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Frequent natural disasters make life increasingly difficult for Nicaraguan families in poverty. Chronic malnutrition is a serious concern affecting nearly one in five local children, and over a quarter of the population lack access to basic sanitation facilities like toilets.
Our local church partners in Nicaragua are passionate about bringing hope and lasting change to their communities—and they do this in many different ways. One centre in Las Mojarras has helped families plant crops and install irrigation to provide both food and income during the relentless summer months.
Two other centres empowered local teenagers with entrepreneurial skills and resources to start small businesses selling handmade pinatas and hammocks. In Miralagos, expectant mothers are building lifelong friendships with one another and the local church through a sewing course together.
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“Many families have lost their jobs … So the food received by the children in many cases is the only assured food source for the whole family. All this has been possible for your commitment. Thank you for your generosity in your support for the children. Thank you so much.”
Thank you for praying for the children, families and local church partners we serve in Nicaragua.
When COVID-19 struck Nicaragua, the already struggling country saw a rise in unemployment, especially in rural communities. The ability to provide nutritious food for their children became a challenge for parents and caregivers. Read more open_in_new
Please note: Due to the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, some child development centres in Nicaragua are temporarily unable to host large group activities. Our local church partners continue to meet the holistic needs of registered children through smaller group activities or home-based care.
Compassion’s program is contextualised across countries and communities, as well as age groups.
Compassion assisted children in Nicaragua typically attend program activities at their local child development centre after school and on Saturdays. Here is an example of what a typical program day looks like for children in Nicaragua.
Devotional time - Children learn to pray.
Spiritual lessons - Children sing songs and learn Bible stories.
Break time - Children can play in a safe environment and develop friendships.
Social-emotional lessons - Children learn conflict resolution skills and how to develop healthy self-esteem. Many children come from challenging home environments and are taught social and personal skills.
Lunch and social time - Children usually receive a meal consisting of rice, meat, tortilla and natural juice, tea or cereal. Children sometimes receive a snack of fruit salad, rice with milk or a thick hot drink made from corn meal.
Health lessons - Children learn practical health and hygiene tips.
Letter writing and career planning - Older children work with local staff to identify their strengths and interests and set goals for their future.
The children also enjoy camps, sports, field trips and art. Students can participate in vocational training workshops in music, computer literacy, sewing, carpentry, baking, hair styling, entrepreneurship and handicrafts. Parents and caregivers meet monthly.
of people live in poverty
of people over 15 cannot read and write
of people lack access to basic sanitation
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America and home to the only known freshwater sharks in the world. Poetry and baseball are both important parts of local culture and draw international attention. The majority of the population speak Spanish, and Catholicism is the most predominant religion.
Poetry is one of Nicaragua's most beloved arts. Rubén Darío (1867-1916) is known as the 'Prince of Spanish-American literature', and recent work by Nicaraguan poets, fiction writers and essayists can be found in most bookstores. Earthquakes and war have obliterated much tangible evidence of Nicaragua's cultural heritage, especially its colonial architecture, although León retains many fine, old buildings.
From 2000 to 2017, Nicaragua was making progress: its economy was growing steadily and it had largely avoided the cartel and gang-related crime racking its northern neighbours, El Salvador and Honduras. However, between 2018 to 2019, Nicaragua experienced a period of social and political unrest after social security reforms were proposed. This crisis, combined with frequent natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, led to an economic downturn and a rise in poverty.
Chronic malnutrition is a serious concern affecting nearly one in five local children, and over a quarter of the population lack access to basic sanitation facilities like toilets.
Compassion began partnering with the local church in Nicaragua in 2002. Our church partners are passionate about bringing hope and lasting change to their communities—and they do this by empowering youth and caregivers with entrepreneurial skills, strengthening family relationships, fighting childhood malnutrition and much more.
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