The town of Estelí was chosen as the location of the first Nicaraguan SOS Children's Village because the 1972 earthquake had had very bad consequences for the surrounding region. Many children lost their parents; others were abandoned because of the severe poverty of their families. In 1973, the first SOS families moved into their new homes. The SOS Children's Village consists of 12 family houses, the village director's house, a multi-purpose hall, an administration area and a tailor's workshop. A big playground and a basketball field are there for the children to play in. In 1979, the first youths moved to the new SOS Youth Facility. This is a place where youths live together and prepare for their independent lives while they continue their education or training.