In Nicaragua there is a vast disparity between the rich and the poor. Few within Nicaragua's population can be considered "advantaged." This segment of Nicaragua's population, referred to as "la sociedad," are able to provide the best educational opportunities for their children in private and parochial schools within the country or even abroad.

Most people in Nicaragua, however, experience a different lifestyle. Nicaragua is a developing country that is very poor in health and wealth. The very little money that a family makes goes toward the benefit of the whole family not one individual of the family. The family is an important structure within the Nicaraguan culture. The children play an economic role within their family as early as age 5. The children begin to work and make money for the family by selling various items such as pottery, chic-lets, candy, bottled water or fruit such as mangos.

The lessons in this section of the Resource Guide are structured to provide students with insight into Nicaraguan family life and the struggles and concerns of the various elements within Nicaraguan society.