What we do
Our work
We provide daily, direct support to children in vulnerable situations, complementing their formal education in collaboration with their schools and families.
We are located in a pre-school in the Noel Wheelock neighborhood in Ocotal, where we have our own classroom, kitchen, playground and vegetable garden.
Children at Daukaia receive a daily meal, educational and emotional support, and the opportunity to engage in activities and play.
- 500
- children empowered since 2012
- 65%
- of children go on to achieve top grades
- 34
- international volunteers engaged
- 50+
- teachers trained in local schools
Why Ocotal
People ask us: “Why Ocotal?”. Fate brought us here in the summer of 2012. Meeting the children, witnessing their needs, and realizing that change could only come with decisive action made our mission clear. Years later, we remain committed to our promise.
There is something special about Ocotal—a community where life could be wonderful but is often hindered by challenges like poverty, food and water insecurity, violence, poor health, lack of family support, and limited access to opportunities. Despite these hurdles, we see immense potential and resilience.
We don’t shy away from a challenge, and we’re working hard to implement replicable and scalable solutions that can inspire others to change their little corner of the world too. So really, Ocotal is our little laboratory of hope, a testament to what’s possible with empathy and action.
Ocotal is a municipality of around 50.000 inhabitants in the north of Nicaragua, nested between mountains and pine trees, and is the capital of the department of Nueva Segovia.
Our model
A NURTURING ENVIRONMENT
Feeling safe and loved is the foundation for healthy development. Fostering a culture of love and acceptance is our educators’ super-power!
4 PILLARS
Our work revolves around 4 pillars:
The time spent within the formal education system significantly predicts future personal, professional, and economic well-being. Therefore, we help children succeed at school.
- Homework support
- Basic skills
- Play-based learning
- Personalized support
Having a strong sense of who they are, knowing their unique gifts and being able to manage their emotions, cooperate, and inspire others are the ultimate tools for a life of fulfillment and contribution.
- Self-awareness
- Soft skills
- Social and emotional learning
- Growth mindset
- Agency
We educate and raise awareness around food, nutrition and healthy eating habits, teaching our children and their families how to grow vegetables and cook healthy meals.
- Raising awareness
- Growing vegetables
- Cooking skills
- Daily home-made meals
We promote and develop habits that are important in preventing illness and fostering dignity, in collaboration with nurses of the local health center.
- Personal hygiene
- Cleanliness
- Health
- Sex education