World Centric: Youth Wellness in the Miskitu Territories of Nicaragua

World Centric + CEJUDHCAN

$11,165.00 from profits from fiscal year 2018

Non-native settlers have been moving into the Awas Tingni territory on the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. Armed with machetes and guns, the new-comers regularly threaten and perpetrate violence on the Awas Tingni. Teachers have fled from the communities, leaving youth without formal schooling and little to distract them from the stress of the invasion. The trauma of being under attack is increasing stress-related health issues such as insomnia, anxiety, high blood pressure, and domestic violence. Village elders want to provide daily opportunities for young people to relax, have fun, exercise and take their mind off the current situation. This project focuses on creating baseball and softball leagues. The games, held at different villages each week, offer a time for the whole village to relax, socialize and enjoy. CEJUDHCAN provides equipment and a coach to help set up the teams and provide training. The official Miskitu League Baseball (MLB) season runs from November - April, which is the dry season in Nicaragua.

This is the continuation of a project started 3 years ago when we funded 4 villages to receive baseball equipment. This years' funding will bring the number of villages to 13.

The Impact

Five Miskitu villages in the Wangki Li Aubra territory will be supplied with baseball gear to start a young men's baseball team.

Indirect impact:

Stress reduction will allow Miskito people to maintain their health and allow for continued participation in food production.
Young men will stay in their villages instead of moving to larger cities.

About CEJUDHCAN

A World Centric partner since 2017.

CEJUDHCAN is a not-for-profit, non-governmental organization that provides educational programs, legal support, and practical assistance to indigenous peoples and afro-descendant communities on the Caribbean Coast of Nicaragua. They these communities with the actualization of their established communal rights, specifically self-determination and autonomous governance over communal lands.

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