In August 2024, Good Neighbors International delivered inputs and provided follow-up to entrepreneurship projects focused on the raising of breeding sows, piglets and pigs for cutting in 10 communities in the municipal office in Santa Teresa. A total of 27 families, including 24 women and 3 men, are participating in these initiatives, which seek to generate income for households that are part of the organization’s sponsorship program.

In addition to improving the family economy, these projects promote the local market thanks to the pig production cycles, which offer quick and sustainable results. The beneficiary families receive specialized training in swine reproductive management, provided by the Carazo National Institute of Agricultural Technology – INTA, with the support of agronomy interns from the Autonomous University of Nicaragua – UNAN.

Good Neighbors highlights the importance of alliances with INTA and UNAN local partners, whose collaboration has been fundamental to the success of these ventures. These activities not only strengthen the social economy, but also enhance the productive skills and financial access of vulnerable families.

Between August and September 2024, Good Neighbors International delivered materials and supplies to the communities of Buena Vista, San Jorge, La Pitilla and Santa Cruz, accompanied by the Santa Teresa municipal office, to support local businesses such as bakeries, tortilla shops and bookstores. This initiative seeks to enable families to generate significant income and improve their quality of life by developing small businesses.

The project involves four women entrepreneurs, who, with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, started their businesses after receiving training from local partners such as the Ministry of Cooperative and Associative Community Family Economy, the Ministry of Health, and the Autonomous University of Nicaragua. The workshops addressed key topics such as accounting records, product design, and hygiene and safety. This initiative highlights women’s empowerment as a driver of stronger family economies and contributes to building more stable and just communities.