The Pulsera Project is aiming to unite Nicaraguan youth and college students across the country. The non-profit organization promotes unity through manufacturing and selling colorful “pulsera” bracelets.

“People in Nicaragua have to work so hard and barely get any money, but The Pulsera Project helps so much by giving them a job and allowing them to spend time with their families,” said junior Martin Gonzalez.

Nicaraguan craftsmen and artists weave the colorful bracelets and send them to the U.S. to be sold. All of the proceeds go back to the youth of Nicaragua, giving the people who make the bracelets opportunities to grow and learn.

“I think it’s a great idea and knowing that I’m benefiting someone’s life just by wearing their bracelet makes me happy,” said freshman Caroline Keetan.

In 2008, 13 friends searching for an adventured visited Nicaragua, the poorest country in Central America. The crew encountered a shelter that helped the children of impoverished families get off of the streets. The children at the shelter made pulseras, or bracelets in Spanish, and gave them as gifts, which inspired the beginning of the Pulsera Project.

“I think the Pulsera Project is a great way for students to see they can actually help around the world no matter the distance,” said sophomore Gracie Pel.

The project has given locals the opportunity to lead successful lives and, at the same time, form relationships that last a lifetime. The bracelets are made by people of all ages. A portion of the money raised goes to fund education programs for young homeless children.

Next week, the Pulsera Project will be returning to SHS for the second year in a row. Last year, SHS was one of the top high school fundraisers, collecting over $3,000.

Since the Pulsera Project’s launch in 2009, students and teachers from over 1,000 schools in 49 states have joined in coloring the world through art and social justice, empowering many Nicaraguans, and educating their peers about fair trade and Latin American culture.

For more information click here.