Bright spark emerges amid hardships
In the heart of Central America, the political climate in Nicaragua remains fragile, with a narrow space for civil society engagement. Amidst this environment, the Christian Education Programme for Development (CEPAD) continues its vital work, providing faith-based training programs and community development projects in rural areas.
CEPAD's mission reaches out to over 1,550 individuals across 420 families and 395 households in various regions such as Aguas Frías, La Laguna Seca, El Lizarco, Jucuapa Abajo, El Cacao Sur, and Jamaica y La Esperanza. The organisation's efforts have led to the empowerment of women as small entrepreneurs, the implementation of agricultural and educational projects, and the improvement of water supply systems.
Farmers have been trained in ecological agriculture, ensuring sustainable practices and improved livelihoods. Despite the challenging conditions, CEPAD has managed to maintain its activities, as evidenced by a reported final worship gathering in July 2025.
The political context in Nicaragua is marked by ongoing authoritarianism, which poses significant challenges for grassroots organisations like CEPAD. However, the organisation's resilience shines through, as demonstrated by its continued operations and the support it receives from external partners.
One such partner is Amos Trust, a human rights organisation that has visited Nicaragua to understand the political climate and plan future support. This collaboration indicates ongoing external concern about the country's authoritarian political environment and a strong commitment to supporting organisations like CEPAD.
Looking ahead, the prospects for CEPAD will depend on its ability to adapt to the repressive political environment while continuing its mission. The organisation's resilience and future operations seem crucially linked to the patience, persistence, and partnership trust that it cultivates, even under adverse conditions.
In conclusion, CEPAD remains active in community-focused programming, despite the challenging political climate in Nicaragua. Its future prospects will hinge on adaptability and continued external support, though specific details are not fully known at this time.
