While visiting Nicaragua in 2005, Scharf not only fell in love with the country, but also became aware of the overwhelming impacts of poverty. According to information provided on the Web by UNICEF, 48.3 percent of the country's total population -- more than 5 million people -- lives in poverty. Twenty-four percent of the country's children are not in school, with child labor affecting approximately 10 percent the children and adolescents.

"Throughout Nicaragua, one in four families are headed by single mothers," Scharf said, quoting from the Nica Initiative for Community Advancement. In the community of Tolasmaides, where Scharf and Gibson are focusing their efforts, that number is closer to three in four, she added.

Most students at the community's government-operated school wear uniforms. Although uniforms are not required, students without them are ostracized by their neighbors and classmates. Families also are burdened by the requirement for students to provide their own school supplies.

Enter: Sprout Nicaragua, organized under the umbrella of International Humanities Center, a nonprofit whose mission is to work with other organizations and projects devoted to ecological and humanitarian stewardship.

During its first year of existence, Sprout dispensed more than $5,000 to meet students' needs. This year, with a goal of providing uniforms, shoes, backpacks and school supplies for approximately 150 primary and secondary students, as well as continuing to support a small handful of college and university students, Sprout hopes to raise $10,000.

"We've taken on almost the entire K-8 school in the community," Scharf said. "Our goal, which came out of a sort of town meeting, is that if we can provide the uniforms and school supplies, it will dramatically increase attendance and get all the kids that are eligible for education into school."

Turning Sprout into an increasingly self-sustaining organization also is being explored. Toward that end, a sewing collective is being considered that would allow women with sewing machines to sew school uniforms, as well as items for profit. Also being explored are avenues to draw on the area's agricultural base.

"Our five-year plan would be at least some degree of self-sustainability for the community in terms of funding and computers in the schools," Scharf said.

Seeing the impact of Sprout's efforts -- children attending school -- helps Scharf stay focused on that plan.

"I grew up with every advantage you can have," Scharf said. "I never really started thinking about other people until I got to college. It's just a process over the years of opening my eyes to what's going on around me. And then, once you get to know people you're helping, it becomes personal."

For more information on Sprout Nicaragua or the fundraiser, call 299-1921.

McKibben Jackinsky can be reached at mckibben.jackinsky.@homernews.com.