Blood, Sweat, Tears & Pesos

"Why doesn't BECA pay for student transportation in the classification stage? BECA is supposed to be helping young people, not be making it more difficult for them." 

This is something that I hear once in a while.

I admit that the criticism irks me a bit, especially when it comes from do-gooders working in other non-profit organizations here in Nicaragua.

Nevertheless, I kind of understand their logic.

After all, if BECA is an anti-poverty organization, what in the world is it doing making poor people scrape up bus money to attend computer classes? Just give 'em the money, say the critics.

Here is the opposing -- and our -- view.

BECA is all about facilitating scholarships for serious-minded young Nicaraguans.

The key word is serious.

And the way we see it, somewhere along the line there has to a sacrifice of some kind. And in our program that happens to include a financial sacrifice.

Our experience in BECA has shown that ambitious, passionate young people will do what they have to do to come up with that transportation money for six months.

• They work part-time jobs. 
• They bug their parents. 
• They ask their relatives. 
• They ask around at their church. 
• They ask their local governments (new for 2013!)

If people feel an opportunity is worthwhile, they will make the sacrifice.

Bottom line? Handouts just don't work!

And you know the best part?

At the end of their journey, when our candidates make it to graduation day, they can proudly declare that they have earned their scholarship, fair and square.

And not because of any handout from some generous, high-minded benefactors.

But because of their own blood, sweat, tears and pesos.

It's a glorious day.

BECA Course One Graduating Class, Matagalpa, December 2011