Born in the rural community of Ciudad Dario, Nicaragua, Jose Elias was a boy with no hope of getting an education. His parents had little money and could not afford to spend what they had on school tuition. He and his brother were left without the opportunity to attend school because the public school was too far away and the local Catholic school was too expensive.
In 1999, a group of Christian men and women went to Nicaragua to provide humanitarian relief after a devastating hurricane. As a result, they formed a non-profit Christian mission organization called Compassion in Action. They saw the overwhelming need for education and community development and in 2004, the small city of Ciudad Dario became home to Dario Christian Academy. Thanks to their dedication, the hard work of Nicaraguan teachers, and especially the diligence of Julio and Narlly Mendez as school directors, Jose Elias was given the chance to start learning as a fourth grader at the newly-formed school.
Jose Elias' teacher noticed his math aptitude and provided him with extra coaching that fueled his desire to learn. Years later, Jose graduated with honors and a strong affinity for Dario Christian Academy. "I feel at home here," he says. Today, Jose Elias is one year away from graduating university with an engineering degree, thanks to the faithful support of a women's Bible study group in Washington. Not only his life, but the lives of his family members have changed forever as a result of becoming part of the Dario Christian Academy community. He has hope for his future - he can support his family. Beyond the empowering gift of a quality education, Jose heard the life-changing gospel message that his teachers and peers lived out around him.
Ciudad Dario has changed in the last decade since Dario Christian Academy was established. Ten years ago, the community was reeling from the aftermath of Hurricane Mitch. People were struggling to find food, shelter, and medical care. Today, the town's economy has improved and most people can afford the basics. But Nicaragua is still the second-poorest country in our half of the world, and the only way that will change is if its future leaders are well-educated, problem-solving, moral visionaries. Dario Christian Academy is a school that is seeking to be that agent of change.
Over the years, the school has expanded and improved. Now the campus has preschool, elementary, and high school wings, 360 students, qualified and dedicated teaching staff, a computer lab, music and art room, and a kitchen to provide hot meals. What it doesn't have is a gym and auditorium. The space currently used for graduations, school assemblies and countless other purposes is long and narrow - most in attendance aren't able to see or hear the events. A generous donor has promised $95,000 towards the building of a new auditorium/gymnasium, the total cost of which is $130,000. Already, another major donor has contributed $10,000, so the goal remaining is now $25,000.
A true reflection of the revolving impact of Dario Christian Academy, Jose Elias eagerly volunteered to design the new auditorium/gymnasium. He has always longed to give back to the school that means so much to him. As a former student, he has insight into what would be best for the school and as an (almost) engineer he has the knowledge and skill necessary to construct detailed blueprints.
Will you join us in donating to this building project to empower the lives of hundreds of other children - the future engineers, teachers, politicians, mechanics, doctors, lawyers, mothers, and fathers of Nicaragua?To learn more about Dario Christian Academy and the work of Compassion in Action, please visit
wearecompassion.org.
Plans for the multi-purpose auditorium were designed by DCA graduate, Jose Elias:
guidestar.org/profile/91-1985682
charitynavigator.org/ein/911985682