Bego Grau PuigThe Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) Foundation Spain, established in 2002, plays a vital role in efficiently managing funds aimed at improving the living conditions of vulnerable children in Central America. In addition to managing financial resources, the Foundation selects and sends professional volunteers to NPH projects in Latin America, providing direct support to communities in need.
From its humble beginnings in Mexico in 1954, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) has grown to become a global force in the fight for children’s human rights. With a vision of a world without poverty, where every child can reach their full potential, and a mission to provide a family-like and safe environment for those coming from situations of extreme vulnerability, NPH has made a significant difference in the lives of thousands of children and young people in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Education for All
Education is at the heart of NPH’s approach. Since its foundation, the organization has advocated for an education that nurtures the minds, bodies, and spirits of vulnerable children and young people. Recognizing the diverse learning needs of students, NPH adopts a personalized and inclusive approach that ensures all children, regardless of their situation, have access to quality education.
With more than 7,000 boys and girls enrolled in educational programs, and over 3,700 scholarships provided to low-income students, NPH is changing the lives of entire generations. Most notably is the organization’s inclusive gender approach, ensuring that all girls and young women have the same opportunities as boys to complete their education and pursue university careers.
The success of girls and young women in NPH programs speaks for itself: 55% of university graduates are women, and this number continues to grow. Additionally, NPH is committed to supporting young people even after they leave their programs, providing job internship opportunities and vocational workshops for those who cannot access higher education.
San Damien: Ensuring Health
Medical care is another crucial pillar of NPH’s work. With a network of 11 primary care clinics in 9 countries, the organization provides essential medical services to the children under its care, as well as to local communities. Additionally, in Haiti, it operates the St. Damien Hospital, the country’s only pediatric hospital, which serves tens of thousands of patients each year, including those with childhood cancer.
Especially in Haiti, marked by political instability and natural disasters, challenging conditions have been created for its citizens. More than 10% of children do not reach the age of five due to treatable diseases, while malnutrition affects one in four children. The cholera epidemic has devastated the population, claiming thousands of lives. In this context, the St. Damien Hospital stands out as a beacon of hope, providing vital medical care and saving lives in a nation struggling for its economic and social development.
Since its establishment in 1989, the St. Damien Pediatric Hospital in Haiti has been a beacon of hope and healing for disadvantaged and sick children amidst extreme challenges. Led by Dr. Pascale Gassant, the hospital has become a bastion of high-quality medical care, serving more than 80,000 people each year. With a wide range of services ranging from oncology to maternity, from dental care to HIV treatment, St. Damien addresses the most pressing medical needs of the Haitian community.
Pursuing a Better Future
However, NPH’s impact goes beyond education and healthcare. The organization is committed to preparing young people for the job market, promoting gender equality, and empowering women through programs like “Powerful Girls” and “Men of Honor.” Additionally, NPH offers vocational workshops and job internship programs to ensure that all young people have the opportunity to find dignified employment and become productive members of society.
In a world where poverty and lack of access to education and healthcare continue to affect millions of children, NPH shines as a beacon of hope and opportunity. With an unwavering commitment to its values of love, safety, responsibility, sharing, work, faith, and service, the organization continues to transform lives and build a better future for future generations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Hemos hablado con Xavier Adsará, Secretario General de NPH. Licenciado en farmacia, master MBA en dirección de empresas y postgrado en función gerencial de ONGD, es director de la Fundación NPH desde el 2002 y ejerce como presidente de la asociación europea de NPH desde 2020.
