Erlon Jiron

Twenty-three-year-old Erlon Jiron explains quite simply and in slow, practiced English why he quit school at age 17: “I didn’t continue my studies because I am very poor.” It’s a common story in Nicaragua. But for Erlon, it wasn’t the end of the story.

Erlon and his five brothers and two sisters grew up in San Juan del Sur. Erlon finished primary school but then had to devote his time and attention to working, first on a reforestation project for three years and later, as a caretaker.

Erlon aspires to become a business administrator, possibly managing a restaurant. He chose this career goal because he believes the salary will be good and the jobs plentiful. And because Erlon lives near Marsella beach in San Juan del Sur, he has met a lot of foreigners, many from North America, and says, “They are really nice.” He welcomes the opportunity to serve them as a restaurant manager.

Despite the fact that Erlon didn’t formally continue his education, he continued to try to learn about things in which he was interested. He enjoyed learning about mechanical things and the English language, which he studied at a free community school Pat and I started near Erlon’s home. The students named it The School of Nicaraguan Friends and Others.  He was such a good student my husband, Pat, and I decided to sponsor him in the English program at Ave Maria College of the Americas in San Marco. (You may see their web site at http://www.avemaria.edu.ni/)

Erlon is currently in the second level of English instruction and is doing very well. Nicaragua Living is proud to continue sponsoring Erlon as he pursues his studies.
                                                                                                            -Cheryl L. Serra
                                                                                                            Nicaragua Living publisher and editor