Join us to pray for Central America — for World Vision’s work in the countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. In many areas of Central America, gang violence, drug trafficking, and the lasting effects of past wars make life especially difficult for children and their families.
Nicaragua
Why World Vision is in Nicaragua
The government of Nicaragua is working to strengthen disaster preparedness at regional, community, and family levels, applying new programs and drills this year to increase resilience in case of emergencies. Unemployment rates are high, despite a growing economy, and one in 10 kids go to work instead of school. Kids over 14 can legally work in Nicaragua, but many younger children must work to help take care of their families. Workplace gender inequality and domestic gender-based violence are prevalent issues as well. Transforming societal prejudices against women is also an ongoing effort. We’re working together with partners and your support to change parental attitudes so families experience loving, nurturing relationships in their homes. Malnutrition and preventable diseases are steadily decreasing. Literacy and household stability are also increasing, thanks to your support. We’re continuing our work to open doors to flourishing childhoods for the most vulnerable kids with better protection and health.
We never give up on people
World Vision child sponsorship looks at all the things that prevent children from surviving and thriving in their community, and then works with that community to bring all the pieces of the puzzle together to build a better life for all children. For sponsors, it’s a personal way to show God’s love to a child in need in a life-changing way.
Sponsor a child in Nicaragua ❯
Progress in Nicaragua
Thanks to the generous support of donors, we’re making great progress toward the well-being of children and their families.
Child Protection and Care
Boys and girls are safe and valued, well cared for by their families, and participating in their communities as agents of transformation.
- To equip youth to earn income to help support their families, we trained young people in baking, carpentry, motorcycle mechanics, and cell-phone repair and provided them with classes on business skills.
- To improve child protection at the community level, we trained legal mediators to inform leaders and parents about protecting child rights, preventing human trafficking, and addressing situations of child abuse and neglect.
- We trained children and youth about the child protection risks involved in talking to strangers on social media, and provided ways for the kids to use social media responsibly.
- We coordinated with local firefighters to raise awareness among community leaders, church leaders, and parents about how to best protect children during emergencies, such as flooding and landslides.
Healthy Children and Families
Children and families are well nourished, protected from infection and disease, and have access to essential health services.
- Local children benefited from the health sessions we offered on brushing their teeth, personal hygiene, and handwashing.
- We collaborated with the Ministry of Health to conduct health campaigns for children and families on preventing childhood diseases, proper hygiene, and first aid.
- To reduce the spread of viruses such as Zika, dengue, and chickungunya, we partnered with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to raise community awareness regarding the prevention and signs of these diseases.
Education for Better Lives
Children have opportunities to learn and to develop their talents, young people are equipped for the future, and families and communities support children's education.
- To improve literacy rates for primary school students, we trained teachers on the best practices for teaching reading and writing and started reading clubs where kids receive tutoring to improve their skills.
Love of God and Neighbors
Children and families are growing spiritually, local churches are strengthened to demonstrate Christ's love in practical ways, and people are living at peace with their neighbors.
- Our local staff served children and families as a demonstration of God's unconditional love, seeking always to be faithful ambassadors of Jesus.
Prayer Requests from Nicaragua
World Vision's staff in Nicaragua are asking us to join them in prayer for the following:
The end of all forms of violence against children.
Environmental stewardship of the land.
News from Nicaragua
From the Field
2017 Hurricane Nate: Facts, FAQs, and how to help
Tropical Storm Nate has already killed more than 20 people in Central America. It’s expected to strengthen into a Category 1 storm and hit New Orleans.
Prayers
Matthew 25: Pray for the hungry
Hunger is a problem that has plagued humanity for millennia, and it continues to haunt us. Join us in prayer for the hungry and the people working to feed them.
Enjoyed learning about Nicaragua?
Now discover another country: