- Capital on the Edge -: SUPPORT Nica-Talent

The Brien family of Capital on the Edge, Managua

Capital on the Edge has a vision for Nicaraguan young people. We know Nicaragua has a rich Christian history and culture, therefore we're believing God to raise up a generation of Nicaraguans who will be sent out into the World as missionaries for the cause of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Capital on the Edge currently has eight Nicaraguan teenage boys living on-site. These young men coach the kids at our school in Tricking (a form of gymnastics), Break Dancing & Bboy, Electronic Dancing and Latin Style Dancing. These boys mostly have tragic backgrounds, only one has a father who lives at home. They're orphans and although some have family, they're virtually street kids.

The first young fellas we recruited, Aben & Stivey, were stars of a youtube channel that Jed had been watching for many months. The "tricks" they did in the dirt by their houses were absolutely phenomenal, "I have to find them, Liz," he´d say. "They have to come and work with us. I know God wants them to help me start this Latino performing arts thing I've got a vision for."

Yordy Tricking at home

One night, we ventured across town to watch some Nicaraguan folk dancing performing at a mall. After the show, we went out into the square, in front of the mall, and had a coffee and a bite to eat. Suddenly, Jed noticed two boys flipping in the air above the crowds of people. We were amazed at their talent, yet equally shocked at how no one else in the square paid them any attention.

Jed went up to them and low and behold, it was the boys from youtube! That night Aben & Stivey came to live with us. Two has now turned into eight, and the boys train hard, also teaching others their various talents.

Good friends, in a dangerous part of town

Our young talent come from the longest, largest and most dangerous market in Central America; the Mercado Oriental. This five kilometer long market is woven throughout Managua and hosts about 20,000 small shops and sees about 200,000 patrons per day.

The saying, "if the Mercado doesn´t sell it, it doesn´t exist!" is sadly not a hyperbole. The Mercado is known as Nicaragua´s "underground Walmart" offering drugs, weapons, gambling and prostitution; offering both adults and children. Many youths get hooked on glue-sniffing, drugs and alcohol.

Children and teens in our youths' barrio are often labeled as "a nuisance" by middle & upper class citizens. Typical houses in their barrio are constructed of dirt floors, wooden slants, and plastic or zinc roofs.

Fran & Yordy enjoying "girls' night"

The regional diet consists of rice and beans. Common health problems in this area include; malnutrition, lung problems, and sexually transmitted diseases. People in the barrio are either unemployed, have small-businesses in the busy market place, or work for others in the market area.
The boys' community has access to electricity and water, yet needs better waste management systems, educational services, improved and legal housing, employment opportunities, improved infrastructure & recreational facilities.

We are searching for people to commit to supporting these extremely talented boys. At this stage we are asking for monthly pledges to finance the housing, clothing, feeding, educating and touring costs. Any monthly donation will assist us - from $1 to $400 (average monthly cost). You name it, we'll be blessed to take it. To get the ball rolling please contact us: CapitalontheEdge@gmail.com

Meet our Talented Nica-youths!

Aben - 19 years old, born 29 September, 1993

Aben & Lorenzy

My passion is Tricking (a form of street gymnastics). I was introduced to the sport by my cousin who taught me my first flip. I was hooked! Nicaragua doesn´t have advanced gymnastics classes, so to be the best, I had to watch youtube clips from my friend's computer and teach myself & others new moves. Learning requires a lot of discipline, patience & sacrifice.

Before I started living with the Brien family & working at Capital Edge Community School as a coach, I lived with my mum, two sisters, nephew, grandmother, four uncles, five cousins, and all in a two roomed house. My father left before I was born, he said that I was the reason he had to leave.

I have faith in God & thank God for giving me Tricking to focus on. My goal is to show others that Nicaragua has good, talented people and to share God's love with them.

Your sponsorship will help me support my family, receive an education and focus on my passion: Tricking!

Your sponsorship provides Aben a chance to exchange the lack of opportunities for his God-given destiny.

Click here to watch Aben in action

Beycker - 19 years old, born 25 February 1993

Beycker & Francesca

I learned how to Trick by watching youtube videos. I have been in the sport for three years now. I am so grateful to the Brien´s for providing me with a job that allows me to teach and practice this amazing sport.

Before I started living with the Brien family and working at Capital on the Edge, I lived with my mama, my 3 sisters, my younger brother and my two month old nephew.

I believe in God a lot, and always ask him for help in my life, in Tricking and to take care of the people I love. I have great faith in God.

Your sponsorship will help me support my mama, obtain an education, and provide a way for me to focus on Tricking while bringing God and Tricking to others in Nicaragua and hopefully the World!

Your sponsorship provides Beycker a chance to exchange the lack of opportunities for his God-given destiny

Click here to watch Beycker teaching

Stivey - 18 years old, born 27 April 1994

Stivey coaching the Capital Edge kids

I thank God for providing me with a loving Mom and Dad. Before living and working at Capital on the Edge, I lived with my parents and my six siblings. My dad is a self employed electrician who finds jobs where he can; my mom keeps the home.

I enjoy coaching the kids at the center and thank God Jed and Elizabeth were able to give me a chance in succeeding. Aben introduced me to the sport of Tricking in 2010. I am currently learning how to do a double backflip.

My faith in God is to succeed in life. I dream to be the best Tricking model in Nicaragua and to visit other countries for competitions and performance. One day I will arrive! Your sponsorship will help me gain a higher education while living and working in a place I enjoy a lot.

Your sponsorship provides Stivey a chance to exchange the lack of opportunities for his God-given destiny.

Rene - 16 years old, born 30 April, 1996

Raf, Rene, Fran & Ericson

I was born in Bluefields, on the Atlantic Coast. When I was six, I was adopted and moved to Managua. Before living and working at Capital Edge Community Center, I lived with my adopted parents. My adopted mom is 67 and repairs clothes for a living. My adopted dad is 70; he runs a modest shop out of our house.

I love to dance! In 2011, Aben introduced me to tricking, and now I incorporate the two into my routines. I enjoy living and working at the center because there is a lot of joy here. I am so happy to have met the Briens, I call Jed and Elizabeth my papa and mama. They love me and care for me a lot.

My faith in God is great and I believe he will be with me forever. Your sponsorship will help me finish high school, help me learn English, and provide for me.

Your sponsorship provides Rene a chance to exchange the lack of opportunities for his God-given destiny.

Yordy - 18 years old, born 19th June, 1994

Yordy reading to Capital Edge Community School kids

There are two things I am most grateful to God for: My Grandmother and Tricking. When I was young, my parents split up, my mom would travel back and forth to Costa Rica, and my Grandmother watched over me.

Two years ago, Aben and Beycker introduced me to tricking, the sport has become extremely important to me. It gives me a focus and keeps me setting personal goals for myself. I believe God guides my way. God is my father, my best friend, and the only one I trust in life. God gave me life, and I thank him for the joy in my life.

Your sponsorship will help me support myself and my new family, while also obtaining a higher education.

Your sponsorship provides Yordy a chance to exchange the lack of opportunities for his God-given destiny.

There are several ways that you can donate to Capital on the Edge:

For Americans (Donations are tax-deductible)

Capital on the Edge, Inc., is now an American non-profit organization (Registration Number 46-2416766). For this reason, any method of donating is tax deductible for American Citizens.

You can click on the "Donate" button on the right side of this website page, and donate online with a credit or debit card.

You can deposit funds directly into our Bank of America account and then send us an e-mail (CapitalontheEdge@gmail.com) and we will send you a tax statement at the end of the financial year.
Details:

1. Bank of America Account Number: 483053340279
2. Bank of America Routing Number: 021000322
2. Bank of America Account Name: Capital on the Edge, Inc.

You can send a cheque (check). Please make your cheque (check) out to “Capital on the Edge, Inc.” and send it to:

Capital on the Edge

C/- Shane Seaburg

142 Christina Drive

North Chili, NY, 14514

For Australians (Currently donations are not tax-deductible)

You have two options:
Option 1: Aussies wanting to deposit directly into our bank account can feel free to do so. Information:

1. Account name: Jed & Elizabeth Brien
2. Bank: St.George Bank
3. BSB: 112-908
4. Account #: 068 360 563

Option 2: Australians can donate through the Australian Christian Churches - International Missions department (the Australian arm of the Assemblies of God) via credit card, direct debit or cheque:

1. Please visit our facebook page "Capital on the Edge" and download the form or email capitalontheedge@gmail.com requesting the form.
2. Fill in the form and mail it to the ACC - International Missions people. They'll process your payment and forward the funds to Capital on the Edge.
3. Please flick us an e-mail at capitalontheedge@gmail.com so we can be aware that you are sending through supporting us.