NicaPhoto, Inc.

I have been a supporter of Nica Photo for many years. This charity appeals to me as it’s a grass roots program with low management costs. There’s no highly paid executives sitting in the USA pulling down big salaries. More of my donation dollars go to programs for the students as opposed to profession fund raisers who get compensated for soliciting donations.
The programs are sound….proven by successful students who go on to college , nursing schools etc.

NicaPhoto holds a special place in my heart, as I was 13 when I first visited the project. I am almost 30 now and have made multiple visits over the years (I wish I could visit more). I was even lucky enough to spend three months with there when I was 21. I remember how small it was when it first came to fruition and witnessing the growth of its impact has been incredibly exciting.

I have directly witnessed this impact-how eager and excited the children are to learn and grow, the countless opportunities they are connected to, and how these opportunities aid in their personal growth. When hundreds of children are growing in this way, the surrounding community inevitably grows along with it.

This is all the more important in a community stricken by severe poverty. Many of the children in NicaPhoto are the first in their families to graduate high school or even think about attending university. NicaPhoto helps to make education more accessible in multiple facets; through its bio intensive garden, art and science classes, sports programs, Boys and Girls clubs, and so much more.

I remember vividly how the children appeared to be smiling and laughing no matter what they were doing—everyone is happy to be there and it is a radiant energy that made me feel reluctant to leave. I believe wholeheartedly in the mission of NicaPhoto, and so do my mother and sister, who have visited with me. My mother joined the board and I look forward to becoming more involved once I can. NicaPhoto is THE greatest nonprofit! :)

My wife & I first traveled to Nagarote in 2012 with Builders Beyond Borders. We met Ronnie Maher who had started NicaPhoto a few years earlier and we were truly impressed with her energy and commitment to the dozen or so kids she had at the project. So impressed, in fact, we got a group of friends & family together and went down to Nagaote again in 2013 - this time to volunteer at NicaPhoto. Since then, we have watched the program grow to 200 students yet never lose its energy and commitment to the kids. The staff (which includes several former students) has grown too to become such great educators and motivators. The results have been astounding! And NicaPhoto has not just benefited the kids - it has been life-changing for the community of families and extended families NicaPhoto serves - doing great work for parents, siblings & so many more. We cannot wait for our next trip to again experience firsthand the great work NicaPhoto continues to do.

I have been involved with NicaPhoto for the past 7 years and I absolutely love the program and everything that they do.

The staff have always been incredible and the transformation you can see year by year of each of the kids in the program is life changing.

Mi nombre es Luisa, tengo 23 años, en 2023 egresé de la carrera de Comunicación para el Desarrollo y fui parte de la familia NicaPhoto por 12 años. Mis inicios en la ONG fueron como alumna y después de mi bachillerato formé parte del grupo de becados universitarios en el programa avanzado de formación integral. Hay mil cosas que aprendí en NicaPhoto y estoy agradecida por ello. En NicaPhoto descubrí el amor por la lectura, mi pasatiempo favorito. Ellos promueven el hábito de la lectura, algo muy importante para la formación de cada persona.

Hoy en día puedo decir que partes de los conocimientos técnicos que poseo los aprendí en NicaPhoto, pero también destaco que ellos no solo me enseñaron habilidades técnicas, sino también me enseñaron y reforzaron las habilidades blandas que en la actualidad tengo.

Cabe destacar que una de las características más importantes y admirables de NicaPhoto es que brindan una formación integral, forman a niños y adolescentes para que sean agentes de cambios dentro se sus comunidades.

Una persona no solo debe saber hacer, sino también debe saber ser como persona y eso es lo que NicaPhoto hace, esa es la misión de NicaPhoto, algo por lo que le estoy agradecida.

I began working with NicaPhoto as a Peace Corps volunteer and fell in love with the program, later becoming a donor after returning to the U.S. and then a member of the board of directors. NicaPhoto provides such a warm and safe space for at-risk children in Nagarote to learn and explore their interests and passions; it is really inspirational to witness and be a part of.

As a Peace Corps volunteer, I was invited to teach a science class for 5th and 6th graders where we used the on-site organic garden to teach lessons on ecology and look at insects and plants under the microscope. I also worked with the staff psychologist and NicaPhoto graduates to include more health and wellness topics in the Boys and Girls clubs, covering healthy relationships, nutrition, exercise, mental health, and topics related to puberty/adolescent development. We also held a workshop for parents on social media safety and how to talk with their children about sex and relationships.

I joined the board because I believe in the mission of NicaPhoto, have seen the generational impacts on the local community, and appreciate the organization's commitment to financial stewardship. NicaPhoto is truly a great non-profit!

Coming from Connecticut myself you can imagine my surprise and excitement at being able to partner with Nicaphoto during my three years living in Nicaragua. Ronnie offers tremendous strength in leadership backed by passion and grit. Her love for the people that Nicaphoto’s programs impact is evidenced through her relationships and longstanding commitment. I was particularly impressed by her programs centered around women’s empowerment and education. Back in the United States, I had the opportunity to visit her during the non profit fair in Norwalk where she seeks to raise awareness and support for the amazing work Nicaphoto is doing to change lives in Nicaragua.

For several years I worked with high schoolers in Managua to develop meaningful community partnerships and grassroots development projects that were planned and implemented to promote pillars of sustainability. It was then that Nicaphoto revealed itself as the ideal candidate for collaboration. Whether seeking to support youth development projects, gender equity work, organic gardening & macro nutrition classes, increased exposure to the arts for at-risk adolescents, an introduction to micro business and entrepreneurialism; consider allocating time and/or resources to this socially responsible and culturally responsive organization that can only amplify impact through increased awareness and conscious, dedicated involvement.

Kate W.

Nicaphoto is more that just a nonprofit organization; it's become a beacon of hope and support for children and families in Nagarote. Ronnie has dedicated her life to educating and caring for the community, going above and beyond to make a difference in everyone's lives. As a result, the impact of NicaPhoto has become larger that the organization itself. NicaPhoto has instilled a sense of community and responsibility, teaching the kids the importance of giving back and supporting others.

Nicaphoto, Inc. has touched countless persons, families and groups from a variety of intersecting paths. Their impact both empowers and transforms on every level imaginable. Just read the comments and stories which testify to this truth.

Having underscored what has already been brilliantly expressed by others, I would like to highlight how remarkable Ronnie and her organization is in terms of transparency.

In a day and age when we struggle to know whom we may trust, this is one place which stands out in it's integrity and honest delivery of services and use of funding. I have lived and worked in Nicaragua over 25 years and in many ways I have seen it all so to speak. That is why it is easy to see how Ronnie and Nicaphoto excel in their capacity to utilize every donation in the most genuine and efficient manner. It is a place we can trust is truly carrying out their mission and holding tightly to their responsibility to the donor, to the people they serve and to their partners.

And for that I encourage everyone to continue to support the vision of this unique and inspiring organization, to not only keep doing what they are doing, but to continue serving as a spectacular model and example for us all.

I have been lucky enough to visit Nica Photo in person a few times. I got to meet all the staff and see for myself the work there are doing. I was very impressed with how complete their programs are in helping address the challenges faced by the kids in the program. The education opportunities are great but so are the support groups for teens and the scholarship programs. In addition to all of that, the site itself is a good showcase for all kinds of sustainable practices and technologies.

Ronnie and the NicaPhoto project continue to grow and inspire! What a beautiful contribution to our world!!

I work for a dance non-profit that brings dance to underserved communities and we have had the pleasure of working with Nicaphoto for six years! I specifically was able to work with them on my own for 6 weeks to share dance with the students who benefit from Nicaphoto. The services they provide youth with are exceptional. Not only do they provide tutoring and educational services, they also promote self expression through various art classes that are offered, giving students a well rounded after school setting. Two thumbs up to Nicaphoto!

NicaPhoto Founder/Director and Professional Photographer, Ronnie Maher, was on my radar 13 years ago when she was teaching photography to underserved youth in Norwalk, CT. and Nagarote, Nicaragua. She excelled at encouraging her students to find common ground by using their cameras to share their stories. Since then Ronnie has dedicated her vision to successfully growing NicaPhoto, with photography and other arts still a core part of the programming. I’m honored to have worked with Ronnie over the years to present NicaPhoto photography exhibitions at my art gallery in Norwalk. Each new show seems to map not only the stories and heart of the NicaPhoto project but also the amazing positive progress of Ronnie’s original vision for sustainable collaborations, community service, cross cultural teamwork and friendships.

Allowing opportunity to those who may not have it, and to those who absolutely deserve it is something we can very rarely give to others. But NicaPhoto allows us that opportunity. NicaPhoto takes a passion that started with one woman and has grown into scores of people who share that same passion and wish to see the growth, the education and the opportunity arise to these incredible children.

I feel incredibly lucky to have been involved with such an amazing organization for 5 years and counting. With NicaPhoto, you can truly see the impact of every donation, and the dedication from Ronnie and the staff is incredibly inspiring. Watching the students, staff and even the physical space thrive over the last several years has been so rewarding and I can't wait to see how the organization continues to grow!

Providing love and compassion to these kids, takes an awesome team like NIca Photo. You guys rock!!!

Mi experiencia con NicaPhoto para mi ha sido única estoy con Ronnie desde el inicio creí que este proyecto no solo sería un sueño sino una realidad verdadera que ha traído mucha alegría a tantos niños,adolescentes he visto cómo ha crecido NicaPhoto los programas con los que se cuentan son de mucha importancia para la educación y desarrollo personal para cada uno de ellos. Yo me siento orgullosa porque he podido enseñar a muchos niños a leer y escribir y eso me satisface en Nicaphotos todos somos una gran familia que cada dia va creciendo más.Gracias Ronnie por ser un agente de cambio para nuestra comunidad de Nagarote.

I have been working with Nicaphoto for the past few years teaching, and I keep coming back because I see the great impact this program has on the community. It allows for these kids to further their education and be introduced to subjects that wouldn’t normally have access to. Nicaragua needs programs like this during these trying times, as a way to create a safe space and help their future.

Nicaphoto's impact to the Nagarote community is truly incredible. I have been connected with the organization for over 5 years and every time I am able to visit, the progress of the kids amazes me. Ronnie and the staff's dedication to changing the lives of these children is beyond honorable. I am so proud to be apart of the Nicaphoto community.

I give Nicaphoto 5 ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Because I have seen the immense change this non profit organization has had on poor communities in need of people who care, volunteer and strive to bring compassion and talent to children who otherwise would never have an opportunity to experience Art, photography, dance etc. Bravo Nicaphoto and Thank you!

I had the privilege to volunteer with Nicaphoto for 3 months, and witnessed the way they impacted these kids lives. Not only the kids, but the community is impacted each and every day by the generosity, compassion, and love Nicaphoto represents.

My name is Audi, I'm 16 years old. I've been a student at NicaPhoto since 2012. NicaPhoto's project has literally seen me grow. Being at NicaPhoto is awesome. At NicaPhoto I improved in all my classes, they're always there when you need them. The moments in NicaPhoto are indescribable, they are memories so precious to me. I have taken many courses(photography courses, computer courses, 3D printing courses and others) When you're at NicaPhoto you really feel at home, you don't have to pretend be a different person, you don't have to use a mask because they accept you just the way you are; they let you be yourself... At NicaPhoto you can do whatever you want: from sing to read. You're the one who chooses what to do and they always make you smile even when your day is the worst. At NicaPhoto I've learned moral values, to talk in public, to help people, and to be more expressive. At NicaPhoto I improved my English level too. NicaPhoto also helped in my sister's surgery process and I'm really glad for that! I just wanted to tell you a little about NicaPhoto and how it is changing and improving many lives in Nicaragua! NicaPhoto is the best, always worrying about us!

I've been volunteering with them for past three years. They're the best and provide life changing services for the community of Nicaragua!

This is a wonderful organization which helps to change the lives of children and, thus, the community in Nagarote. Ronnie's vision and brilliance make this happen!

This is an amazing group that improves children's lives through photography and outreach programs!

As a former expat working in Nicaragua in community development, I've known Ronnie since 2009 and seen Nicaphoto develop into a thriving community full of success stories. I love dropping by the office there because there is always something exciting happening and good news to share - another young person with a scholarship, more kids in tutoring, a harvest from their beautifully managed garden to share around. Nicaphoto practices the kind of tough love that really makes change - holding young people to a high standard of responsibility, setting a high bar for their achievements, and then giving them the support and individual attention that shows them someone believes in them.

I have been on the board since the inception.I am marveled as to what one woman can do with little and built an organization with a team that reasonable and understand her work.
She is an example, oh so completely of what one can do if willing to dare the impossible.
From after school programs that help educate not just the young but the not so...and make a difference in achieving what we here in the USA take for granted...Education is giving a choice to people.Garden to feed and to teach sustainable agriculture in a place like the barrillos of Nicaragua .Tell me that is not the way to help one another.Tell me that this women does not understand the need of other community.Because if you really can t tell me that non profit organization is the greatest source of relief and support and need...then you have not understood that principle...Nicaphot,Inc has and deserves all of our support.SHe has mine and hope you will recognize that yours is just as important....Thx

I went to Nicaragua with Builders Beyond Borders, who partnered with Nicaphoto, to build a preschool in Sonrisa de Dios as the first phase of building schools there. I saw first hand the work that Ronnie does at Nicaphoto, and the profound impact she is making for the children in her program whose families are among the poorest of the poor. Nicaphoto instills confidence, nurtures, transforms, teaches and enables children (and their families) to see and strive for life's possibilities. Ronnie is one of my heroes.

I volunteered at NicaPhoto this past March and had such a life-changing experience. The kids are fantastic and absolutely cherish the moments they get to spend with the amazing staff. NicaPhoto provides these kids with opportunities most of us take for granted - learning how to dance, eating a nutritious lunch, developing skills in horticulture, and many many more. I could go on and on, but the main reasons this place is so successful is that they care and they take action.

Nicaphoto, it is a big project full of emotions educational activities that generate a wonderful contribution to our childhood, characterized by its creative approach to each child to develop different skills for school and intellectual growth, which make a difference in their lives, thus generating greater opportunities in the labor market in the future. It has been for me great pleasure and enjoyment to work with so humble cause. The experiences I have lived since entering in 2015 have shaped me professionally and from a more humanitarian approach. NicaPhoto is a project that changes lives.

I've known Ronnie before she started Nicaphoto and was just visiting Nagarote on her own to work with kids in town and teach photography. She created Nicaphoto out of a love and passion for this country, community and kids. Nicaphoto aims to improve the lives of the families they work with originally through photography but oh how they have grown to do so much more! What I love the most is how they work tirelessly to empower young girls through different trainings and classes. I'm so proud of the work Nicaphoto does and as a former Peace Corps volunteer in this community, I couldn't be any prouder of the organization Ronnie and her team has built!

I was approached do a mission trip in the fall of 2013 to help an afterschool program finish construction on two school class rooms. I thought it would be a fun trip and that would be it. Little did I know the caliber of people I would be working with at Nicaphoto 3 years later in 2016. August will bring about my third mission trip with this organization, and I wouldn't change a thing about it. Nicaphoto is staffed by people who genuinely believe in what they are doing, and that makes all the difference.

I went to Nicaragua last August for many reasons. I had wanted to be a part of an international community service trip for at least a decade, if not more. My father has been a part of trips like this since I was 3 years old. He had also been with Nicaragua to work with Nicaphoto in the years past. My 10 day trip changed my life. From the moment we got there, Nicaphoto felt like a family. The people who work there, believe so wholeheartedly in the services they are carrying out for this community. The barrio is a place that has so much need. The vastness of the needs these families have cannot be explained in words. It has to be something you see with your own eyes. Generations of families living in small plastic homes. People are hungry and the children are craving extra activities and affections. Nicaphoto gives that opportunity to so many. The focus is to empower young girls to be more but Nicaphoto doesn't just do that. It encourages all children to want more for themselves and for their families. It starts now but will eventually trickle down to generations of children wanting more and going after it. Nicaphoto gives these children new goals. It is a happy place. Ronnie has turned a small vision into a nonprofit that is changing an entire community. She, along with her relentlessly hardworking staff, have started a movement. The more the organization has, the more it can give, and the more kids who can be a part of the program. My experience building latrines for families was so much more than just building bathrooms. I've never worked so hard doing manual labor. There are jobs for everyone. Even those like me, with minimal experience with tools and building. These people changed my life. It changed my perspective on the world. I challenge anybody to spend some time being a part of an experience like this. Nicaphoto is an incredible place. Their mission should be heard all around the world.

Throughout the years I've seen this organization grow and help so many kids from my native country receive Education and sports activities that all children deserve to experience in their childhood. I am so thankful for Nicaphoto for choosing to help Nicaraguan children live a little and laugh a little.

Ronnie does amazing work at Nicaphoto! Her kids benefit so much from the opportunities she provides them. She is able to combine art, education, health, and community to create an extremely supportive environment. Her participants are already giving back to their community though this program. I visited a year ago and was completely blown away by these wonderful students and their wonderful director. Art is so important to provide for children to create confidence, leadership, and self expression. Ronnie realizes what these students need in order to succeed.