Program Introduction

Fabretto programs are structured around a Continuum of Care model that assumes:

The cycle of extreme poverty is systemic and long term. We provide services over an extended period of time, so that a permanent reduction in poverty can occur.  Our programs serve youth throughout their entire childhood, from pre-school to adolescence and into young adulthood. Once a child enrolls with Fabretto, we hope and expect that she or he will graduate from secondary school, if not university.

Poverty impacts children on many different levels. We offer programs that target multiple factors.

Education: After school lessons reinforce the public school curriculum with an emphasis on math, science, Spanish and social studies. Fabretto effectively doubles the number of hours a student spends in an integrated school-based program.  Our partnership with Nicaragua's Ministry of Education ensures that our offerings complement the public school curriculum and yield the maximum value in learning and academic assistance.

Nutrition: All students receive a healthy, daily lunch. The opportunity to have a warm, balanced and nutritious meal at least once a day is a tremendous incentive for families to keep their children enrolled in the program, thereby keeping them in school. This is because for many of our students, this lunch is their only substantial meal of the day. Weekly menus include chicken, fresh fruits and vegetables, rice, beans, and high nutrient and vitamin food supplements.

Culture & Sports: Art, music and sports are integral parts of the Fabretto program.  These popular classes develop the children's minds and bodies and help them become better students and community members.  A focus on folkloric themes encourages a strong sense of pride in Nicaraguan culture.

Health Services: Fabretto doctors monitor the health and growth of the children who are tracked in an extensive database of basic health indicators. First aid and basic treatments are handled on site, while more serious cases are referred to local clinics.  The goal is to improve health standards across the community, in both children and parents.

Character & Civic Responsibility: Motivational talks by mentors, service projects and volunteering instill a shared sense of community. Parents are asked to volunteer and may help with the lunch program, facilities maintenance, or in the classroom. Secondary and university students are expected to actively help at their center or school and act as role models for the younger children.

Parent Education: This is a key program component because many of our parents never finished primary school themselves.  Also, few have access to programs for family and community support.  Fabretto hosts parent workshops in Basic Child and Family Health, Promotion of Home Hygiene, Safe Food Handling Practices, Participation in School Activities, Water and Natural Resources Management, and other topics relevant to community life.