NPH Nicaragua: Supporting Children & Families

Country Facts
NPH Nicaragua at a Glance

Country Facts

Understanding Nicaragua’s geographic and social landscape helps explain the challenges children and families face and the need for long-term, community-based support.

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

School (grades K – 10), vocational workshops, housing for university students, medical clinic, farm. 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.

2024 Impact in Nicaragua

These 2024 outcomes reflect the impact of NPH programs in Nicaragua.

Children and adults supported

Local people employed

K – University graduates

Three young NPH students laugh while having a midday snack outside.

Children in the care of NPH homes receive nutritious food at mealtimes.

Your support helps children thrive.

Donor support makes it possible for NPH to provide long-term care, education, healthcare, and family programs for children and families in need.

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How to Get Involved

Interesting facts

Program Highlights in Nicaragua

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.

Vocational workshops certified by the National Technological Institute (INATEC) are offered in the following areas: sewing, welding, electricity, English, and office technology. Non-certified workshops are offered in jewelry making and decorative objects, as well as drawing and certain musical instruments in the area of arts.

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.

Community outreach, including training parents, and workshops on decorative arrangement and crafts, was expanded in 2023.

In 2024, the NPH school achieved a 96.5% retention rate, demonstrating the commitment of students and staff to academic success. Active student participation in all educational programs fostered engagement and motivation.