IS LIFE’S GREATEST BLESSING
Annual Report 2016
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SINCE 1954
more than 18,000 children have called
NPH home and thousands of people yearly receive assistance through our community service programs. NPH operates homes in Bolivia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru.
VISION A world without poverty where all children develop their unique potential becoming productive members of society serving their community.
MISSION Nuestros PequeĂąos Hermanos, inspired by Christian values, nurtures orphaned and vulnerable children in a loving, stable, secure family environment. We keep brothers and sisters together and provide a quality education, healthcare, and spiritual formation. We model our values through serving the communities in which we live.
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VALUES NPH is guided by the following core values:
LOVE AND SECURITY: manifested in the safety and stability of the family and realized by profound personal engagement in preparation for meaningful life and gainful employment.
RESPONSIBILITY: learning to be responsible and to respond to the needs of others, both individually and collectively.
SHARING: developing kindness, empathy and care for others, through what we say and do.
WORK: learning to contribute to one’s family and community on the path to independence.
FAITH AND SERVICE: putting Christian values into action.
PRINCIPLES Our deliberations, interactions, and decisions are founded on the Christian principles of: “…as you did to one of the least of these My brothers and sisters, you did it to Me.” and “Lord, make me an instrument of Your peace…” These principles guide our actions in reinforcing the rights and responsibilities of children as expressed through:
aCompassion and empathy toward others aCare focused on the needs of each child aEstablishing and maintaining healthy family bonds aCommitment to serve our family and our community aRespect and humility in our attitudes aTransparency and accountability in our actions and reporting
aEmbracing diversity and inclusivity
Dr. Pilar Silverman, Medical Services Director of NPH International was awarded The United Nations Women Together Award, which recognizes men and women who actively promote ethical, philosophical, moral, economic, scientific and cultural values that open new horizons for the future of humanity. Dr. Silverman received the award at the United Nations building on June 7, 2016, at the Women Together Gala.
Stefan Feuerstein, National Director of NPH Honduras, was named to the inaugural OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network “SuperSoul 100” list. Inspired by OWN’s Emmy-winning series “SuperSoul Sunday,” The “SuperSoul 100” list recognizes remarkable individuals in five categories: Soul Creatives, Soul Entrepreneurs, Soul Givers, Soul Igniters, and Soul Teachers. In April, Stefan had the chance to meet Oprah and his fellow SuperSoul 100s.
Gena Heraty, Special Needs Director of NPH Haiti, received the Leinster House Human Dignity Award for her 23 years of dedication to her work with children in Haiti. This award is presented annually by the Oireachtas Human Dignity Group in Ireland, to a person whose commitment to the promotion of human dignity has been exemplary. Ms. Heraty is also a member of the Catholic lay missionary association, Viatores Christi.
NPH Guatemala was awarded the special honor to mark the 20th anniversary of the Peace Accords in “The Changing of the Rose of Peace” ceremony. The honor is given to people or institutions who have promoted the culture of peace in Guatemala. Christopher Hoyt, National Director, was chosen to change the Rose of Peace. This anniversary coincided with the 20th anniversary of the founding of the NPH home in Guatemala.
Father Rick Frechette, CP, DO, was invited by the Andrea Bocelli Foundation to be a guest speaker at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, for a discussion on “Solutions to Achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) for Children” in September 2016. The objective of the high-level meeting was to conceptualize solutions that would contribute to the achievement of the SDGs for the global benefit of children.
Jean-François Seïde from NPH Haiti, graduated with a full scholarship from the University of Portland in 2016 with a B.B.A–Bachelor of Business Administration, Operations and Technology Management. He is currently attending the Oxford University in England, studying for a Masters Degree in Public Policy at the Blavatnik School of Government, but his heart is never far from his NPH family in Haiti. 4
Reinhart Koehler with Pequeños from Honduras
REINHART KOEHLER
NPHI BOARD CHAIR Many of the stories we experience at NPH are so extraordinary that only a “divine” pen could write them. Observing how the young adult Pequeños/as from different NPH Homes immediately bonded with each other as one family at the Youth Development Workshop this January 2017 in Honduras allowed me to witness the love that exists in the NPH Family. It truly is one of “Life’s Greatest Blessings.” Better even to hear this from a Pequeña. Sofia*, a university student from NPH Guatemala, when asked what NPH meant to her responded...
“NPH completely changed my life…I have lived 16
“I like the testimony of a visitor in a magazine I read. He said that ‘when I come to NPH I thought that I would find children who need love, but I found children who had love to give.’ That is very true because at NPH we are happy. You find children very happy. So this lesson is very important to me. Unconditional love and faith in everything that I do.” Billy Jean, NPH Haiti university student.
years at NPH, I am a transformed woman, I love my life, I love NPH, I love my family…I have a dignified life and a secure future.” Taking into account Father Wasson’s desire to always serve vulnerable children and the currently evolving best practices for children who need alternative care, NPH has been working on how to expand our programs to reach more children in need from our communities. We know our NPH philosophy works, and as we look forward to implementing new programs in 2017, we are confident that NPH will continue to be a family and will support families for children who need family. As our NPH programs individualized to each country continue to evolve based on government intervention and laws, our NPH family is committed to providing each of our children with the opportunities and resources they need to reach their unique potential. *Name changed.
Billy Jean at the NPH Haiti St. Damien Pediatric Hospital
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A special thank you to our NPHI Board that has worked diligently throughout the year, striving to provide strategic guidance to NPH while grappling with many challenges such as the evolving new programs, balancing the tight NPHI budget while finding resources and strategies to meet the children’s needs as the Euro tanked and the homes struggled to provide the quality care programs to which we are committed. A special mark of our Board members is that all traveled to different NPH homes on various occasions to be close to the NPH Family and the challenges it faces. I am very grateful to Fernando Gres and his invaluable services of so many years to the NPH Family. Sadly, Fernando passed away at the young age of 63 last year and is greatly missed.
Fernando Gres (center) with high school students and volunteers from NPH Mexico
“There is no money in the world that can buy my satisfaction, which I get when I see the children arrive at NPH, poor and beaten by life, yet I see them grow into beautiful caring human beings who share and take responsibility for their own successes in life.” Fernando Gres
I also want to thank the outgoing Board Members. Jeff Latham accepted a new work assignment in Trinidad y Tobago in July, which made it impossible for him to continue on the Board. Mariavittoria’s three-year term ends now in February 2017 and she decided to not renew her term on the Board. Donna Egge also decided not to renew her term, stepping off the Board and her work as the Chair of the Mission/Ministry Committee. Donna kept us always grounded in our mission and also leaves us two wonderful products that inspire us to continue our mission: The “Paz y Bien Reflection Guide” and the translation into English of Fr. Wasson’s book “Quien verá por los niños”. Finally, I want to thank all of our donors, benefactors, Godparents, volunteers and staff who through their generosity and hard work make NPH possible. My biggest thank you goes to our children, youth and young adult Pequeños and Pequeñas, who bring so much joy (and also some pain) to my heart and fill me with pride as I watch them grow into the wonderful adults God intended them to be. What a privilege it is to be part of what the NPH Family accomplishes, which to me to me truly is a miracle. Please help us to continue Father Wasson’s legacy through your continued support and especially your prayers. Sincerely, Reinhart Koehler, President NPH International
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a glance at 2016 results
University home renovations and new study area with furniture Family of Origin Program advancements “CLEVER” School System project initiated Valedictorian from Matamoros NPH Cuidad de los Niño/as home graduates high school
Converted school educational system for new government standards Local fundraising strategy implemented Provided critical surgical care for Honduran population through partnership with the Holy Family Surgery Center Hermano Mayor becomes full-time NPH physician Expansion of scholarship programs for mothers
Construction of chapel
Implementation of ‘My First Job’ program
Therapy services to special needs children
Life Project initiate to support children and youth
Start of construction on new secondary school 80% of grains used were grown and harvested at home Close collaboration with government child welfare entity
Family Lunch program launched Family Bakery business expansion
Hurricane Matthew relief efforts St. Helene Clinic renovations Solar smart grid networking facilities Professional formation for teachers and therapists Agricultural expansion of vegetables and fruits First graduated group of pediatricians trained at St. Damien Pediatric Hospital
Creation of cooking workshop for special needs students Workshops implemented by leadership group “Paz y Bien” Youth graduated from Seattle Institute
Increase of psychological services offered through partnerships
Youth graduated from iLeap program named Family Services Coordinator
Vocational school opened
Completed construction of bakery
Completed fish cultivation project
School launched a new Montessori program
Agricultural project growth
Three university students received full academic scholarships
Initiated bananas and vegetables project Program “Strengthening your Character and Work” began
Nineteen new staff members Dental hygiene improved Largest group of higher education graduates Educational workshops offered
Expansion and inauguration of second school building Dairy cows and milking equipment Improvement in food quality 7
Friends hanging out at Rancho Santa Fe, NPH Honduras
MIGUEL VENEGAS
NPHI EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Anyone who has visited our NPH family knows that our homes bustle with activity. A steady stream of school lessons, soccer practice, leadership development, and community service mean that our children balance a busy schedule. Our dedicated staff keeps even busier throughout the day to ensure that our children receive the support and accompaniment they require to develop their unique potential. While every moment with our Pequeños requires complete attention today, our collective focus on tomorrow remains crucial to provide our children with the best opportunities possible. Over the last year, the leadership of our homes has focused on key areas for growth. We celebrate the sharing of best practices across our homes. The following outlines noteworthy advances and innovations in some of our homes during 2016. LOCAL FUNDRAISING NPH homes continue to increase their fundraising commitments in response to challenging international fundraising environments. NPH Guatemala launched its first, large-scale donor campaign with price points accessible to local godparents. By developing television promotions with soccer celebrities and leveraging a number of recent achievements noted in the press, the home increased its local sponsorship and is poised for growth. Similarly, the NPH Dominican Republic has successfully partnered with local schools to promote sponsorship opportunities and developed a corporate responsibility program to leverage business interest in supporting NGOs. NPH Mexico is to be commended for raising nearly 25% of its budget locally, while NPH Honduras developed a business plan aimed at developing a strategic approach to increasing their local fundraising efforts in 2017. SUCCESSION PLANNING National Directors continue to provide key staff with opportunities to attend intensive leadership development courses made possible by the partnership of NPHI Family Services and iLeap. iLEAP is a Seattle-based NGO that trains leaders to
“As an NPH family, we are called by our faith to respond to the hungry and thirsty, the stranger, the naked, and the imprisoned. In the communities we serve, countless children suffer these realities. Inspired by Fr. Wasson’s example we walk together united and faithful that more children will come to know the love and opportunity offered by the NPH family, transforming their communities through love of God and of neighbor.” Miguel Venegas
Miguel Venegas with Youth Development Workshop
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ignite social change. In 2016, participants from the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Mexico engaged in experiences that reinforce skills, abilities, and an understanding of social needs to continue training NPH’s future leaders. NPH Honduras recently sent its lead psychologist and physician to Spain to participate in an intensive mental health workshop, and current employees receive time off to develop transferable skills that can benefit the children and the home. In Guatemala, the home supports key staff with intensive English courses, recently promoted two women to occupy director-level positions, and includes thirty employees in the strategic planning committees. In keeping with Fr. Wasson’s vision, over 30 university students work onsite each day in service to their family, with at least 10 in coordination-level positions. Hermanos Mayores occupy key positions in all of our NPH homes to keep faithful to Fr. Wasson’s vision, and many homes continued in 2017 to make investments in their development. Student in the Family Bakery creates a cappuccino
SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS NPH Honduras has achieved significant energy savings after implementing a rainwater capture system, which pipes water over a 1.2 km distance from the hills to the treatment plant. Optimizations in the farm projects and securing financing for a solar energy project will render further savings in 2017. In Guatemala, expansion plans were developed for the Family Bakery in conjunction with the municipality of Zaragoza to bring continental and locally baked goods to eager customers. Visitors to the home now can opt for the Bed & Breakfast experience with a made-to-order breakfast in the café each day, while having access to view the carpenters work on orders to supply desks and bookshelves to local schools. Haiti continues to produce tilapia, chicken and other products for their own consumption and for sale. Mexico invested in the production of hydroponic carrots, which draw water from their rich, already-existing tilapia ponds. The home in the Dominican Republic saw their plantain production exceed its initial goal, allowing the home to sell the excess. Peru planted fruit trees this past year and Bolivia had their first fish harvest from their ponds.
NPH Peru is now led by Co-National Directors Tula Cruces and Rosario Chirinos, longtime local members of the NPH Peru team who bring strong experience in child care, effective collaboration with government actors, and a commitment to NPH. PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT NPH Nicaragua advanced in completing a major Human Resource initiative to compile job descriptions and procedure manuals for their staff. Key staff is formally evaluated each year, and in order to ensure that our Pequeños’ voice is considered at the highest level, children are invited to participate in the performance evaluation of the National Director and the chaplain. NPH Guatemala expanded performance evaluation to all staff in 2016, with a specialized instrument for care giving staff, opportunities for coaching and professional growth as identified by supervisors, and the completion of procedure manuals to optimize the onboarding process for new staff. The NPHI team finalized work on updating and sharing job descriptions for common positions in all homes as well as best practices in hiring and onboarding processes. This was done to identify and select the most capable staff caring for our children. As always, we share our deepest gratitude to our dedicated National Directors for their leadership, spirit of innovation, and fortitude in the face of challenge. Our NPHI Service Directors, local staff, teams, and Hermanos Mayores, have achieved these key accomplishments because of their commitment to Fr. Wasson’s vision and their understanding of all that is required to ensure that our children are loved. As we embark now in 2017, we are reminded of Fr. Wasson’s words: “There is always hope, and I think if there are enough people that really want to do something about the tragedies of the world, they certainly can do it.” Sincerely, Miguel Venegas, NPHI Executive Director and Christopher Hoyt, NPHI COO
Pacú fish pond at NPH Bolivia
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2015 MEDICAL SERVICES HIGHLIGHTS 2016 HIGHLIGHTS New arrivals
3,258
118
fully supported children and youths
34
246 vocational
university
certifications
423 Holy Sacraments
graduates
2,058 children from low-income households and vulnerable communities attended NPH schools
906
125
full-time
Honduras Holy Family
volunteers
Surgery Center Services
995
staff and youth that received
childcare and leadership training
849
Children and women living with HIV that receive antiretrovirals
100,068 Services provided through community outreach programs
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Seventh annual Youth Development Leadership Workshop in 2016 at NPH Guatemala.
FAMILY SERVICES The NPH International Family Services Team achieved many milestones in 2016. Every one of our nine homes received at least one onsite visit from one of our international team members. We provided oversight and support to our National Directors and their local teams throughout the year, and we listened and responded to urgent home needs with onsite support as well. We consistently checked in with the staff to evaluate progress on the 23 Core Programs required for each NPH home, programs whose goals range from fostering youth development to training our childcare staff. These Core Programs were developed directly from the NPHI Family Services Childcare Manual (2006) and our Child Care Policy (2014) in order to ensure high standards, prevention, protection and formational opportunities for children, youth and staff. These programs are at the heart of our NPH work, both for the homes and our NPHI Family Services team. IMPLEMENTING OUR 23 CORE PROGRAMS Local Family Service Coordinators help improve the care of our children in the homes. They work directly with our NPH International Family Services Team to evaluate the 23 Core Programs so that our local childcare staff is able to continue providing quality care and better implement our NPH mission: helping our NPH youth to reach their potential, to become good and caring adults, and to be productive members of their respective communities with hearts to serve. We are thrilled to share that two of our newest local Family Services Coordinators are Hermanas Mayores and graduates from the iLEAP and Seattle Institute programs, both Family Services programs designed to prepare our youth and staff for leadership opportunities such as these. CARE of Children and Youth With the creative and dedicated work of over 378 caregivers, the support of Year of Service youth and volunteers, our children receive high quality care. We currently have 66% of the desired childcare staff in place in our homes. We continue to strive to meet the full child to caregiver ratio compliance level advised by the Family Services Team. In 2016, all 378 childcare staff received at least 10 trainings, empowering them to provide better care. Annual trainings for our childcare staff are one of our focused Core Programs. The trainings center on themes such as positive discipline, sexual education and abuse prevention. We know that with sufficient childcare ratios and well-trained caregivers, our children and youth will be in good hands!
Newly recruited Local FS Coordinators in 2016: Luz de Maria: Hermana Mayor, graduate of iLeap, Family Service Coordinator of NPH El Salvador. Dora Lemus: Hermana Mayor, graduate of iLeap and Seattle Institute, Family Service Coordinator of NPH Honduras
Luz conducts a famiy service training with her younger hermanas at NPH El Salvador.
Dora Lemus and Donna Egge, Director of Family Services
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Seattle Institute students - class of 2016-2017
Our NPH International Family Services Team Donna Egge: Family Services Director Markus Streit: Family Services Coordinator, Administration, Core Programs, Alternative Care Programs, Child Welfare Interviews, Europe Liaison, Education Initiative Avriel Burlot: Family Services Coordinator, International Volunteers, CPI, Haiti FS, International Youth Conference Nelly Fernandez: Coordinator, Mental and Reproductive Health, Alternative Care Programs Jacqueline Shrader: new Coordinator, Seattle International Leadership Institute
DEVELOPMENT Professional and Leadership This past year the Family Services team organized and facilitated over 10 local and international workshops, including the 7th Youth Development Workshop in Guatemala where over 45 youth from nine countries gathered for inspiration to carry our NPH legacy forward. Two Hermanos Mayores, both past participants of the Seattle Institute Leadership Program, helped facilitate this workshop. This is one shining example of our success in providing a continuum of developmental opportunities for growth and leadership. Our 8th workshop will be in Honduras in January 2017. There are 45 total participants, 27 of these youths will be first time participants. Providing youth development opportunities is a major focus for our team and is one of the Core Programs in our homes. Our Seattle Leadership Institute, Preparing Lives for Service, celebrated the graduations of six participants from the Class of 2016 to reach a total of 26 graduates since the founding of the program in 2011! Of the past 26 graduates of the Seattle Institute, 16 are studying at the university level with some working along the way as well, 12 have full-time jobs, eight of whom are currently NPH employees. And all who are able to support NPH have found a variety of ways to give back and care for their brothers and sisters This past September we welcomed six more participants, and we look forward to seeing their growth throughout the year. We continue collaboration with iLeap (www.iLeap.org) as part of our professional development offering for our Hermanos Mayores and home employees. Our goal of this program is to help foster strong leadership skills focused on sustainability, collaboration, entrepreneurship and personal development, essential for leaders in today’s changing world. In 2016, we welcomed 21 total participants, to make 31 total graduates from the program since we began partnering with iLEAP in 2015. In June 2017, we look forward to welcoming our 4th group of 10 students. In 2016 we saw an increase in the number of volunteers who applied from countries without a fundraising office, especially from Latin America. This enriches the diversity in our homes and our volunteer community. We welcomed volunteers from Venezuela, Costa Rica, Honduras, Argentina, Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Sweden and the United Kingdom to serve our homes and our children. Our International Volunteer Coordinator worked closely with the local volunteer coordinators in both the NPH homes and fundraising offices to create a more cohesive, international volunteer program. In addition, a new evaluation system and emergency and safety document was created for all homes.
NPH Honduras volunteer with pequeĂąo.
Donna Egge, NPHI Family Services Director
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MEDICAL SERVICES
Administering vaccinations at NPH Mexico
A child who benefits from appropriate medical care generally enjoys a better state of health during childhood and becomes a healthier adult. The right to children’s health also includes pre and postnatal care for mothers. Following the framework from the United Nations and the World Health Organization on human development, the NPHI Medical Services Department used the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as our guidelines in 2016; complementing, but not replacing other goals that each NPH home may have individually. During 2016, we decided to focus on sanitation and safe water, nutrition, immunization and mosquito-transmitted diseases as our main goals. SANITATION AND SAFE WATER Development and good health begins with having clean and safe water as well as access to health services, food and education. NPH homes monitor water with biannual microbiological and chemical testing and by reviewing their water infrastructure from the pipes to the water tanks. Also homes have added a second barrier to the water purification process with UV light. We are continuously working on improving the water collection process as well. NUTRITION Across NPH homes we have seen improvements in the daily food menus, such as including more fruit and vegetables. This has led to a significant decrease in children with anemia and other deficiencies. Most of the countries have additional nutritional programs as well. NPH clinics monitor growth, development and anemia through biannual screening. In some of our countries, we are facing a new epidemic that has spread throughout the rest of the world as well: overweight and obesity. Malnutrition is not just low weight but also overweight, as both are signs of not receiving adequate quality intake. NPH ensures adequate management to medical protocols and early detection.
The impact of NPH’s work in developing countries is significant. We work not only for the children living in NPH homes, but also for patients from the community and children attending NPH schools. NPH clinics support these students by providing: annual medical exams, nutrition screening, vision, hearing, dental care, immunization campaigns, one nutritious meal, deworming twice a year, supporting/finding a solution for special cases identified during screening, health education, and therapies according to availability. The most common daily clinic visits are: upper respiratory infections, traumas (from small wounds to broken arms or concussions), skin problems, parasites and gastrointestinal issues (stomachache, diarrhea).
Well-child exam at NPH Guatemala
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VACCINATIONS AND HEALTH CAMPAIGNS Vaccinations are fairly inexpensive when considering the benefits. They protect children against the risk of death and handicaps caused by the most common children’s diseases in poor countries: tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, leprosy, polio, whooping cough and measles. At NPH we vaccinate our children, as well as offer awareness and health education campaigns, which can prompt a significant reduction in health risks. All homes have had done a great job at least once a month for children and caregivers, offering health education discussions that are age appropriate. In 2016, we administered 3,662 doses of vaccines across all countries. Applying vaccines doesn’t mean the population is well vaccinated according to the age, though it is a good step to reach the goal. The average ratio of vaccination in NPH is 78-80% in most of the basic vaccines, but boosters are needed every year to maintain the protection. Our goal is to be at least 90%. Furthermore, we provide deworming to our entire child population and provide Vitamin A to children under 5 to prevent blindness. Funds from international NGOs and foundations for immunization completion and nutrition have been a key to continue to work and make improvements in the children’s health, as well as receiving advanced medication for children with HIV. MOSQUITO-TRANSMITTED DISEASES Countries where NPH works have a high prevalence of high-impact diseases, especially during the rainy season. Cleaning surroundings in our community is important to prevent the breeding sites of mosquitoes. Any collection of water is a threat for disease incubation. Fumigation and mosquito nets are necessary to prevent infectious, transmitted diseases such as Zika, chikungunya, dengue or malaria. The Medical Services team and local clinics work hard to apply our mission statement to our daily work: striving to reach an optimum health and wellbeing for children to live as healthy as possible. The success relies on the close cooperation between the Medical Services team and local staff, and establishing collaborative partnerships with local public health facilities and other NGOs.
Additional Successes • Restoration and remodeling of outdated clinics in Honduras and Haiti homes • Preparing and coordination of three children traveling abroad for specialist treatment • Implementation of psychology and therapy services in electronic medical records • Comprehensive care with teams for children with severe disabilities • Professional development: International NPHI medical workshop and training abroad on mental health care
11,610 physician
consults
12,648
nurse consults 3,662 vaccine
doses
On behalf of all the children, medical staff and NPHI Medical Services we want to thank all the supporters. Pilar Silverman, MD, NPHI Medical Services Director
598
children with diagnosis of chronic conditions
3,629
dental services
174
seminars on health education
3,902
therapies
1,567 well child
visits
(PT, OT, Speech, Psychological)
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Having fun with friends and playing with paint
MEXICO This was a successful year for the NPH Mexico Medical Services Department as it completed the transfer of our children’s comprehensive medical histories from a paper filing system to a new electronic filing system. In addition to medical records, information regarding children’s psychological, nutrition and dental records was also added, as well as information regarding occupational and physical therapies. Between our homes in Cuernavaca and Miacatlán, over 100 children are seen per week by either a doctor, nurse, physical therapist or occupational therapist. The electronic medical records have proven to be essential in maintaining detailed reports of every appointment and easing the transfer of information between the homes. It has also benefited our home by providing a broader view of health trends and medical costs. One of the goals that we have for 2017 is to use the information from the electronic filing system to develop a more targeted nutrition program for our children.
“This past year we welcomed a family of five to our home. During the holiday season, I was helping one of the brothers, Oswaldo*, set up a little Christmas tree. I was surprised to learn that he had never seen a Christmas tree. I explained to him the NPH family traditions: the posadas, mass in the stable, the fireworks. Oswaldo could not contain his excitement! Recently, Oswaldo’s baby brother, underwent surgery to fix a hand deformation. I am so grateful that the surgery went well, and that Oswaldo and his siblings will have the opportunity, for the first time, to participate in the beautiful traditions as a part of their new NPH family.” Rafael Bermúdez, National Director NPH Mexico
Within the seven years of first opening its doors, The City of Children also known as ‘Ciudad de los Niños’, our home in Matamoros, has had a lot to celebrate especially in the realm of education. The valedictorian of this year’s class of 76 high school graduates from the NPH Cuernavaca home was Leslye, a pequeña who grew up in the Matamoros home before moving to Cuernavaca for high school. Leslye and four other NPH students from Matamoros celebrated their graduation at the ceremony in Cuernavaca in July. Education is a top priority and the key to success for all of our children, as exemplified by Gustavo, an NPH graduate. When Ciudad de los Niños first opened in 2009, Gustavo was completing his year of service at the home. Today, Gustavo is completing his last year of residency to become a doctor. We look forward to seeing the academic successes, like Leslye and Gustavo’s, that await our children this coming year!
Valedictorian Leslye congratulating her classmates
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GRADUATES
7 67 59 76 76 8 179
Primary school students in Miacatlán
In 2016, the first phase of the “CLEVER” School System project was initiated at our primary school in Miacatlán. The purpose of this project is to redesign our classrooms to be more technologically-oriented, using a device called the Clever System, which includes a computer with access to the internet and other educational programs that promote investigation and discovery. This project will impact over 230 of our primary students with the help of 18 primary teachers, who have been preparing for this new program by attending workshops that focus on using technology in the classroom and updating curriculum plans for each grade level. Soon they will begin evaluating each student with assessments and will then create a personalized academic profile. This new program has helped in the school’s efforts to provide our students with a high quality, individualized education and the ability to learn with modern technology. We look forward to observing the positive impact this transition will have on our students and progressing to the second phase of this project by installing the program in our classrooms in the coming year. This year our home in Monterrey refurnished its office spaces and created a new study area for our university students with the help of SteelCase, a leading manufacturer of furniture for offices, hospitals, and classrooms. Approximately 76 university students have benefited from this space in the home to complete their studies after long days of work and classes. SteelCase was first introduced to NPH in 2012 after their financial analyst and also an NPH graduate, Aurora Zacarias, proposed that NPH become the beneficiary of SteelCase’s social responsibility projects. As another benefit of this partnership, our university students received the opportunity to participate in the company’s project development tasks. Last June, six university students traveled to SteelCase Headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan to present their project on sustainability. Our students’ goals for next year include applying this experience and using the focused study time in the new space to achieve the goals that they have set for themselves. This year our Family Services Department made important advancements in the Family of Origin Program. The first achievement was an additional Visitor’s Day for our children. Visitor’s Days are important to allow our children to have regular contact with their biological family and strengthen family bonds. About 90% of our children received visitors at least once in 2016. We also implemented a new Family Awareness Project. The purpose of this program is to stabilize our children by helping them form a better understanding of their family situation and background. Our psychologist accompanies groups of siblings and provides a safe place for them to discuss their past while also recognizing the opportunities that they can now take advantage of at NPH. In 2017, we hope to start a third family project that focuses on sibling bonding by giving siblings special time together as a family apart from their daily activities in the home.
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Kindergarten 6th grade 9th grade High School Vocational Certification University Holy Sacraments Quinceañeras/os
University student in Monterrey using new furniture in study area
Family time at Visitor’s Day in the Miacatlán home
ART THERAPY SUPPLIES: $117 (PER CHILD PER YEAR)
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Sisters playing together
HONDURAS This past year, NPH Honduras hired Edwin Vallecillo Betancourth, an NPH graduate or ‘Hermano Mayor’, as the permanent full-time doctor. This year the medical team, under Dr. Edwin’s direction, has continued with 2,000 consults in the internal clinic every six months and 200 general health checks for children in that same time period. Also, there are monthly or semesterly consults in the fields of HIV health, psychology, neurology, and trauma. Dr. Edwin brings medical school experience from universities in Cuba, as well as two years of experience working in the coastal town of Tela. Having grown up at NPH, Edwin is a fantastic example to the children and youth of the positive results of hard work and studies. Dr. Edwin’s immediate goals for the health team include keeping medical services running at capacity while the clinic is reconstructed, strengthening the awareness of public health and healthy lifestyles with the children in the home, evaluating and improving nutrition, and better preventing diseases such as fever, Dengue, Zika or Chikungunya in the home.
“When I watch our children running, playing, laughing, sharing and caring about each other, my mind sometimes wanders from one history to another. Histories, pasts, realities filled with disappointment, loss and pain. And yet, they heal and they forgive. They move on and they learn to dream and to trust again. That is what we are here for – we give love, family and security to children who need to learn to dream again; to children who need to be reminded or taught that life is a wonderful gift and that the future is theirs.” Stefan Feuerstein National Director NPH Honduras
NPH Honduras has created a new strategy and position focused on fundraising locally within the country. This very new program has been started with a business plan aimed at enhancing and establishing different fundraising activities, campaigns and local communication in order to boost our presence in the country and more effectively target resources - all of which hope to raise funds and other resources to help the home navigate through a time of financial restraint. Given the program’s recent birth, statistics are not yet available at this time. The goals of this new program are to raise the public profile of NPH in the surrounding Honduran community in order to raise additional funds to help with other, already established, fundraising efforts.
Regina Ponce, Projects and Local Development Coordinator, coordinating an event with a visiting group from Tegucigalpa.
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GRADUATES
13 14 20 20 31 3 54 29
Kindergarten 6th grade 9th grade High School Vocational Certification University Holy Sacraments Quinceañeras/os
External student benefits from the change in schooling to the Centro Básico system.
Recipient of scholarship program at Pasos Pequeñitos
As part of NPH Honduras’ ever expanding community outreach program, 2016 saw the addition of three scholarships given to mothers who also receive aid in our childcare center for single mothers in Tegucigalpa, ‘Pasos Pequeñitos’. The scholarships will help educate three mothers in the areas of humanities, computation, and a technical education. With a higher education, these single mothers will hopefully be able to better support themselves, as well as provide a better, brighter future for their children. At the moment, there are three scholarships offered, as well as a fund of $150 to cover transportation and other costs. The goal of the scholarships is to successfully help the three mothers graduate with middle education degrees in these three fields.
This past year, NPH successfully converted its school educational system to a “Centro Básico” format in order to comply with new government education regulations and to provide a stronger education to the students in the school. As a result, 7th to 9th grade was moved from its previous separate location down to the school “campus” area, and changes were made to teacher, curriculum, and testing standards. This new system will provide a better, more rigorous education for these 56 internal students, as well as 15 external students from the surrounding communities. Initial test results following this change were positive and this change puts NPH on par with other effective schools in the country, but comparisons and a fuller picture on students’ grades cannot be made until more testing has been administered throughout the school year. The goal of these changes is to provide higher-quality education that prepares students for high school and university, adequate materials to effectively engage in studies, and ensure that each grade has the needed materials to carry out effective education. NPH has been successfully fighting against the southern pine beetle, also known as the ‘gorgojo’, which has been killing thousands upon thousands of acres of Honduran pine forests. Going unchecked, the beetle can eliminate entire forests in short periods of time, leading to people rushing to quickly and inefficiently fight and deforest against the beetles, often without the proper permits. NPH has saved money and forest acreage by quickly and efficiently cutting down infested and neighboring trees to prevent spread, all with the proper permissions. Logging down wood before it is completely eaten by the beetles has allowed NPH to sell it on the market and recover the entirety of the cost of hiring crews to do the logging. Without quick and efficient action, the infestations on the property would have spread further, destroying the same trees that help prevent the erosion and runoff that could wreck havoc to the river, the home’s primary source of water. The goal moving forward is to prevent the spread as much as possible, continue to cover costs, and limit potential damage to the main water supply.
HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATION: $1,420 (AVERAGE PER CHILD PER YEAR) 18
HAITI
Hurricane Matthew relief delivery of food and materials to Grand’Anse.
HAITI
On October 4, 2016, Hurricane Matthew hit Haiti with 145 mph winds causing severe destruction and flooding in southern coast of Jeremie and Aux-Cayes. Nearly 27,000 people were in emergency shelters and over 1,000 were reported dead. It left 1.4 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. The hurricane also damaged more than 200 schools according to official sources affecting about 130,000 children. NPH and our sister program, the St. Luke Foundation for Haiti, sprang into high gear and immediately started providing support to those most in need. Water, food, agriculture seeds, construction materials and medical supplies were delivered and distributed over the past three months. First relief trips were done by helicopter as roads were blocked and impassable. Follow-up trips were then made by road and sea to over 14 communities, assisting an estimated 6,100 people. NPH support amounted to $533,000 and St. Luke was over 1.4 million. These supplies were essential to keep the residents from being displaced as refugees to Port-au-Prince. In 2017, the commitment to these communities will continue.
“At our home, like any family, we celebrate all our children’s milestones. Graduation day is a very special day for our youth because they have completed a goal that NPH instills in them when they arrive. We tell all our children that they will succeed, that they will reach their goals and we have many examples for them to see in their big brothers and sisters. Our children are only able to reach these dreams because of the support of our international family, donors and godparents. We are grateful for this continued support to our family.” Kenson Kaas, Deputy Director of Childcare NPH Haiti
A solar smart grid, merging many NPH and the St. Luke Foundation facilities in Tabarre to one electrical network, supplied with solar energy, was built in 2016. The energy center is based at Francisville; it is equipped with a battery storage system and specific technology to control the load from different sources. Thanks to solar energy, we will expense less money on diesel oil to run our generators. As we will have a stable energy supply, damages to sensitive medical devices caused by brownouts will be avoided. About 220kWp of solar panels are already installed at St. Damien Hospital and Francisville and more installations will follow in 2017. Development of our staff and training in solar technology in St. Luke’s vocational school ensure that specialist knowledge and practical ability in this area become firmly established in the country.
Solar panel installation
19
The St. Anne Baby house is home to 18 children under six, including five new children who arrived in 2016. Nineteen special needs children also live at St. Anne who have a variety of illnesses such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy and psychological development delays. These children and youths range in age from six years to twenty-two. Ten of these children attend the special needs school at the NPH program St. Germaine and eight attend a school at our sister project, St. Joan Magareth, which is for the hearing and vision impaired. A new program was initiated in 2016 to help four of the special needs students with life-skills training. Cooking classes were taught offering them the basics in how to prepare meals with the goal of teaching them how to care for themselves. One caregiver was designated to support these children through these classes. With the additional skills that these children learn attending school at St. Germaine, we anticipate their skills will improve yearly. At our home in Kenscoff, an existing building was renovated to become the clinic to better meet the healthcare needs of our children and staff. This updated facility has a waiting area, two consult rooms, emergency room, two hospitalization rooms including private bathrooms and an overnight room for a nurse, doctor’s office and pharmacy. The clinic staff includes one part-time doctor, one full-time doctor, three nurses, and one psychologist. The clinic provides medical attention to the 337 NPH children and emergency attention for over 500 external students attending the school and staff. For major problems requiring hospitalization, children receive attention at the NPH Haiti St. Damien Pediatric Hospital.
Corn harvest
A child receives glasses from the vision team
Garden project at FWAL St. Louis homes
GRADUATES
The agriculture program was further developed in 2016, cultivating two empty lots of land into vegetable gardens and a fruit orchard. This includes corn, cassava and moringa, which is a plant rich in vitamins that is added to sauces and salads. Our fruit orchards consist of banana, papaya, lemon, cherry, coconut, orange and breadfruit trees. We employ eight people working in the gardens to take care of the animals and for production/harvesting of crops. In 2017 our goal is to develop two products for sale and usage in our homes; mango jelly and cassava, which grows quickly and is nutritious in soups and main dishes. Our fields are watered using recycled fish water from our tilapia project.
155 97 41 11 12
Kindergarten 9th grade High School Vocational Certification University
37 13
Baptisms Confirmations
Vision check-ups are important for our children’s health. In 2016, we had the expertise of a volunteer team of physicians who set up vision clinics throughout all of our programs for children, staff and community members. In total 136 consults resulted from the screenings and the volunteer group also donated 161 pair of glasses with over 20 NPH children receiving glasses. The team also trained the staff and parents from our Kay Germaine program in some basic vision therapy techniques which can be incorporated into the students’ therapy sessions. A followup trip is already being planned for 2017.
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Special needs students competed in US Special Olympics
SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM The workshop for mothers of children at Kay St. Germaine continued to grow and evolve in 2016. New products were launched, including handmade banana leaf wedding cards which can be personalized to order. These beautiful cards made from local materials were promoted through our social media platforms and several overseas orders were processed. All proceeds went back into the program, which promotes mutual support and a sense of community among the eight mothers in the group. Producing and selling high quality craft items has a positive impact on confidence and self-esteem for these women, who can find themselves very much marginalized in Haitian society due to social and cultural prejudices. The Special Needs Program is fully committed to the ongoing professional development of its therapeutic and educational staff to increase skills at a local and national level and to ensure continuous improvement in the quality of the education we provide. Training of teachers, school staff and therapists takes place on a day-to-day basis through the sharing of techniques and strategies. An extensive formal training program was also implemented in 2016 consisting of 10 training sessions with a total attendance of 189 on themes such as autism, gait analysis, positioning and transfer. We also hosted a five-day training trip by three staff from the Watson Institute in Pennsylvania. Activities included classroom visits, teacher training and the introduction of useful new frameworks such as the Circles concept for social distance and levels of intimacy. Following this visit, staff from the Watson Institute reported that they were ‘very impressed’ with recent changes at Kay St. Germaine, praising some of the work methods as ‘very imaginative’. A reciprocal visit to the Watson Institute will take place in 2017.
A new life skills workshop for young adults was opened in September 2016, following a successful pilot project from April to June. The workshop at Kay Eliane serves 16 young adults in total, including residents of the special needs home at Kay Christine and newly-graduated students from the school at Kay St. Germaine. The aim of this new initiative is to promote independence and develop the skills that are necessary for the full participation of young adults in everyday life. Classes include arts and crafts, gardening and household tasks. The acquisition of basic life skills improves self-determination, social abilities and quality of life for individuals with disability.
“Haiti is a country where basic necessities are difficult to come by. There’s no social welfare system and no reliable access to medical care or seizure medication. For children with special needs and their parents, this can feel overwhelming. In addition to 24-hour home care, NPH provides education in our special needs school and physical therapy in our rehabilitation center.” Gena Heraty Special Needs Director, NPH Haiti
Life skills workshop for young adults
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80 students attend Kay Germaine school 106 children
receive therapy New playground and equipment
Teacher assists student with motor coordination
60 adults receiving therapy one to two times a week at Kay Gabriel 31 children and adults receiving 24-hour home care at Kay Christine at our flagship home in Kenscoff 16 young adults participating in a life skills workshop at Kay Eliane Estimated 2,000 children in outreach locations received treatment and/or education from NPH-trained therapists and teachers. In a country with widespread unemployment and underemployment, our program employs 116 people in the Port-au-Prince region.
The new school playground at Kay St. Germaine was officially opened in January. The playground features specially-adapted swings and slides that challenge a range of abilities, as well as a wheelchair rocker that accommodates two wheelchairs. Play is a critical part of physical, emotional, mental and social development for all children. Having an on-site facility that is safe, accessible and fun promotes physical and cognitive development, sparks imagination and improves socialization and mutual respect. A school garden was planted beside the playground in March and plants, flowers and vegetables are grown there. The garden provides sensory stimulation and a relaxing environment in which the children are encouraged to touch, smell and generally interact with the environment around them. They also learn how food is produced and how to practice World Earth Day principles throughout the year. The 80 children currently enrolled in Kay St. Germaine enjoy both facilities on a regular basis and they will continue to be a central element of our therapeutic and educational programs in 2017. Collaborative work with our partner organizations Aksyon Gasme and the Humility of Mary Sisters takes place on a day-to-day basis through regular meetings, information sharing and mutual support. In addition, a full formal outreach program was implemented to support our partners in delivering rehabilitative and educational services to geographically isolated families. The locations visited were Fondwa and Mawouj, where hands-on work included completing needs assessments, arranging nursing visits, carrying out training and evaluations, attending community meetings and assisting with emergency relief work following Hurricane Matthew. Eight schools and approximately 2,000 beneficiaries were served during our outreach work in 2016. This program will be extended in 2017 to deliver 12 weeks of block outreach support to up 3,000 beneficiaries.
BREAKFAST & LUNCH: $200 (PER CHILD PER YEAR) 22
A grandmother lovingly cares for her twin grandsons at St. Damien Pediatric Hospital
ST. DAMIEN PEDIATRIC HOSPITAL St. Damien was able to offer continuous care during five months of strike on all governmental hospitals in Haiti from the end of March to August 2016. The hospital experienced a 2% to 25% increase of the volume of population served in the departments during the first three months of this strike. NPH Haiti proved once more that our organization will always be ready to help the Haitian community during crisis. The Ministry of Health recognized the role played by St. Damien at a press conference held by the executive director of the ministry when the strike ended. In September 2016, St. Damien signed a contract with a well-known private health insurance company: Alternative Insurance Company (AIC) to offer maternity care to the women covered by this insurance. This initiative is part of our sustainability program, developed by the goal setting of NPHI, and will bring the first year approximately $40,000 to the hospital. The real impact will be seen in 2017 since the hospital had to close for six weeks in 2016 in both the maternity and the neonatal units because of an outbreak of nosocomial infection. The goal of St. Damien is to approach other health insurance companies to continue to develop similar activities. St. Damien is currently studying with St. Luke Family Hospital, its sister Hospital of Foundation Saint Luc a plan to start their own combined health insurance program: St Luc will offer adult care and ST Damien pediatric care as a way to generate more funding to care for underprivileged population.
St. Damien started a new schedule for both the emergency and critical care room in October 2016. Each unit includes pediatricians engaged in a day/night rotation to care for the children. Previously, a different team of five pediatricians, not included in the day staff, came to work on night shifts. This rotation was not efficient in terms of continuity of care for the patients. The new rotation is part of the program of developing subspecialties in pediatric at St. Damien. These 11 pediatricians will be focusing on emergency and critical care unit and with continuing education will develop their expertise becoming intensivists and emergency pediatricians for the benefits of the children.
“St. Damien proudly graduated our first group of six pediatricians trained at our facilities. After three years of training, these new pediatricians are now equipped and ready to take care of children’s health in Haiti. Approximately 300 pediatricians work in Haiti for three million children under five years of age. St. Damien has retained three of the six physicians for own needs. The fourth resident class of six physicians started their training in October 2016. We are fortunate that St. Damien can participate in creating sustainable solutions for pediatric care in Haiti.” Jacqueline Gautier, MD National Director for St. Damien Pediatric Hospital and St. Kay Germaine
The busy emergency room at St. Damien
FOOD FOR MALNUTRITION WARD: $1,704 (MONTHLY)
72 new cancer
The St. Damien heart program has grown significantly. Eleven children received heart surgery in February 2016 at our hospital. A second mission scheduled for September 2016 was postponed for January 2017 due to insecurity. More than 150 children were screened during five visits of pediatric cardiologists from the US, France, India (from an Indian hospital established at Cayman Islands). A wonderful partnership with Haiti Cardiac Alliance, Gift of Life International and a foundation from Health City Hospital in Cayman Islands support this program. A significant proportion of those children were dying before at home or at health centers not able to send them abroad for needed surgeries. Many are screened throughout the country with missions at other hospitals thanks to the work of the Haiti Cardiac Alliance. St Damien is the only hospital able to offer local surgery for the moment brought by an international team led by Gift of Life International. Dr. Alexandra Noisette, a pediatrician from St. Damien is currently in her six months of one-year training in pediatric cardiology in Martinique. Dr. Noisette was able to conduct her first screening visit during her training last September. The program will continue to grow offering screening, surgery, follow up care to the children with heart disease in Haiti. Three surgical cardiac missions are scheduled at St. Damien during 2017.
cases treated
1,102 oncology consults Provided over
11
15,200
children
consults
received cardiac surgery
2,089
Treated over 2,300
5,701
children for dehydration
babies delivered
with an average of 100 children diagnosed
maternity visits
with cholera monthly.
Provided over
1,700
tuberculosis consults and treated 253
new cases
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Celebrating holidays, special activities and weekly mass, is part of the culture of each NPH home.
NICARAGUA This year brought a great production of basic grains for consumption at NPH Nicaragua. Eighty percent of all the crops that were planted, including rice, beans, and plantains, resulted in growth and harvest. This exceptional harvest allowed NPH to save money on buying food. NPH is approaching self-sufficiency in terms of food for the children who live in our home because of the success in our fields and the labor that made it possible. For 2017, NPH hopes to achieve self-sufficiency in basic grains as well as cheese and other dairy products, which the home recently started producing using milk from our own cows. NPH made significant strides with the Ministry of Family, the childcare branch of the Nicaraguan government, by meeting all government requirements and managing programs to meet the varying needs and backgrounds of children in need. NPH Nicaragua’s diverse programs serve 52 children in the external prevention program and 76 external students from the community, 16 semi-internal children, and 155 children in the internal protection program. By complying with government regulations and following ethical guidelines, NPH is able to continue providing a safe environment and education for children from the local community and beyond. In 2017, NPH Nicaragua hopes to expand its programs with more semi-internal and external students and maintain strong collaboration with the government.
“Stiven* had a deformation in his feet and legs. He couldn’t use shoes, and at first used casts for correction and three months ago had surgery. He visited me very happily yesterday to show me that he can use tennis shoes and can take his first steps since his surgery. This is our work here, to improve the quality of life of children like Stiven.”
The leveling of the ground for the new secondary school has begun, made possible by the support from our donors. Currently, NPH schools around 243 children including preschool, primary and secondary school, and special needs students, and averages less than one classroom per class; once completed, the new secondary school will offer 12 more classrooms. Having more space will allow NPH to extend services to additional students in our community in coordination with the government social program Programa Amor. This new space will remove the wall dividers in a few of the classrooms and improve the individualized attention given to each student. The school is expected to be fully constructed by June 2017, and NPH Nicaragua will continue raising funds for furnishings and equipment for the school, especially basic lab instruments.
Marlon Velásquez National Director NPH Nicaragua Site for secondary school
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GRADUATES
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Kindergarten 6th grade High School Vocational Certification University Holy Sacraments QuinceaĂąeras/os
NPH offers a safe environment for these children to play
There has been great progress in the construction of the NPH Nicaragua chapel this year. The NPH family was able to start celebrating the Eucharist regularly in the church in May, and the main temple reached 85% completion by the end of 2016. Every Monday, mass is offered for the entire NPH community including internal and external students, employees, parents of students and other community members. For NPH Nicaragua, having its own church and providing every member of the NPH family the opportunity to watch it grow helps the family grow in faith and love of God, and foster strong Christian values among the children. In 2017, if the home obtains sufficient resources to make it possible, NPH Nicaragua’s goal is to complete the construction of the main temple.
New chapel in progress
Graduation ceremony
Many NPH students will be graduating this academic year, including four university students in professional careers. There are nine NPH students who will graduate from preschool, 13 from sixth grade, nine from high school and nine with technical degrees. These graduates include internal students, semi-internal students and students from the community. In 2014, a high percentage of Nicaraguan students were reported out of school in both primary (18%) and secondary (43%) school by the Education Policy Data Center, so the education provided by NPH is important to keep more students in school. NPH hopes to have high graduation rates at all educational levels in 2017. The Samaritan Project began in 2010 at the home in Ometepe. After moving the NPH home to the mainland (Jinotepe), two volunteers stayed on the island of Ometepe to continue providing support to children with disabilities and their families. Samaritan cares for children with neurological problems such as children with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, other motor neuron disorders, as well as patients with orthopedic problems, autism, cognitive delays, psychomotor retardation, and spina bifida. The program offers a wide range of support to the 35 children and their families, including physical and occupational therapy, medical and psychological care, food baskets and workshops and training for the families.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES: $37 (PER CHILD PER YEAR) The Samaritan Project home visits
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Special needs student and friend together
GUATEMALA This year the NPH Guatemala Psychology Department partnered with a local university to receive additional assistance for the home from psychology students in their final year of university. This partnership made it possible for many more children to receive individualized therapy and it allowed the psychology department to offer trainings to staff and children in all of the homes, something previously difficult to achieve since the full-time staff needed to focus on individual therapies. The university students also helped manage the Early Stimulation program for 28 children, which would not have been possible otherwise. The NPH Guatemala psychology team works daily with a large population of children and youth at the home, so the work of these university students was essential to give the level of individualized care needed and reach the department’s goals. The program also provided a platform for university students in the local community to put their studies into practice and gain valuable experience. The goal and hope for next year is to have the support of five university students to work across multiple areas including psychology, occupational therapy and language therapy.
“This year, Elias completed his Year of Service in thanks to the NPH family for what he has received. Almost anyone who has visited NPH Guatemala knows Elias! He is the first to welcome anyone to our home. What amazes me has been his ability as a young adult to thrive from the interactions of so many dedicated volunteers and therapists who have empowered him to take advantage of every opportunity. To me, he embodies the idea that we are all called to practice charity and use our gifts to the best of our ability. Just like all of our Pequeños, Elias has received the kindness of others, but in this last year, returned that kindness freely to his NPH family. It is hard to think of another reason as to why we are here, if not to make that very moment possible.” Christopher Hoyt National Director NPH Guatemala
Launched in 2016, the Family Lunch program, also known as ‘Almuerzo Familiar’, aims at giving our young people practical life skills and as close to a real world hospitality and customer service experience as possible. This past year 10 pequeños and four external students, completed a cooking and restaurant service course. It included lessons on cooking, plating and also serving 120 customers a two-course meal. The course is designed for students who are less academically inclined than their peers in the traditional sense, and it has boosted the students’ self-esteem, motivation and has given them the chance to excel. The home is grateful as well for the many successful and delicious lunches! The goal for the Family Lunch project is to build on this year’s success and to expand from a two-course to a three-course meal.
Siblings enjoying a pizza during Family Lunch
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GRADUATES Caregiver reviewing life project goals with Pequeña
The Life Project, an NPH core program, was founded to support our youth in goal-setting and accountability, and is comprised of a team of professionals who help each child set their own short, medium and long-term goals in the following seven areas: spirituality, education, mental and physical health, recreation, sports, and social conduct. All of our children are involved in the program along with all of our caregivers and psychologists. Each caregiver is assigned to a group of around five children to meet with weekly and check on the goal progress. Major benefits of the program are increased motivation among our youth, higher self-esteem and improved communication among the various departments of the home, who through the program take a multidisciplinary approach to stay close in the lives of the children. The future impact of the program is that our children will learn to set goals and work toward achieving them while reflecting along the way, a life skill which will benefit them in their personal and professional lives outside of NPH, and the communities to which they contribute. The goal for 2017 is potentially increasing the frequency and effectiveness of the meetings. July saw the start of a collaboration between NPH Guatemala and the Government’s Ministry of Social Development (MIDES) for ‘My First Job’, a program aimed at benefiting youth between 16 and 25 years of age who have come from extreme poverty. As an approved employer, NPH Guatemala receives a government subsidy of 60% for the payment of those enrolled in the program and working as employees at NPH Guatemala, which in this past year included 19 university students. The MIDES project promotes a short-term contract between employers and the enrolled employees and another extra benefit of the project is a financial savings for NPH, which can now go toward university funds for our students studying next January. Also by participating in this initiative, NPH Guatemala was able to hire two new employees in the welding and baking workshops at subsidized rates. The goal for next year is to maintain membership and involve more of our young people in the program. Our Family Bakery has continued to build on its successful business operation by adding new products to the menu, and even receiving a standing order to supply the President’s household with fresh baked goods! Adding new products like smoothies and crepes has boosted revenue and the installation of new ordering system has improved the ability to track successful items and make business decisions based on up-to-date information. This past year the bakery also employed and provided business management experience to two Year of Service students. The Family Bakery’s success benefits the local community by using locally made, sustainable products (drinking chocolate and coffee), and the revenue directly benefits the home. The bakery has been successful this past year at strengthening the Family Bakery brand and profile in the community, next year aims to increase profits, include our youth in business management, and conduct the grand opening of a new Family Bakery operation in a location outside of NPH Guatemala.
11 21 21 13 97 13 10
Kindergarten 6th grade 9th grade High School Vocational Certification Holy Sacraments Quinceañeras
My First Job participants at kick-off event
Family bakery preparing meals for visitors
BAKING WORKSHOP: $643 (PER CHILD PER YEAR-INCLUDES MATERIALS AND TEACHER)
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Siblings enjoying time together on the basketball court
EL SALVADOR The leadership group that began in 2015 is now made up of eight Year of Service boys and girls, and in 2016 they worked with the home to lead a successful workshop for the other NPH youth. They united and participated in a workshop to focus in on topics such as leadership, independence and poverty. Part of their responsibilities in the group is to support all the members of the family, including caregivers, teachers, clinic staff, and office staff, and they have done this by participating in a variety of home activities and events. This group of leaders help guide their younger siblings of the NPH family, and they provide support by counseling the younger children when they need advice. For the next year, the coordinators of this group will continue to work hard in order to continue forming strong leaders who will help the family.
“I remember when one of the year of service boys who was working in the fields came to me one day and said: “Our food is growing.” I realized he was talking about the corn that was growing in our very own fields, where he was just coming from. I asked him how he felt about working in the fields; he was wearing the boots to work in the fields and a straw hat to cover him from the sun and said, “We feel proud because we are helping grow our food and we are helping our home.” At that moment, I understood that is what we are here for, to teach our young boys and girls to be responsible and work hard to for their future.”
In 2016 the NPH El Salvador School opened the cooking workshop for ABC students, our children and youth with neurological problems and learning difficulties. Ten students have been attending these cooking classes throughout the past year. A basic knowledge of preparing food and cooking is crucial for the students in the ABC project, many of whom have not had experience cooking, because the skills are necessary to lead as independent of a life as possible. To build on the new skills they learned and apply them, the students share the food they have prepared with friends, teachers, and caregivers. The ABC students are acquiring important skills for their future, and these are not taught in many schools outside NPH. The school will continue to have this important workshop and our ABC students will continue learning new skills into 2017.
Olegario Campos National Director NPH El Salvador
ABC students learning how to cook
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GRADUATES
4 10 14 26 9 4 13 16
Kindergarten 6th grade 9th grade High School Vocational Certification University Holy sacraments Quinceañeras/os High school graduates proudly pose with their diplomas
In 2016, NPH El Salvador saw a productive year in agriculture. We produced approximately 450,000 pounds of corn during the year and 115 bottles of milk every day. The corn was used to prepare tortillas for our children to eat, and the milk was provided as a nutritious drink for breakfast and dinner, as well as to prepare cheese. Providing milk and tortillas for our kids is significant because in our country, not all kids have access to milk and other nutritious foods and drinks. The year of service boys working in the fields were a great help to make this possible, and they found the work meaningful because they knew the food would go directly to benefit their brothers and sisters.
Cows produce milk for daily consumption
NPH El Salvador has celebrated the graduation of many students from different academic levels, such as high school, vocational workshops, nursing school, cooking school, and the Seattle Leadership Program. There were 36 graduates this year: 25 graduated high school, eight graduated from different vocational workshops, one graduated from nursing school, one from the cooking school, and one from the Seattle Institute. Watching our youths reach their dreams step by step makes us feel extremely happy and proud. Getting a diploma is hard to do for most Salvadorans due to the current economic situation in the country; however, we are very happy to say our children have the blessing of obtaining theirs. For the future, NPH will continue to support the education of our youth so they are able to grow up to be good, productive citizens in their communities. Jeannette*, a twenty-year-old girl who lives permanently in our clinic due to her illness, was unable to attend high school. She discovered an online national institute where she could completed her high school studies. Jeannette is not able to be outside the clinic since she constantly needs special care; however, she just recently took the exam to graduate. For the NPH El Salvador family, this is a great accomplishment since Jeannette is one of our girls and we all feel very proud of her hard work and effort. We look forward to hearing the results of the exam, and will continue supporting Jeannette for her to be able to reach her dreams and goals, as any child of her age would want to do. Our clinic provided a variety of healthcare check-ups this past year to our children and medical assistance as needed. These included the ‘Healthy Child’, or ‘Niño Sano’ check-up, nutritionist and dental visits. These were provided to the entire population of children living in our primary home so that each child received thorough nutritionist and dental reviews, and a detailed exam from the NPH clinic’s doctor. These one-on-one visits are necessary to ensure proper healthcare for our kids; thus, completing each of the reviews is extremely rewarding. In our country, it is not common that children have access to this kind of healthcare because of the economic problems of the families. Our goal for the next year is to continue providing our children with the necessary check-ups and medical assistance to ensure that they stay healthy and support those in need.
PERSONAL HYGIENE PRODUCTS: $135 (PER CHILD PER YEAR) Jeannette taking online courses
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Caregiver and Pequeña share a smile
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Our youth in the 7th grade up through university have enrolled in the home’s new program PFCT, ‘Programa Fortaleciendo tu Carácter y Trabajo’, or ‘Program Strengthening your Character and Work’. The 99 group members must fulfill 100 working hours per year in various areas such as the farm, waste site, special needs house, kitchen, art therapy supervised by workers, caregivers and volunteers. From January through November 2016, they have fulfilled more than 2,900 working hours combined. From the start of this program, we have seen increased motivation among the children, improved behavior and positive relationships that have developed between the employees and children. The program is designed to build character and values, responsibility, and help our youth discover their interests and prepare for life and future studies through hands-on work in various areas. The program has been very successful, and next year we would like to evaluate the program through surveying and discussion, and set goals to continue improving the program.
“One day Renée*, an 8-year-old girl in our NPH home, walked over to my house for a slice of cake that I had promised to share with her. When Renée knocked on my door, two other girls were with her as well. But I only had one piece of cake. I gave her a small piece, and as I cut two more small pieces for her friends, I turned around to see that Renée had already cut her cake into three small pieces to share. It was incredibly gratifying for me to see little Renée’s willingness and quickness to share with her friends.”
The NPH Dominican Republic home recently launched a special education program for 13 children and youth with disabilities to better support them in their San Marco home. The team assigned each youth to one of three groups depending on his or her capabilities and needs, and varied the cognitive, communicative, sensorial and motor activities for each group. The home’s therapists who support these youths partnered with the caregivers to implement and provide training for the new program. The purpose of the project is to improve the quality of life of our youth with disabilities through education. Moving forward, the team will continue to evaluate and improve the program by building the relationship with the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Education to receive support and training, and by recruiting volunteers with special education experience and an occupational therapist who can provide daily support to the children.
Kieran Rigney, National Director Dominican Republic
Special education activity
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GRADUATES
9 18 29 11 13 57 21
Montessori student sifting materials into two bowls
The NPH Dominican Republic school launched a new Montessori program this past August 2016, which now serves 40 new students, both internal and from the outside community. The Montessori style education aims to empower the students, encourage their creativity and also stimulate their natural psychological, physical and social development. The teachers have participated in trainings, the rooms are full of new equipment, and the students have already been learning and growing within the program. Montessori is a special program in the Dominican Republic and not part of the national curriculum, but the NPH Dominican Republic has chosen to incorporate it in their school with the ultimate goal of providing the highest quality of education possible to the children. We installed a new drip irrigation system in 2016, which allowed us to grow bananas and vegetables on an area of approximately 6,400 square meters, over one acre. We planted three different types of bananas that totaled 1,100 plants, and also okra, pumpkin and eggplant between the banana rows. Planting these crops amounts to a substantial cost reduction for the kitchen and the surplus of vegetable production is a source of income for the home. Most importantly, the produce improves the food offering to the children since these bananas and vegetables are organically cultivated and highly nutritious. Our youth are also learning new skills along the way on planting, caring and harvesting the bananas. And to enjoy the fruits of their labor, they even make the delicious traditionally Dominican ‘tostones’ and ‘mangu’ with the produce. The goal for 2017 vegetable production is to meet the monthly needs of the kitchen with platanos, bananas, okra, eggplant and squash for a $12,000 estimated value over the year.
Kindergarten 6th grade 9th grade High School Vocational Certification Holy Sacraments Quinceañeras/os
This past year our team has led community outreach activities in a variety of areas: construction, medical, education, social work and spending time with the elderly. We performed seven home construction projects for NPH employees to improve their quality of their living, consulted and treated approximately 700 outreach patients with our mobile clinics, provided an education to 133 external students, gave monthly assistance to four community families. Additionally our youth visited retirement communities to spend time with the elderly during Holy Week and Christmas. These neighborhood activities are important for our children, teaching them charity, responsibility, love, sharing and how to care for others.
In September 2016, the vocational school opened in NPH Dominican Republic. Currently there are 77 children, including 37 internal and 40 from the community studying technical careers in cabinetmaking, handicrafts, shoemaking, sewing, clay, and music. We constructed a new building to have space for these workshops, and in an effort to support our community, we recruited construction workers from the surrounding area and purchased the materials locally. Applying the skills gained from these vocational classes, our graduates will have the opportunity to search for a job immediately after leaving NPH if they choose to follow that path and decide not to continue on to university. These careers will give them the economic stability for their future. In the upcoming year, our goal is to provide our proud graduates with their certifications as well as increase the number of courses and students.
WOOD FOR VOCATIONAL WORKSHOP: $60 (PER CHILD PER COURSE)
Children helping in gardens to collect vegetables
High school students in carpentry workshop
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Siblings share a hug
PERU In 2016, we had our largest group of higher education graduates. Brothers Alcides and Benito have recently graduated with their accounting degree, and Leticia graduated with her technical degree in tourism from the capital, Lima. All three of our graduates have been a part of NPH Peru for at least ten years and this incredible accomplishment is showing all of their younger brothers and sisters that they can achieve their dreams as well. We are so proud to say that although they have completed their professional degrees, they will continue to support our home until they take the next professional step in their lives.
“This year one of our university youths finished his higher education studies in Accounting, his name is Benito; talking with him he told me that completing his studies was something very important for him, that since he arrived at NPH Peru it was what he planned on and knew he could achieve with our support. That is why we are here, to help and support our children and youth in their paths to improve their lives.”
In 2016 our children’s dental hygiene greatly improved. Due to the five dental hygiene workshops given by our clinical staff and visitors, this information helped reinforce the importance of brushing and flossing which in turn reduced the number of cavities. The total number of cavities reported in 2016 saw a significant decrease of 33% from the prior year in 2015. Other than seeing an improvement in the children’s dental hygiene, a secondary benefit of fewer cavities was the resulting decrease in medical expenses. In 2017 we will continue to give health workshops and hope that the number of trips to the dentist will be even less.
Tula Cruces Castillo National Director NPH Peru Caregiver showing a Pequeño how to brush
33 Tula and Benito
We are pleased to announce the completed construction of our bakery and the first vocational workshop to soon be offered at NPH Peru. Once the building is complete and filled with equipment, we anticipate providing this workshop to at least 22 children who will be working in small groups. We recognize that all of our children will not pursue higher education studies and so with an in-home workshop our children will have the opportunity to learn a valuable trade for future employment. By having our own bakery we will no longer have to buy bread as we will be able to consume fresh bread made by our children and staff. Our goal for this program in the following year is for production to begin and that we will soon be able to rely more upon our own product as opposed to purchasing.
GRADUATES
Showing off the new bakery
2 6 5 3 0 9
Kindergarten 6th grade High School University Holy Sacraments Quinceañeras/os
This year we welcomed many new staff members to the NPH Peru family. All of our staff are filling a great need in the home and we are especially grateful that of the 19 new staff members, 10 are caregivers who are working directly with the children. Now that we have more caregivers, we have the opportunity for our home to grow and accept more children from the community that needs the support of NPH. We are able to further foster our team efforts to provide the best care that we can for the children. A part of those efforts are team building activities and educational workshops that will continue on a monthly basis. Our agricultural project has grown significantly this year. We harvested 350 kilos (770 pounds) of beans in March, and in October we planted 140 fruit trees, lemons, apples, and mandarins just to name a few. In approximately three years we will be able to harvest the fruit for our consumption and potentially someday sell the surplus. Fruit is a luxury here in the home and by growing our own product we will be able to increase the amount of fruit available to the children. In 2017, our older children will continue working with our gardener to help our agricultural projects thrive and improve the self-sustainability of NPH Peru.
Fruit orchard of 140 trees
Staff celebrating “Día de la Canción Criolla”
BAKING SUPPLIES TO BAKE BREAD FOR ONE WEEK: $61.52
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Celebrating weekly mass in the home
BOLIVIA This year we began a dairy project, thanks to the donation of 30 milking cows and milking equipment from local organizations. This is a very beneficial project because it will mean receiving a minimum of 400 liters of milk daily. At the home we have been consuming a maximum of 50 liters daily, so while a portion of the additional milk will be consumed or made into yogurt, cheese, butter, and ice cream at our home, another portion will be sold back to local dairy companies for a large profit. In comparison to families in the rest of the country, we will be saving expenses in dairy products, since we can produce our own and will not need to buy any of them anymore, and we will also have a healthier diet thanks to all of the dairy products and beef that this project offers. Next year we hope to continue growing our herd, as that will only provide us with more milk and dairy-based products, and therefore also more revenue.
“Twelve years ago we were in Comapara, a small city in the Department of Santa Cruz and there we found our young Jacky, and we brought her to our home in Santa Cruz. She was one of the first children that we brought home. She told me that her dream was to study medicine. Later she met and spent time with Father Wasson, and he always told her that if she keeps studying, her dream of studying medicine would become a reality.
Our children are healthier and more energetic this year thanks to improvements in the home’s food quality. Three years ago, 50% of our children suffered from some degree of anemia; last year, that number was 36%; this year, we began with 16%, and we have since brought that number down to 0%. In addition, two years ago there were outbreaks of fungus that affected 30% of the home population; today, there are no such cases. This sudden improvement is due to a change in the home’s food purchasing procedures; we now purchase all of our food at the market, where it is cheaper and where we can buy greater quantities. Compared to rural communities in our vicinity, we now eat very well and nutritiously. This improvement in our children’s diet has been noted in the growth and development of our children, especially in their mental and academic performance at school. Next year our health services team will be focused on improving the quality of water even further and making sure that every child has updated vaccinations.
NPH Bolivia and our sponsors helped make it possible for Jackeline Pereyra to fulfill her dreams. She is now a successful student in her third year of medicine in a private university.” Jaime Soria, National Director NPH Bolivia
Chicken tacos, salad and rice Jaime and Jackeline
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GRADUATES
13 2 25 5
GRADUATES
5
Kindergarten 6th grade High School
4 4 8 6
22 10
Kindergarten 6th grade 9th grade High School Holy sacraments Quinceañeras/os
Holy Sacraments Quinceañeras/os University scholarship students
This past year three of our university students received full academic scholarships. These scholarships are from the Universidad Cumbre, a private university in Santa Cruz, and cover the US$5,000 cost for an entire degree to total US$15,000. Because of these scholarships the NPH Bolivia home has been able to save that money and apply it to other areas of need in the home. The majority of university students in Bolivia have to work part-time in order to pay their university tuition, even at public institutions. Our three university students no longer have to worry about the cost or quality of their university education. Furthermore, we are hopeful to keep this door open and continue developing a relationship with the Universidad Cumbre, especially next year when four of our year-of-service youths will move to Santa Cruz to go to university.
New school facilities
Pacú fish production project
FRUITS AND VEGETABLES: $115 (PER CHILD PER YEAR)
Another educational achievement this year has been the expansion and inauguration of our second school building. This year we had five kindergarten graduates and 13 primary school graduates, all of whom were educated on-site. This second school building provides comfort and personalized teaching, in addition to ensuring that they receive the best education possible. Furthermore, the home saves a variety of expenses in transport, textbooks, and monthly payments, which are costly if the children attend a local school outside the home. Having a school on-site gives our children the security necessary to learn, and enables us to work toward opening our doors to the local community and offer classes to external students as well. Our goal for next year is to contract more staff to improve the student to teacher ratio, open our doors to the community, and begin English and computer classes. We have completed our renewable fish project featuring the Pacú, an Amazonian river fish that we are raising at the home to help provide our children with necessary nutrients and protein. This project will allow us to consume half and sell the other half of the 6,000 Pacú fish to bring in nearly $13,000 to the home annually. Through this project our home has strengthened its relationship with the local community, as many local fish farmers sell us low cost fish eggs and advise our team on growing techniques. Fish are a luxury in Bolivia, and so our home is excited to provide our children with a nutritious addition to their meals and continue the sustainable cycle. In 2017, we will begin serving the Pacú in meals at the home and also doing business with local restaurants in Santa Cruz; proceeds from these sales will help us start raising the second generation of fish. 36
“If what we have learned in NPH can change and improve the lives of children in any part of the world, then we have done something, no matter how small it is, to promote fraternity among men.� Fr. William Wasson
Mexico / Opened: 1954 Children and youth fully supported: 743 Total services provided: 2,214 Guatemala / Opened: 1996 Children and youth fully supported: 263 Total services provided: 466
Haiti / Opened: 1987 Children and youth fully supported: 909 Total services provided: 90,903* Dominican Republic / Opened: 2003 Children and youth fully supported: 222 Total services provided: 2,130
El Salvador / Opened: 1999 Children and youth fully supported: 228 Total services provided: 1,086 Honduras / Opened: 1985 Children and youth fully supported: 504 Total services provided: 5,953 Nicaragua / Opened: 1994 Children and youth fully supported: 171 Total services provided: 353 PerĂş / Opened: 2004 Children and youth fully supported: 105, Total services provided: 107 Bolivia / Opened: 2005 Children and youth fully supported: 113, Total services provided: 114
Totals are as of December 31, 2016. Total services provided includes children and youth fully supported, community children, youths and adults who receive support by either attending our onsite schools, receive scholarships, receive in-kind donations and or medical/social services. *Includes the St. Damien Pediatric Hospital.
This document was designed and produced by NPH International Communications. NPHI thanks the numerous National Directors, department directors and Communication Officers for their valuable contributions to this production. Photo Credits: Front cover: Hunter Johnson/NPH International Inside pages: Hunter Johnson, Avriel Burlot,/NPH International; NPHI Medical Services Team/NPH International; Kaleigh Barrett, Joey Schiappa/NPH Mexico; Alex Hanel/NPH Honduras; Emily Doyle, Raul Gomez/NPH Nicaragua; Carmina Salazar,/NPH El Salvador;Vanessa French/NPH Guatemala; Denso Gay/NPH Haiti; Daniela Candelario/NPH Dominican Republic; Anna Hester/NPH Perú; Karl Groneman,/NPH Bolivia. Other photographers Ted Stevens, Rebecca Arnold, Armes Photography, Jorge Villamil, John McElroy. Copy: Reinhart Koehler, Donna Egge, Pilar Silverman, MD, Miguel Venegas/NPH International; Kaleigh Barrett, Rafael Bermúdez/NPH Mexico; Stefan Feuerstein, Alex Hanel/NPH Honduras; Kenson Kaas, Gena Heraty, Tracy Keogh, Jacqueline Gautier, MD, Denso Gay/NPH Haiti; Emily Doyle, Marlon Velasquez/NPH Nicaragua; Carmina Salazar, Olegario Campos/ NPH El Salvador;Vanessa French, Christopher Hoyt/NPH Guatemala; Daniela Candelario, Kieran Rigney/ NPH Dominican Republic; Anna Hester, Tula Cruces /NPH Perú; Karl Groneman, Jaime Soria/NPH Bolivia.