A Story From Nicaragua
This year during Spring Break, we had the incredible opportunity to return to Nicaragua; this time, with a brand new team of dedicated UAMS students and a Speech Therapist. Our partner organization had expressed a deep need for this kind of specialized support, and it was a privilege to meet that need in such a meaningful way.
Two of the UAMS students shared, “They do so much with so little here. It really changes how you see the world.”
One touching experiences came from our Speech Therapist, who shared this unforgettable moment:
“A family came to the center seeking help with their son’s language development. He was non-vocal and showed no signs of joint attention. When he first walked into the room, he didn’t engage with anyone, just quietly played with the toys on his own.
So, we began a simple game: building a tower out of blocks. Each time we added a block, I signed ‘más’ (more), encouraging him to do the same. As the tower grew, I’d pretend to knock it over with a dramatic crash. The second time we played, something shifted, he signed ‘más’ on his own. Then he looked at me. Not past me. At me.
And then, the most joyful sound filled the room: his laughter. Not just a giggle, but a full, beautiful belly laugh. His mom quietly pulled me aside and said, ‘This is the first time he’s ever played with someone like that.’
That moment will stay with me forever. Watching him connect, watching him see the world outside himself, it was breathtaking.”
Stories like this remind us of the real impact happening alongside our Global Partners.
In addition to the support our global partners receive through trips like this one to Nicaragua, 99B provides ongoing care through our All-In Sponsorships. These sponsorships offer children in Nicaragua, Uganda, and South Asia the opportunity to attend school and access services such as therapy, nutrition, one-on-one education, classroom learning, or a combination of these. The ultimate goal is always the same: for each child to develop lifelong skills and be truly known within their local community.
