NiCo, which stands for Programa de Desarrollo Integral Niño—Comunidad (Program for Holistic Development of Children—Community), is a community outreach center providing Christ-centered care to vulnerable children in the town of La Paz, Honduras. The preschool program provides early childhood development to pre-Kindergarten students, and the after-school program offers help to students in 1st through 6th grades. The programs provide each child with tutoring, mentoring, nutritious meals, counseling and therapy, and Bible study. In addition, NiCo alumni in junior high and high school are eligible for scholarships to equip them to continue their education.

The children attending NiCo come from families living in extreme poverty. Most are broken families with high food insecurity and no access to clean water, electricity, and sewage infrastructure. NiCo seeks to help provide a quality education and support services for children and families who are in need. Children attending NiCo have been recognized at their school not only for educational achievement but also for their strong character and leadership capabilities.

In its partnership with NiCo, Orphan Outreach serves the needs of the program and the community in a variety of ways, ranging from sponsorship of the children to the evaluation of the ongoing needs of the children and their families. Orphan Outreach’s partner NGO in Honduras, Asociación Manos Extendidas, provides full oversite of the NiCo program and its staff and has provided leadership and expertise as programs have expanded to serve both older and younger students, their families, and the community at large.

NiCo was founded by community volunteers in 2010 who saw the need for an after-school tutoring and feeding program. Initially, 25 children were referred by a neighboring public elementary school. These children struggled academically because of the lack of resources at home. The rapid improvement in both the children’s academic progress and their interaction with both teachers and fellow students was a great encouragement to the volunteers, parents, and the community. The program has continued to expand to meet the needs of not only the children but their families as well.

NICO After School

Meet the Children at NICO After School

NiCo Preschool (Early Childhood Development)

Meet the Children at NiCo Preschool (Early Childhood Development)