Chica Nica Project

Lynda Pracht traveled to Nicaragua in 1998 on a W/NP sponsored Learning Centers Mission. The excellent embroidery and design skills that she was witness to, along with the enthusiasm of the Nicaraguan women, their spirit, and their strong desire to become self-sufficient, inspired her to find a niche market in the doll dress trade. Women from the Learning Centers are sewing beautiful dresses designed to fit 18" dolls. The dresses pass a rigid quality control review, and the Nicaraguan women are paid for their work before the dresses even leave Nicaragua. The purchase of these lovely dresses provides income to the home, often the only money coming into the household to support the family. The Chica Nica Doll Dresses program allows women to stay in their community, learn a skill, earn an income, and live with dignity.