In February,1994, Jonathan Roise, a Seattle Quaker, with Nicaraguan activist, Mercedes Guido, began offering first-aid care and friendship to glue-sniffing street-kids in the old Montenegro Market in Managua. Since then, thanks to the support of Managua volunteers and many individuals and groups outside Nicaragua, Sí a la Vida has grown rapidly and has increased its outreach and effectiveness.



Through its residence and day center in Managua, Casa Nuevo Amanecer, (New Sunrise House) with a program of study, work, recreational activities, Sí a la Vida has been able to rescue many youngsters from glue addiction and the dangers and hopelessness of life on the streets. Many of these young boys now attend school for the first time, and whenever possible they are being reunited with their own families. Boys remaining in the project for an extended period are relocated to our new site on Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua.