Using the power of education to make
a difference in the lives of vulnerable
children around the world.
We show up, listen, and ask to be invited into a community, and then use creative storytelling to raise awareness and funds for vulnerable children.
We identify and partner with local organizations who can build infrastructure, train up local leadership, and manage programs on the ground in these communities.
We hold festivals in vulnerable communities for the sake of joy, unity, and hope.
Our work in Nicaragua began in 2007, after we met a community of children and their families living in the La Chureca trash dump. Since then, our efforts have been focused on changing the trajectory of these kids’ lives through the power of education.
Since 2008, Love Light + Melody has helped fund educational programs for kids in the La Chureca community. We founded Ileana’s School of Hope in 2018, where each student is given the opportunity and guidance to further their education and improve their lives and the lives of their families.
We also established a high school and university scholarship program in 2012 for students who expressed a strong desire to continue their education, yet lacked the financial means to do so. Since then, we have granted scholarships to 375 students, many of whom are the first in their families to graduate high school, or university.
Two mixed-use community
buildings for vocational
trainings and gatherings
Six additional classrooms to
serve all of the primary grades
Art Center including music
and art studios, a library, and
a computer lab
Covered sports
complex and field
Additional playground
for the preschool and
kindergarten students
Community triage
space for emergency
medical needs
As of February 2022
Total students
served since 2007
Total students currently enrolled in Ileana’s School of Hope
Scholarships
awarded
October 2005
Brad Corrigan’s first
trip to Nicaragua
May 2006
Brad + Ileana meet
Spring 2007
Love Light +
Melody founded
Summer 2007
Inaugural Day of
Light festival held
February 2011
Ileana’s passing
Spring 2012
Scholarship program
implemented
Spring 2014
Kickstarter campaign
for Ileana’s Smile
Winter 2015
Land for Ileana’s
School of Hope
purchased
Spring 2017
School music
program created
February 2022
Ileana’s School of
Hope at full
capacity
TBD
Ileana’s Smile
film release
TBD
New construction
and school build
Aracelly Alejandra Medal is thirteen years old. She lives in a trash dump resettlement community with her five siblings, her mother, and stepfather, who is a trash recycler. When she started first grade at Ileana’s School of Hope, Aracelly didn’t know how to read or write, but now she enjoys going to class on a daily basis and even helps her younger classmates.
Katia Mitchel Rodriguez Mairena is thirteen years old, and was one of our scholarship recipients. Katia lives with her mother and stepfather, but the school is a refuge for her. As an only child, she’s very responsible, shows interest in her classes, and loves to socialize with her classmates and teachers. Katia has a motor disability on the left side of her body, but maintains her positive spirit and smile on a daily basis.
Nelson Antonio Paiz Araica is eight years old, and is in first grade at Ileana’s School of Hope. Nelson was rejected from other schools due to his cerebral palsy, but his mother accompanies him to class three times a week and, along with Nelson’s teachers, are helping him to be as independent as possible. Nelson is nice to everybody he meets and loves spending time with his classmates.
