Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: How One Man’s Mission Transformed an Entire Community
Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) Education Centre stands as a beacon of hope for students facing adversity. A crucial turning point in NPH’s journey came through its partnership with Opportunity EduFinance, which has played a pivotal role in enhancing the academic program. By introducing resources and capacity building through the EduQuality program, EduFinance has provided NPH with invaluable tools for school development, teacher training, and improved educational practices.
Nestled in the heart of San Andres Itzapa, Chimaltenango, Guatemala, the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos Education Centre was founded in 1996. Initially, it served as a children’s home, welcoming vulnerable children in need of protection and care, before its diversification in 1997 with a vision to become an educational center dedicated to the holistic development of its students. Since then, it has welcomed the support of EduFinance to help reach their goal of providing local children with quality education.
A Man on a Mission: The Story of NPH
Today, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos is an international organization that focuses on making quality education accessible to vulnerable children throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, but it started off as simply a ‘man on a mission.’ Its inspiring story began back in the 1950s, when the founder, Father William Wasson, a priest from Arizona, caught a young boy stealing from the church charity box due to hunger; instead of responding with anger followed by punishment, the boy was met with compassion. This selfless act of kindness kick-started Wasson’s lifelong philanthropic endeavors to improve access to high-quality education around the world, in the hope that the cycle of poverty would be broken, and consequently more children and families could have the chance to transform their lives.
The Importance of NPH in Chimaltenango
In Chimaltenango region of Guatemala, the government has struggled to meet the growing demand for education. This challenge extends globally, with our recent study projecting a need for 38 million additional school seats in low- and middle-income countries by 2026. The result: an elevated rate of illiteracy.
According to a study by UNESCO, the Chimaltenango region’s adult illiteracy rate was 48% in 1985, compounded by high fertility rates and a growing dependent population. This created immense pressure for more local school places and support for vulnerable children. Thanks to the establishment and combined hard work of schools like NPH and programs like EduQuality, whose missions are to provide high quality education and break the cycle of poverty, the region’s illiteracy rate dropped to 26% in 2008, demonstrating the positive impact both organizations have had in addressing this demand.
Over the years, NPH has adapted to the evolving needs of its community and students, who come from difficult circumstances, ranging from homelessness to those facing legal troubles. Despite facing numerous challenges, including changes in adoption and child protection laws, the school has remained true to its mission and remained a vital part of the community. NPH has not only endured these challenges but has flourished, growing from eighteen students in its early years to a thriving student body of 270 today, acting as a key player in this fight to combat the lack of quality education.
At the heart of NPH’s success lies its commitment to accessibility. The school has made education available to many families through affordable fees and scholarships, with a dedicated committee evaluating recipients. The presence of Montessori classrooms (classrooms set up to promote hands-on learning and the development of real-world skills), English lessons, and computer classes further enrich the curriculum. The school’s reputation is spread largely by word of mouth within the community, and the positive impact of the institution is evident.
Partnering to Improve Education Quality
Opportunity International EduFinance has played a crucial role in supporting NPH, Guatemala, in enhancing its academic program. The partnership began when the key leaders, Administrative Director, Julio Tzirin, and Elementary School Coordinator, Mariel Galindo, attended an EduQuality introductory seminar by Opportunity EduFinance.
Joining the EduQuality program gave NPH access to a comprehensive three-year development model. NPH was allocated a school "cluster", promoting collaboration and mutual support among school leaders and teacher mentors in the region. This network has empowered NPH to overcome challenges, exchange best practices, and foster a self-improving educational system. Thanks to their partnership with EduQuality, NPH additionally gained access to Pathways to Excellence (P2E), a tool for Julio, Mariel, and the teacher mentors to assess the school’s quality across eighteen domains, including School Culture, School Management, and Teaching and Learning. The results helped to create NPH’s School Development Plan (SDP), which focuses on specific areas of improvement each year.
The EduQuality Program has shown the team at NPH that strategic planning and community collaboration can significantly improve education in disadvantaged areas. Through the implementation and development of the SDPs, schools across Latin America have seen improvements in infrastructure, teaching quality, and student well-being. These efforts have made quality education more accessible, enabling students to break the cycle of poverty and build brighter futures. And it’s only a matter of time before NPH follows in these footsteps.
For NPH, the primary focus has been on their staff, with Julio and Mariel striving to create a collaborative and supportive environment. Their priorities center around improving teaching and learning, engaging parents and the community, and fostering a strong school culture. The institution has been actively involved in developing and sharing their School Development Plans (SDPs) with various stakeholders, including the teaching community. A key step in the plan has been the implementation of Teacher Mentor Professional Development (TMPD) sessions; two experienced teachers from within the institution are trained to mentor and empower their peers through a mix of in-person coaching and digital content, to ultimately foster a supportive and collaborative teaching environment.
Since the launch of the partnership between EduFinance and NPH, the school’s commitment to teacher development and community involvement has always been evident. The Teacher Mentor Professional Development (TMPD) component of the EduQuality program is really taking shape, and those involved are aware of their responsibilities and the expectations placed upon them.
Looking Ahead at NPH
The impact of Opportunity International EduFinance’s partnership with Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos Educational Centre really taking shape. By empowering educators, supporting community engagement, and fostering a collaborative environment, NPH is building a sustainable foundation for its students and making a lasting difference in the lives of those who need it most. While challenges remain, the school’s resilience and commitment to improvement are clear. Through these efforts and the continued support of EduFinance, NPH is poised to educate, transform lives, and give young people a chance to break the cycle of poverty and hardship.