Letters and Packages 

 

Rule Numero Uno:  NEVER SEND MONEY in letters or packages to Nicaragua! Someone could intercept the mail and none of it will get through. (It is common to send small cash gifts of $20 to $40 for birthdays, and $50 for the annual Holiday basket, but see the Payments and Stipends page for more info on how to do this.)

 

Correspondence Address

When sending letters or packages to your students, please use this address form:

    your student's name AND number!

    por CÍRCULO DE AMIGAS

    Barrio Linda Vista Sur Casa #32

    Jinotega, Region VI

    NICARAGUA, Central America

The reason to note "Central America" is because some packages have accidentally traveled to Nigeria, if you can believe it!

 

Sending Letters 

This bears repeating: Do NOT send money. 

DO send short letters, or bright greeting cards or postcards (in an envelope, to ensure delivery - lone postcards reportedly aren't always taken seriously by Nicaraguan postal employees). A small sheet of colorful stickers from time to time is an easy gift.

DO send photos of yourself; it makes you real to them!

DO acknowledge their school progress (or lack of progress). If they get a good grade (say anything like 80 or more), or if a grade improves by five points or more, praise them! And if they get a poor grade, or if a grade drops by five or more points, tell them that you expect them to do their best work, and to go to Circulo for tutoring if they're struggling. If they're just average students (and many are), still acknowledge their efforts; praise things like good attendance and attitude. See the Progress Reports page for more info.

DO acknowledge their letters. This shows that you truly value them, and that is often something they value as much as or more than your financial support. You don't have to write a lot - for instance ¡Pensando en ti! (Thinking of you!) - is short but sweet. See the Sponsor FAQ page for info on corresponding with your student when you don't know Spanish.

 

Sending Packages

Again, do NOT send money. Also do NOT send expensive gifts. Though the desire to do so is understandable, such gifts cause envy, sometimes ill will, and quite possibly customs nightmares for your student.

If you want to send a package, avoid excessive postage costs for you and customs nightmares by keeping your packages under 4 pounds, under 42 inches (length plus girth), and $20 or less in value. Gifts that fit in large, padded envelopes are your best bet. Consider party favors that are sold in multiples; inexpensive fun and shared! Other ideas: Colorful note paper; pretty pencils or pens; socks and T-shirts; bilingual magazines or small paperback books; jump ropes; jigsaw puzzles (under 100 pieces); and small dolls. Girls under 10 like baby dolls and little-girl dolls. Consider career/fashion dolls for older girls.

Be aware that newly sponsored students - indeed their families - have possibly never received or sent anything in the mail before, so be patient. Realize that this will be a learning experience for them and you.

For more info on mailing packages, try the USPS Postage Rate Calculator.

Once again, keep it small, lightweight (under 4 pounds), and low value ($20 or less) to avoid high postage costs for you and customs nightmares your student. And do NOT send money!