Mission Statement  
"Ayudanica is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering cross-cultural understanding and advancing sustainable educational and community development in poor rural communities in Nicaragua through youth-oriented service-learning."

Ayudanica is committed to:  

• Providing a faith-focused experience in service to the poor rooted in the Catholic tradition.
• Improving the standard of living of the people of Monte Rosa, Nicaragua.
• Improving educational opportunities for youths and adults in the United States and Nicaragua.
• Widening the perspective on the interdependence between communities and individuals around the world.
• Advancing the notion of global awareness and responsibility.
• Developing leadership and empowerment skills.
• Promoting cross-cultural understandings and relationships through collaboration.
• Fostering personal and community growth through service learning.
• Strengthening the ability of communities to help themselves and others.
• Encouraging new ideas and fostering change.
• Heightening the individual and communal call to service.
• Providing an experience that reflects the richness of the Nicaraguan culture.

Leadership, Service and Cross-Cultural Training  
The Ayudanica staff engages team members in an extensive nine-month pre-trip training and education program that fosters leadership, teamwork skills, and understanding of important cultural, political, historical, and global issues that effect Nicaragua and other Latin American countries. Under the guidance of an experienced staff of development workers and educators, Ayudanica participants work year-round to learn, plan, acquire needed project materials, and develop important skills that they will need while in Nicaragua.

Travel and Service Opportunities That Make a Difference  
The project culminates in a ten-day trip to Nicaragua where students explore the cultural, historical and physical landscape of the country, and work cooperatively with their Nicaraguan peer partners on the educational service projects they developed throughout the year.

This is much more than volunteer service work though! Ayudanica's unique blend of global education, leadership training, team-building and cross-cultural exchange makes this a life-changing experience.

"I tell all my friends that they have to get down to Nicaragua with Ayudanica and experience the experience of a lifetime. Ayudanica brings out the best in everyone. I thank Ayudanica for the person I am today. I'm educated, I've gained leadership skills, and I've changed. My smartest decision in life was joining Ayudanica. Not only did I meet some of the greatest people ever, I was able to help change something. Everyone needs to experience Ayudanica. It's hard to explain what it does in words. That's why people have to experience it themselves."
- Tom Linquist
Holy Ghost Preparatory School '04