Welcome to Manantial (a wellspring, source)

Freddy Guadamuz, John and Helen Little represent MANANTIAL

We are three (of hopefully many) people who care deeply about transforming lives from poverty to sustainability. We live in Managua - we welcome you to join us.

While we understand the 'relief' philosophy of giving - we add relief sparingly to the 'development' side ... which aims for sustainability. We believe 'development' transforms lives and is more effective in the long term. It gives people hope, pride and a sense of community. Therefore, it is our goal to help small impoverished communities band together for the common good, and walk together out of poverty - into a transformed life where they can support themselves and know they don't need (or want) hand-outs. The end goal is to have these people help others ... and so on down the line.

Generally, here's how we work: We begin by listening to the desires of a community (to raise pigs, chickens ... to sew or whatever THEY choose and believe will help them make a living). We talk through a plan on how to accomplish the goal - send them to an appropriate company for education, and then loan them the money to realize their goal. That of course is an over-simplification, but that's the short story. We are involved in the process, but more as advisors and encouragers as the communities find natural leaders and learn to work together. We witness leadership rise from the ranks ... not always the "assigned" leaders. We visit each community weekly so they are certain we are interested and support them. We encourage them as they realize their dreams and walk into a new future.

Currently, we're working in two very poor communities in the rural area surrounding the city of León, Nicaragua: La Ceiba and Las Chacaras. After seven months of planning, La Ceiba now has 100 hens that lay 89 eggs daily - and this business supports 10 families. The women of Las Chacaras have begun a sewing "business" - each with their own sewing machines, but sewing as a cooperative. They are testing the market to find their niche and will begin to repay their loan soon. The men of Las Chacaras dream of raising pigs (for sale) and we're currently working to bring this project to fruition. If you're interested ... we are too!