Georgetown University Medical Students on their way to Somoto
After a trial run in 2015, Georgetown University has endorsed a delegation of medical students to spend one month working... Read More
Hearts Afire Foundation
Making A Difference In Somoto - One Year At A Time!
Every Day Life In Somoto
A boy and his burro is something you would see every day and it depicts everyday life. Also, within the country of Nicaragua, the burro is the iconic symbol of Somoto.
The church is iconic because it is located in the center of the town AND it is also symbolic of their faith. It was constructed in 1661, making it one of the oldest places of worship in Nicaragua.This church still possesses most of its colonial structure from 1661 as well as ancient objects from colonial times.
Dennis Cesar
Mayor Marcio Rivas
Dennis receiving recognition from the twice elected mayor of Somoto, Marcio Rivas. The mayor has been working with our foundation since our very first stay in 2003.
One of the most significant landmarks in Nicaragua is the Momotombo Volcano.
This almost perfect cone-shaped stratovolcano can be seen from many places, including Nicaragua's capital city Managua as well as the northern city of Matagalpa, over 100 kilometers away.
It is also the most active one!
Story About Us
Who are we?
The Hearts Afire Foundation is a non-profit organization, which provides medical and education support to the people and community of Merced’s sister-city, Somoto, Nicaragua. In 2003, my husband and I visited Somoto…
Since 2003
From Merced To Somoto
We have been working diligently for 21 years on our projects in Somoto, Nicaragua
- Constructed the Los Pipitos Center for Handicapped Children
- Provided medical and surgical equipment to Juan Brenes Hospital
- Helped repair 500 desks and 200 wheelchairs
- Run a dental clinic
- Provide hundreds of thousands of doses of much needed medication
- Helping provide full college scholarships
Hearts Afire Mission
The mission of Hearts Afire Foundation is to provide medical, educational and ifrastructural support to the sister city of Merced, California, Somoto, Nicaragua. The United States sister city program began in 1956 under the administration of President Eisenhower. It was intended a diplomacy initiative. For the past thirty years the sister city relationship between Merced and Somoto has enhanced the living conditions, not only of the citizens of Somoto, but also for the people throughout the District of Madriz, of which Somoto is the capital.
Nicaragua has the second poorest economy in the Western Hemisphere. The average citizen of Somoto is destitute by US standards. It is the sole purpose of Hearts Afire Foundation to ehance the lives of Merced’s sister citizens. For the past ten years, we at Hearts Afire Foundation have significantly done so. And it is our intention to build on what has already been accomplished.
Somoto Health & Medical Care Support
Somoto has a district hospital which serves the entire District of Madriz....Donate Now
Los Pipitos Center For Handicapped Children
The Los Pipitos Center in Somoto cares for 450 handicapped children from...Donate Now
Educational Programs & Scholarships
Educational programs are a large part of our mission. A scholarship committee...Donate Now
We Need You
Volunteer Today!
Become a part of our family. Together, we can enhance the lives of Merced’s sister citizens. Come be part of the delegation and have an amazing experience!
THE GIFT OF EDUCATION
ENHANCING LIVES BY PROVIDING SCHOLARSHIPS
In the developing world, we take education for granted. It’s a given here in the US that everyone will go to school from Kindergarten to High School. That’s not the case in Somoto. The cost of supplies is usually more then most families can afford and some children don’t even have shoes to wear to school. Food for a family will always take precedence over school expenses. However with our help and your help we can change that!
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Rotarians in Action
Members from Merced Sunrise, Atwater, North Merced, Merced and Madera Rotary Clubs traveled to Somoto to inaugurate two wells, in... Read More
Inauguration of new construction
In March of 2015, the newly constructed Medical Equipment Bodega of the Juan Brenes Hospital was inaugurated. The $75,000 project... Read More
New Projects Approved for Somoto
We are so excited to share with all of you that we have received the necessary assistance and funding to... Read More
Hearts Afire Facebook
Somoto Trip 2014
Words From Our Friends
In February 2014, I was very fortunate to go with the Hearts Afire foundation and Dr. Cesar to Somoto, Nicaragua. I was impressed by the generosity and care they had for the people of Somoto. I saw firsthand how Hearts Afire had improved the city of Somoto…read more
, MDIt has been my great pleasure to have accompanied Hearts Afire to Somoto on two occasions. I have witnesses firsthand the tremendous positive impact Hearts Afire has made on the entire community of Somoto…read more
, Executive Director, Emeritus Merced – Mariposa County Medical SocietyI went with the Hearts Afire group to Somoto in 2014. For the past few years my Rotary Club has been donating a scholarship through Hearts Afire for a student in Somoto. During the trip I got to meet two recipients of the scholarships – one who is now a pharmacist…read more
, FACHE President Mercy Medical CenterEveryone needs to visit a 3rd world country. I was fortunate to visit Somoto, Nicaragua with Hearts Afire in 2008 and instantly fell in love. There are so many needs and people are wonderful. I got to sponsor two families and am sending a student to medical…read more
, FriendIt never ceases to amaze me that when I think I’m doing something for someone else, it always comes back that I get more out of it than they did. The coaches and the players are not only grateful for acquiring new skills, but they are…read more
, Friends