Our Homes: NPH Nicaragua

Nicaragua Facts

Area:
50,336 square miles – slightly smaller than New York state

Population:
6,676,948 (2024 est.)

Languages:
Spanish (official) 95.3%, Miskito 2.2%, Mestizo of the Caribbean coast 2%

Issues:
One of the poorest countries in Latin America; earthquakes,
volcanoes, landslides, extremely susceptible to hurricanes

NPH Nicaragua at a Glance

Opened:
May 10, 1994

Location:
Casa Padre Wasson is 45 minutes southwest of Managua in Jinotepe

NPH Operates:
Family-style home, school (grades K – 11), vocational workshops, medical clinic, farms, and greenhouses

Community Programs include an academic scholarship program, meals and healthcare for children/youth in the community, NPH OneFamily which provides services to families in need, and the Family Growing and Good Samaritan programs

2023 Impact

645 children and adults supported

122 local people employed

187 K – University graduates

Did you know?

Originally, children age 8 and older lived on Ometepe Island and those under age 7 lived in San Jorge on the mainland. An earthquake and volcanic activity on the island caused a temporary evacuation of the home in August 2005, and due to ongoing safety concerns, new property was acquired. The new site, Casa Padre Wasson, opened in December 2011.
The farms have a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as chickens, cows, fish and pigs.
The wastewater treatment system works without electricity or chemicals and the treated water is used for irrigation of green areas, gardens and agricultural programs.
The vocational workshops offer certification in shoe-making, sewing, residential electricity, welding, computers, and English.
The “Good Samaritan” program provides medical services and therapies to children living with disabilities, and counseling and tutoring for parents so they may provide quality care for their children.
The Family Growing Program supports the children in the NPH school who have no place to go after classes or on Saturdays. Classes in art, folkloric music, botany, and sports help these students develop intellectually and protect them from the potential dangers of being home alone without parental care.
Community outreach, including training parents, and workshops on decorative arrangement and crafts, was expanded in 2023.
The NPH school had enrolled 259 students, all coming from nearby communities, in 2023. By the end of the school year, 187 students graduated at various levels, ranging from preschool to university. This accomplishment is a major source of pride and indicator of future success for these children and families.

More Information:

• Holiday Celebrations at NPH Nicaragua
• Fact Sheet (PDF)
• Home Map (PDF)
• Visitor’s Guide (PDF)

How to Help:

• Sponsor a child
• Donate now

Learn about the other NPH homes: