About Our Programs
ORPHANetwork breaks cycles of poverty by partnering with local Nicaraguan churches to serve highly vulnerable children. Poverty persists when external and emotional factors prevent proper development and self-realization.
We currently collaborate with 110 local churches throughout Nicaragua—spanning 10 of 15 departments (states) and 2 autonomous regions, across this poorest country in Central America. Our church partners serve communities experiencing extreme poverty, creating maximum impact in four critical areas: combating malnutrition, improving education, nurturing consistent discipleship, and building pathways to economic independence.
The programs offered through our Life Transforming Local Church Partnerships target these factors directly, disrupting generational poverty cycles while forming whole and holy Christ-followers.
Health & Nutrition
Our Health & Nutrition programs address malnutrition at every stage, starting with maternal and infant care through Healthy Beginnings (conception to age two), and continuing through partner local church feeding programs that provide nutritious meals five days a week for children ages 1–12. Children are monitored using WHO metrics, and those identified with acute or chronic malnutrition are referred into our RN-managed Nutritional Recovery Program, which includes home visits, targeted supplemental feeding, vitamins, soy-fortified rice for families, and referrals to health centers when needed.
Education
In partnership with the local church in Nicaragua, we ensure vulnerable children have access to intentional cognitive, emotional, and social development opportunities, alongside academic support, so they can reach their full God-given potential. By strengthening awareness, enrollment, attendance, promotion, retention, and overall development, we help create an effective education pathway that builds confidence, courage, and strong academic foundations for future success.
This work includes increasing preschool enrollment for children ages 3–5 through community outreach and partnerships with local preschools, supporting elementary students through a curriculum-based after-school program that strengthens reading and math through a biblical worldview, and tracking progress with standardized assessments. We also strengthen children’s ministry through discipleship programs like One Hope and AWANA.
Youth Development
In partnership with the local church in Nicaragua, our life-advancing programs help shatter cycles of poverty by equipping adolescents and young adults with income-generating skills, essential life skills, spiritual formation, and a commitment to serve their church and community. In a country where formal jobs are limited and many youth lack the social and emotional skills employers need, we provide comprehensive training that builds confidence, capability, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Through our Youth Development Program, participants grow in decision-making, conflict resolution, creative thinking, and money management, while also engaging in Bible studies, prayer groups, and service.