​The political crisis has increased both Cantera’s
challenges and its importance as a
beacon of hope in the communities
​it has served for 30 years. ​

CANTERA promotes gender equality, community development, spirituality, and systemic change,
​improving the lives of the people of Nicaragua,
the second-poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.

The 2019 budget shortfall due to loss of
visiting delegations and crisis costs is
$58,001 - but every dollar helps where 
people live on less than $2/day.

Gender Equity CANTERA offers gender workshops and teaches equitable leadership in all its programs.

Systemic Change Change must permeate every level: individual, family, community, education, and government. While working for non-violence, gender equity, and sustainability within their families, CANTERA leaders demand these in the public and governmental sectors.
Sustainable Community Development Communities define steps to make their dreams come true, and commit to sharing the personal and professional skills learned through CANTERA.
Sustainable Agriculture In the face of climate change, communities build resilience by learning agroecology practices and sharing them among farmers. Communities run Seed Banks to assure a sustainable supply.

Spirituality An integral part of all programs, spirituality allows people to heal wounds of violence and poverty, practice self care, and recognize the interconnectedness of all life. CANTERA respects all religions and belief systems and shares a variety of spirituality practices.

Non-Violence Amid high levels of family violence and violence against women, CANTERA teaches men and women to work together to build a non-violent society.

Human Rights In urban preschool classrooms or with rural farmers, in workshops with high school teens or young adults, human rights and responsibilities are always emphasized. As people empower themselves through personal development, they are motivated to fight for human rights on behalf of themselves and their community.