El Arbol

Cause info

El Arbol is a small foundation, active in Nicaragua since 1997.

We operate from Chinandega in the small villages in the surrounding countryside, working towards a better future for the most vulnerable group in society: women and children. Our core values are: compassion, equality and sustainability. We work together with Dutch and Nicaraguan volunteers, women’s organizations, schools and environmental organizations on poverty reduction, women’s rights, education and reforestation.

Together we can make it possible to create a sustainable future with more equality between men and women. Women in Nicaragua earn 20% less than men in the same professions. We combat poverty by creating sustainable employment.

Examples of our projects:

Los Laureles, a furniture and carpentry workshop with special attention to women, in operation since 1995, more than 200 women and girls have received technical training there. Free sewing lessons for girls from the market, who have to work on the street at a young age and face many risks.

Free computer lessons for disadvantaged girls and women, teaching basics in Word, Excel and internet use. Free environmental and organic farming lessons for women in rural areas with their own farms.

This is done in cooperation with village representatives.

The tree project, at schools we establish tree nurseries, with students closely involved in planting, maintenance and eventually, when the saplings are strong enough, we plant them in places where it is urgently needed to prevent soil erosion. Finally, our annual Christmas campaign where we distribute wooden toys to poor children in the villages.

The toys are made with donations in the Los Laureles workshop. This is a true El Arbol tradition; volunteers dress up as Santa Claus, there is a clown, children get face painting, there are snacks and music. Children are also playfully taught to be careful with the forests (sustainability).