Since the change of government in 1990, the living conditions of simple folk in Nicaragua have dramatically deteriorated. Unemployment (60-70%), hunger and disease govern the situation. According to UN statistics Nicaragua is among the poorest countries of Latin America. Education and thus the chance for a better life are no matter of course for needy children in Nicaragua.

That is why SIGA has supported the "San Francisco” school in Santa Teresa, Nicaragua, for many years. This private school is intended for children who cannot pay the fee for the public school or are not admitted to the public school because of learning problems. The children attend this school from the first to the sixth class and get a hot meal every day - often the only one a day.

25 years ago Jeamileth Fonseca, a young woman from the village Santa Teresa, and Sister Gabriela Schwizer came into contact with numerous "stupid, incapable, difficult" children. They had been eliminated from the first class of the public school. The two women founded a very modest school for children with learning problems. With many playful activities they strengthened the self-consciousness of the children to such an extent that by and by they could also cope with the actual schoolwork.

At the beginning of the school year long queues of parents form in front of the school building because they want to register their children. They are poverty-stricken and fully concerned with their struggle for life. Nevertheless, they show an increasing interest in school, are happy about the success of their children and offer their help where practical work is concerned.

In early 2007 we unfortunately received the bad news that Sister Gabriela Schwizer had died. Jeamileth Fonseca Telléz wrote us: "Gabriela put all her energy into this project. She did without any conveniences. In a poor country, in a forgotten village, she fought with her unshakable love for those most in need. She gave children from the poorest background a chance and hope by a variety of helps."

This hope, this important work, shall continue to exist. SIGA will keep on supporting the work of the school as Gabriela Schwizer would have done and continue its commitment.

Instead of giving our customers a Christmas present we will also this year make a donation of 25,000 Swiss Francs to "San Francisco” on their and our behalf.

We will be happy if you decide to support the "San Francisco" school, and together with the children from Santa Teresa we say:
"Hello Partner - thank you!"

Bank account:
Credit Suisse Luzern
Account 0463 573468-31, Clearing Number 463 or
IBAN Code CH37 0446 3057 3468 3100 0
(please use the less expensive IBAN Code)

SIGA guarantees that every donation received will fully and completely be forwarded to the "San Francisco" school.