child sponsorship

Nicaragua

Compassion began partnering with churches in 2002.

	252 church partners

	More than 56,585 children registered

	Over 712 mums and their babies supported

About Nicaragua

Hola (Hello in Spanish)

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. 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. 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.

Watch the latest video update to learn more about Compassion's work in Nicaragua.

HOW YOU CAN PRAY

Thank you for praying for staff, children and families in Nicaragua

+ Pray for those in rural communities who are struggling due to flooding in the rainy season.

+ Pray for the local mothers and infants participating in our Mums and Babies program—pray for their healthy growth and development during this critical stage of life.

+ Pray for wisdom for the leadership team of Compassion Nicaragua, that they may know how to best equip local churches in difficult circumstances.

+ Pray that the cycle of poverty will be broken in so many families with the help of the Lord and the appreciated support of each sponsor and donor.

A snapshot of Compassion's Child Sponsorship Program in Nicaragua

Compassion’s program is contextualised across countries and communities, as well as age groups.

Children aged 1 to 3 receive home-based care and attend one group activity at the Compassion centre each month.
Children aged 4 to 12 visit the Compassion centre for six to eight hours a week across three days.
Students aged 12 and older attend the centre for four hours twice a week to learn vocational skills.

Compassion Program Activities in Nicaragua

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.