Vapues Travel
Project
Casa Xalteva Cultural and Language Center is an NGO that supports the local community. Their focus lies on the educational and socioeconomic advancement of young people and various families in Granada, Nicaragua. Casa Xalteva was founded in 1995 by two professors from the University of New Mexico, Ken Carpenter and Gregory Calvert. Their aim was to improve the lives of Nicaraguan children at risk.
They serve 15 children from ages 11 through 19 years old, all of whom receive learning materials, homework help, vocational training, arts and crafts, recreation and more. The primary goal of the program is prevention so that these children can break away from cycles of poverty and violence and generate positive changes in their own lives and of their community. In doing so, Casa Xalteva forms a family and home structure for these children: a safe place for them to learn, play and grow.
Needs
General School Supplies:
*College-Ruled Paper, *Colored Construction Paper, *Colored Pencils, *Crayons, *Erasers, *Glue Sticks, *Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, *Highlighters, *Markers, *Pencils, *Pencil Cases/Bags,* Pens, *Rulers, and *Tape
Reference Materials:
(English and Spanish) Dictionaries
Text/Reading Books:
(Spanish) Age-Appropriate Story Books
Computer Hardware/Software:
Flash Drives/Memory Sticks, Printer Cartridges (HP85A), and Mouse with USB
Art Supplies:
*Craft Glue and *Craft Scissors
Sports/Outdoor Activity:
Inflation Pumps, *Soccer Balls, Small Soccer Goal, Tennis Balls, Volleyballs, and Volleyballs Nets
Initiatives Supported
![Vapues Travel](https://www.packforapurpose.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/polaroid.jpg?x11355)
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.