Imagine you are 6 years old, living in a secluded community down a long, rocky, dirt road. You live with your parents, siblings and grandparents in a crowded house with a dirt floor.
You watch your father labor and toil in the fields every day, only to return home disappointed and worried that he did not make enough money to provide food for your family this week.
When your brother gets sick, it is a full day's journey bring him to a doctor, and the medical consultation is another expense that your family simply can't afford.
Your mother collects rainwater to use for daily cleaning, drinking and bathing.
When you get a little older, your father will need your help in the fields, and you will be ready to help him however you can. But what if, you wonder, there was a way to do something even greater to help your family and truly change their future?
This is the reality that many people living in rural Nicaragua face every day. Families have lived in extreme economic poverty for generations with no clear way out, and so they continually struggle through daily life.
We're on a mission.
Rainbow Network exists to help rural communities in Nicaragua overcome economic poverty and build a brighter future. People are being transformed through secure housing, improved health, education and new career opportunities.
Our motivation comes from our faith in Jesus Christ, who moves our work forward every day.
Rainbow Network was started in 1995 by Keith and Karen Jaspers after they identified a need for a holistic approach to tackling poverty. They aimed to address each obstacle that people in poverty face, and to build others up through authentic, Christ-centered relationships.
Community participation is essential in developing thriving communities. That's why nearly every aspect of our work requires participation and leadership from the people we partner with.
As we come alongside communities to help them succeed, people lean into their talents and strengths. They are encouraged in their identity as God's sons and daughters. They are seen, known and loved by our team and each other.
Partners in building thriving communities.
We partner with communities in the areas of:
- Healthcare
- Education
- Economic Development
- Housing
Each of these programs are powerful on their own. Together, they transform communities and set people on the path for a bright future. Find out more about our holistic approach to tackling poverty.
