 2014 2012

Back to Table of ContentsComparison: Direct Program Expenses in Nicaragua, 2012-2014$45,000 $39,660$40,000$35,000$30,000 $21,519$25,000$20,000 $15,678$15,000$10,000$5,000$0 2012 2013 2014Breakdown of Direct Program Expenses in Nicaragua, 2012-2014The substantial growth in direct program expenses in Nicaragua reflects the continued improvement andexpansion of our Scholar Sponsorship Program. Expenses in most categories increased in 2014 becausewe added eight scholars to our program.Staff compensation increased substantially in 2014 because we (1) hired a full-time counselor on acontract basis, (2) compensated former Vice President Brad Johnson for some of the time he spentworking for us in Managua, and (3) promoted Country Director Esmir Calero in October. Our school supplyexpenses increased in 2014 partially because of the new scholars, but also because we found thatpurchasing more and better-quality school supplies helps our scholars be better prepared for their studiesand prevents us from having to replace items as frequently.Office expenses grew $12,000dramatically in 2014 $10,000because we startedrenting a facility, Casa $8,000VISEDAL. Mentoring $6,000activities increasedbecause former VicePresident Brad Johnson $4,000devoted a significant $2,000 2012amount of time tomentoring our scholars $0 2013in 2014. 2014 Food Stipends Staff Compensation and Intern Expenses School Tuition and Other School Expenses College Scholars Program School Supplies Medical Care Mentoring, Extracurricular Activities, and Gifts Office and Staff Expenses in Nicaragua

Financial Comparisons of 2012-2014 (continued)Comparison: Donations and Fundraising Income, 2012-2014$60,000 $46,025 $51,225$50,000$40,000 $31,563$30,000$20,000$10,000$0 2013 2014 2012Breakdown of Donations and Fundraising Income, 2012-2014Our overall donations and fundraising income continues to grow each year. We are especially thankfulfor the growth in Scholar Sponsorships, including a net gain of nine Scholar Sponsors in 2014. Our netfundraising income was particularly high in 2013 thanks to the VISEDAL Fiesta fundraiser we held thatyear. Our Virtual 5k raised nearly $2,500 in 2014, and we are looking to build on its success with our 2015fundraising efforts.General donations (Initiatives Fund) are mostly one-time contributions and therefore often fluctuate fromyear to year. Our Staff Fund has provided crucial funding over the past two years and allowed us to increaseour staffing in Nicaragua in 2014.$25,000$20,000$15,000 2012$10,000 2013 2014 $5,000$0 Net Fundraising General Scholar Staff Fund Sponsorships Donations Income Donations (Initiatives)

Back to Table of ContentsComparison: Net Income, 2012-2014Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we received more money than we spent in 2014. This allowedus to save $7,593 for future initiatives. In the past, we have used surpluses to add more scholars to theprogram, expand the breadth of services offered to our scholars such as counseling and Casa VISEDAL,and establish a reserve fund. This reserve will be critical as we further enhance and expand our program incoming years.$25,000 $22,292$20,000$15,000 $12,692$10,000 $7,593 $5,000$0 2013 2014 2012 24

SuccessStories

Back to Table of ContentsSuccess Stories Balancing School and MotherhoodJonathan Aura became a new mother and Ninoska had her second child last year. Aura had a girl, namedThis year Jonathan has been a great example Jade Betzabé, and Ninoska had a son, Edwardfor his peers and family. He started the year in a Esmir, named after our very own Esmir Calero! Bothschool program that offered classes on Saturdays babies are very healthy and both young mothersand worked for his own small business during successfully finished their school years. Aurathe week. After only a few weeks of school, finished her first year of college at UNICIT, whereJonathan thought that he would learn more in she is studying Accounting, and Ninoska finisheda program that offered classes every weekday, her first year of high school. We are very proud ofand he switched into one. However, this did not both Aura and Ninoska for being able to balancestop him from developing his business. He took school with being new moms. Next year will be ait upon himself to work every morning, as well as challenge for both of them, but we are sure theyall day on Saturdays, while going to school every will continue to succeed.weekday afternoon. He maintained good grades,grew his clientele, helped his family financially, and Reading Scholarsgraduated from high school. This year, Jonathanwill be going to Universidad del Valle, where he Five of our scholars learned to read in 2014!will study Graphic Design. He will also enter our Congratulations to Didier, Génesis Elizabeth,College Scholars Program, where he will continue Josué, Isaac Ezequiel, and Davíd for this excitingto be a great example. Jonathan is a fantastic accomplishment!young man and we look forward to seeing how heapplies his talents in 2015! WinnyBaptisms Winny is one of the highest-performing students in our Scholar Sponsorship Program. She finishedWe celebrated three baptisms this summer― the school year with very high grades, and sheMiguel Ángel, José, and Joseling, who are actively participated in many of her school’scousins and live in the same neighborhood. Our activities. Last year Winny was upset when somesummer interns, Jessie and Mekaila, went along of her best friends changed schools, but thiswith Brad to Granada to see these scholars year she didn’t let that discourage her. Instead,get baptized with members of their church. It she decided to get more involved and make newwas great to see so many VISEDAL families friends! She participated in her marching band andrepresented and to see all of the support that thoroughly enjoyed the school year. She was alsocame from their neighborhood. There was a small our most consistent scholar in terms of comingservice in which the scholars explained why they to Casa VISEDAL and taking advantage of all thatwere being baptized, and then everyone went we offer. She never missed her weekly assignedinto Lake Nicaragua to celebrate with them. It day to come for tutoring, and she also visited manywas an amazing afternoon filled with much joy for other times to do homework, learn English, andeveryone who participated! spend time with the staff. 26

2014Challenges

Back to Table of Contents2014 ChallengesCompleting GradesOur scholars face many challenges, and we do not takethe difficulties of their lives lightly. While we make everyeffort to ensure our scholars have the essentials theyneed to succeed, there are rare occasions where theysuccumb to the immense pressures surrounding them.Three scholars did not pass their grades in 2014. Weare working with these scholars and their families tomove forward. We placed the scholars on individuallytailored probation plans, with the goal of providing thesupport and structure needed for them to succeed in2015. Their success, however, will ultimately depend ontheir choices and desire to pursue their dreams. We are alsoinvestigating how we can better support all our scholars and helpthem remain on track academically.Finding New SponsorsWe were thrilled to welcome 9 new sponsors in 2014;however, we still had 10 open sponsorship slots at theend of the year. We aim to add more sponsors in 2015.Late in 2014, we took steps to improve the sponsorshipexperience, and, as described later in this report,one of our 2015 goals is to identify a new method ofrecruiting sponsors. 28

2015 Goals

Back to Table of Contents2015 Goals2015 Goals for Our Scholars• For all scholars to pass their grades• For 2 scholars to graduate high school2015 Goals for VISEDALFurther Enhance Casa VISEDAL• Add 2 more computers to assist with English and tutoring - We’ve already reached this goal! In addition to the two computers we received earlier in 2014, two very generous donors provided two brand new computers and three used computers at the very end of the year. We now have a full computer lab for our scholars to use.• Provide breakfast and nutritious snacks and drinks - We want to help our scholars continue to grow and be able to better focus on their studies.• Increase our selection of games, books, and arts and crafts supplies - We envision Casa VISEDAL as a place where our scholars come to hang out and have fun, in addition to studying.Conduct a Program EvaluationVISEDAL staff and board members will evaluate the effectiveness of every aspect of VISEDAL. We willthen decide how to best augment and enhance our organization to provide the best possible support forour scholars.Develop a Long-Term Plan for VISEDAL’s GrowthVISEDAL staff and board members will initiate long-term planning for the future of VISEDAL. We willdetermine our long-term goals and then identify actions to take to achieve those goals.Identify and Utilize a New Method of Recruiting SponsorsWe will research successful ways to attract new sponsors, and then implement at least one new strategy. 30

SelectionProcess

Back to Table of ContentsSelection ProcessThe 14 children selected as the initial VISEDAL scholarswere all begging for money on a busy street cornerin downtown Managua. Since then, we have addedscholars—six in 2009, three in 2012, and eight in 2014.There is no shortage of families who want to join ourprogram, and we hope to add more scholars in the future.Our selection process is guided by our beliefs (see“What We Believe”); in particular, our beliefs that everychild and young adult is special and has the right to followhis or her dreams, and that every child and young adult isloved by GodWhen deciding which prospective scholars to accept intoVISEDAL, we have decided to focus on expanding support tothe families already involved in our program. We believe in trulyinfluencing these families in order to effect real, sustainable change.We interview each prospective scholar, looking for the following:• Students who are driven to succeed and reach their potential.• Students for whom inclusion in VISEDAL would provide a significant impact in terms of (a) their ability to attend school and (b) their quality of life.We add new scholars when the following conditions are met:• We are financially able to support new scholars, even with the reality that it may take time for sponsors to emerge for these scholars.• Adding more scholars will not detract from the quality of support we provide to our current scholars. We must ensure that we have ample staff presence and facility space in Nicaragua to provide excellent personal support for our scholars.• Adding more scholars aligns with our strategic priorities. For example, there may be times when adding more staff to better serve our existing scholars is a higher priority. 32

How You CanHelp

Back to Table of ContentsHow You Can HelpSponsor a ScholarSponsoring a VISEDAL scholar allows you to providelife-changing support to a specific scholar on anongoing basis.Contribute to One of Our FundsHelp us achieve our goals by making a one-timedonation or providing ongoing support to one of ourspecially designated funds: the College, Facility, Staff, andInitiatives (general) Funds.Volunteer or InternWe are always looking for volunteers who are interested inhelping us better support our scholars, either in Nicaragua or in theUnited States. Whether you would like to help out for a few hoursor intern for the summer or a semester, we would love to discusspossible options with you.Visit www.visedal.org/help-us for more information! 34

Our Team

Back to Table of ContentsOur TeamDylan Waugh, President Dylan fell in love with Nicaragua and its people while on a college spring break trip in 2006 and has been working in his spare time to empower Nicaragua children and young adults ever since. He works as an editor in Maryland. “I believe in VISEDAL because I believe in our scholars. It is a privilege to walk alongside our children and young adults as they overcome numerous obstacles and pursue their life goals.”Daniel Schutrum-Boward, Vice President Daniel first went to Nicaragua with VISEDAL as a sophomore in high school. Since then, he has interned for VISEDAL, gone on many volunteer trips, and has grown very close to the VISEDAL’s scholars. He is now a senior at Bard College and intends to pursue a career in law. “I am passionate about working with VISEDAL because of the life- changing opportunities it affords to many hardworking young Nicaraguans who are equally passionate about collaborating with VISEDAL, to achieve their aspirations.”Esmir Calero, Country Director Esmir has directed our operations in Nicaragua since 2008. Before joining VISEDAL, he studied at UCA, one of Nicaragua’s best universities, where he earned a degree in Agricultural Engineering. He is a trusted and beloved role model to our scholars. “I am passionate about VISEDAL because we integrate three pillars to empower girls and boys in Managua, Nicaragua—education, food, and clothing. We listen to their voices and advise them in order to drive action in their lives.” 36

Our TeamBoard of DirectorsBen Boone Jay Darcy Mike Harrigan“I believe in VISEDAL because “I’m passionate about VISEDAL “VISEDAL’s philosophy towe make tangible, measurable because I love seeing kids educate, mentor, and empowerdifferences in the lives of our succeed.” Nicaraguan children in thescholars and their families.” program is truly inspiring and the right way to go. I have a strong belief that education and continued mentorship will produce the strong leaders and productive citizens of the future. I believe in VISEDAL.”Tom Hirsch Tom Randisi Susan Schutrum“My charitable endeavor with “I am passionate about VISEDAL “I believe in VISEDAL because itVISEDAL resulted in me because you can see first- tends to and nurtures the wholereceiving more than I could hand the positive impact we child.”ever give. It has helped me put are having on the lives of theseinto perspective what the REAL great kids!”purpose of life is. I am blessedto be part of the experience.”

Back to Table of ContentsLeslie Vitrano Emily Waugh Gary Waugh Sponsorship Coordinator Treasurer“I am blessed to be involved withVISEDAL as it has helped me “I support VISEDAL because I “I believe in VISEDAL becauseto find more joy in my life! The strongly believe that education I have seen the difference thatjoy of creating, the joy of giving, is the best tool for breaking the education and opportunitythe joy of education, the joy cycle of poverty.” are making in the lives of theof children, the joy of learning scholars and their families...andmore about a different culture, in ours.”and the joy of expressing mylove of God without feelingembarrassed, shy, or judged!”Marianne WaughSecretary“I am passionate about VISEDALbecause it works! It changesthe lives of our scholars, theirfamilies, and their communities,as well as those of us whovolunteer––all for the better!” 38