Children as early in life as five years old are hard-pressed into the work place to help alleviate the extreme need for support of the family. Statistics show that many children work harder than most American adults do. The overall economic situation has deprived many children of living with dignity. In many cases, they have to play the role of the provider in their families. Because there are no teacher/guardians for them during the day, these children live under especially difficult circumstances: many are targets for sexual abuse, violence and become drug addicts and/or alcoholics as a way of escaping form their reality and their unsatisfied needs.

Approximately 36% of children in Nicaragua are not legally registered due to administrative, legal and cultural causes. Only 5% of disabled children receive appropriate care. Child and adolescent sexual exploitation, drug use and violence are emerging issues of concern. The existence of approximately 76,000 landmines continues to be a high-risk factor for children and adolescents (UNICEF, 2006).

CACEP has stepped forward with its funds and supplies for scholastic opportunities for impoverished families with the hope and desire to educate their children. We work in partnership with Central Americans to promote educational opportunities. Every visit causes us to want more, to do more and more is greatly needed. The purpose of this Organization is to help children in Central America overcome the obstacles of getting at least a common adequate primary and secondary education.