Karina is a 19-year old Nicaragua woman. She grew up in Palacaguina and was an early beneficiary of our Smiling School Kids program whereby for $80 per year American sponsors provide children with school supplies, a backpack, shoes, and a school uniform. Karina was 12-years old when she was first sponsored by a woman in Florida. This sponsorship continued through graduation. 
The program’s significance for me was to learn the importance of sharing, not just economically but also the love of Christ. For instance, the letters I received from people that I didn’t know in person, shared the love of Christ with me. Karina
Karina now attends a branch campus of UNAN: (Universidad Nacional Autonomo Nicaragua) in Somoto, a city near Palacaguina. She is in her third year there. Although she is a full-time student, she only attends on Saturdays and will graduate after five years with a major in English. In the meantime, she is working full-time as Office Manager at Palacaguina Christian Academy, a partner project of 516NOW. Since it is a bilingual school this is an excellent fit for her studies and her English skills are highly valued there.
