NPH USA
NPH USA supports Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH, Spanish for "Our Little Brothers and Sisters"), which is fully supporting nearly 3,100 vulnerable boys and girls in Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua and Peru. An additional 3,200 children who live outside the homes receive scholarships, meals and healthcare. NPH community outreach programs provide over 100,000 services each year.
Today Lizbeth* is going to guide you around the Santa Fe Ranch at NPH Honduras.
Lizbeth’s country of origin, Honduras, is often in the news for the wrong reasons. Like many of the countries where NPH has homes, the nation suffers from some of the world’s highest crime, poverty, and gender inequality rates, making populations, especially children, particularly vulnerable. Despite advances in economic and social development, many children live without access to quality education, healthcare, and secure shelter.
Though Lizbeth and her sisters previously found themselves living under some of those very same circumstances, Lizbeth’s life is much different today:
She lives with in Casa Suyapa, our home for our youngest children, and like any other kindergartener, learning ABCs and 123s is Lizbeth’s top priority. Every morning, in her Montessori program Lizbeth and her peers have the freedom to travel to different learning stations where they read books, practice writing letters in sand, or play with objects at the sensory station.
After school, Macarena, our volunteer occupational therapist, works with Lizbeth to develop her sensory and motor skills through fun exercises, like using a swing. In addition to providing her with nutritious meals and keeping her active, NPH and her caregivers have her make special visits to the clinic to make sure she’s growing up big and strong.
And every night after Lizbeth finished her chores it’s time to play! Everyone works up a big appetite chasing each other around. At dinnertime she and the rest of the kids in her home gather around and sit in a big circle with their volunteers and caregivers where they have a good meal to eat.
With a full tummy and a body tired after a day of playing and learning, it’s bedtime. Lizbeth takes a shower, changes into her pajamas, and brushes her teeth. After her caregiver gives her medicine, she crawls into bed, where soon she’ll be sound asleep.
And just like that, Lizbeth’s day starts and ends with plenty of magical moments in between. Our greatest hope at NPH is that she has many more days like this to come.
*Children’s names have been changed to protect their privacy.
Arielle Augustin, Communications Officer
Financials
Programs
Education
We believe that a quality education is the key to a better life. We strive to give each child a strong foundation of basic academic and interpersonal skills and provide an extensive variety of educational opportunities, from Montessori preschool through university, as well as vocational trade certifications. Our goal is to help the children achieve their full potential. An NPH education helps create future accountants, carpenters, doctors, farmers, mechanics, nurses, teachers, and community leaders.
Many children who arrive at our homes have had inadequate schooling. If a child does not have a certificate of the last grade completed, he/she is evaluated by the home’s psychologist or school staff to determine his/her academic level. Whenever possible, children are placed in classes within their age group. However, if a child is a grade or more behind, he/she is placed in a special program or receives tutoring until caught up to their peers.
All of our schools follow the country’s guidelines set forth by their National Department of Education, which determines the content of the curriculum. In addition to core classes, electives such as art, computers, English and music are available.
Healthcare
Prior to joining our family, many of our children have never visited a doctor or dentist and are often suffering from malnutrition and/or preventable diseases. All children receive a health check upon arrival and are vaccinated as needed. If a child is ill, or has a chronic condition, the NPH medical staff ensures that he/she receives evidence-based treatment, safe cost-effective medicines, and any necessary therapy, including physical, occupational, art, speech and psychological. The staff also focuses on establishing healthy lifestyles so children can do well in school and excel as members of the NPH family. Each home emphasizes wellness programs that include nutrition, hygiene, health education, sports and recreation programs.
In addition to ensuring the good health of the children, NPH performs outreach for surrounding communities. For example, St. Damien Pediatric Hospital in Haiti treats more than 100 children per day, and the One World Surgery Center in Honduras provides outpatient services for NPH children and the rural poor as well as medical training. Overall, thousands of children inside and outside the NPH family receive quality medical care each year through our healthcare programs.
Volunteering + Events
Local & International Volunteers
Whether locally or internationally, the hands-on efforts of volunteers are the heart of our programs. They directly advance the efforts of NPH USA and Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), in roles of all kinds from fundraising to health care, office assistant to social worker. Your assistance is vital to our helping children in need.
Learn more about opportunities at nphusa.org/volunteering
Attend a Local Event
At NPH, local events are vital to our success each year. Wheather attending a regional event, traveling with us, or hosting you own fundraiser, there are plenty of ways to get involved!
Learn more about event in your area at nphusa.org/events
To learn more about travel to our homes at nphusa.org/travels
