The Chinantlan Association is the result of a long and active process of cooperation and friendship between the city of Chinandega and sister cities in Europe. In 1986 there was the official twinning of the Dutch city Eindhoven and the German city Leverkusen with Chinandega. Together with these cities and the personal commitment of some of its citizens who came to work in Chinandega, Chinantlan started encouraging the formation of a group of promoters of solidarity and social-economic development.

The formation of Chinantlan

In the early years (1986-1999) the main priority of Chinantlan was managing and administering the projects supported and approved by the cities of Eindhoven and Leverkusen.  Most of these projects were in the sectors of health and education. In the years 1998-2000 the transformation of this group began to become a partner of the twinning cities in civil projects, and to promote development together with the Mayor of Chinandega. 
So, always with the support of the sister cities began the formation of an independent, true civil society counterpart Chinandega. Also in this period, cooperation has expanded to include United States and several international NGOs in projects in other sectors. This process culminated in 2000 with a specific mission of people of the city of Eindhoven advising and strengthening the group formed by citizens of Chinandega. On this same occasion, the official name of "Chinantlan Brotherhood association" originated. This name refers to the native roots of Chinandega since it is the name of the city in the Nahuatl language. In March 2000, Chinantlan Association opened its doors in the centre of Chinandega and it was legally established on 11 October 2001.

Chinantlan today

Chinantlan Association is currently one of the largest and most importantorganizations of Chinandega with numerous projects. Our twin cities are still our strongest pillars. With financial support from the National Council Nicaragua-Netherlands, we are running a capacity building program which includes the development of an audit accounting manual, a sustainability strategy and other institutional development programs.
Recently the alliances of Chinantlan expanded with the integration of institutions, NGOs and local partnerships. For example the World Bank and GVC of Italy help with funding for detention programs to reduce teen violence and youth in the streets of Chinandega. The Agriculture Institute of Denmark contributes by the study: “Introduction of the cultivation and use in food security of the amaranth plant”.