El Salvador
Our Story
Founded in 1999, NPH El Salvador was established to provide a loving home, education, and hope for children who had lost parental care. Inspired by the vision of our founder, Father William B. Wasson, the organization was created in response to the lasting impact of El Salvador’s civil war, which left many children orphaned or living in vulnerable circumstances. After opening in Santa Ana, NPH relocated in 2004 to Texistepeque, where Casa Sagrada Familia became the heart of its residential care program.
Over the years, NPH El Salvador has expanded beyond residential care. Since 2017, it has grown to include community-based programs that provide education, nutritious meals, medical and psychological care, and family support to children, youth, and families in surrounding communities. Today, NPH continues to transform lives by creating opportunities for children and strengthening families across El Salvador.
Our Core Areas of Focus
Family and Community Strengthening
NPH El Salvador provides residential care for children and adolescents across three homes, each offering a safe, nurturing, family-like environment with the care and support they need to grow and thrive. Community services — including the Child Wellness Center, Padre Wasson Scholarships, and the Padre Wasson Community Family Center in Chalchuapa, Santa Ana Oeste, opened in 2025 — extend support to children and families in surrounding communities.
Education
Through the Centro Escolar Católico Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, located at Casa Sagrada Familia, NPH El Salvador provides education from early childhood through Ninth Grade. The school welcomes both children living in NPH residential care and students from surrounding communities, creating an inclusive learning environment rooted in values and academic development. In the early years, Montessori methods encourage independence, curiosity, and active participation in learning.
Health and Well-being
The on-site clinic at Casa Sagrada Familia provides primary healthcare and medical follow-up for children and young people in NPH residential services, as well as those from surrounding communities. Working with the Ministry of Health and Instituto Crecer Juntos, NPH also provides access to vaccinations, dental care, and eye care. Psychological support and a nutritionally supervised meal program complement these services, supporting the overall health and well-being of children and young people.
Youth and Economic Empowerment
NPH El Salvador prepares young people for adulthood through vocational training in areas like Baking and Sewing, alongside support for continuing education, workforce entry, and independent living skills.
General Facts
El Salvador is home to approximately 6.4 million people, making it the smallest and most densely populated country in mainland Central America.
Nearly one in three Salvadorans is under the age of 18, highlighting the importance of investing in children and young people.
More than one in four Salvadorans lives in poverty, with children and rural communities facing the greatest challenges.
Only 56.5% of Salvadorans aged 4 to 29 attend school, and the average Salvadoran completes just 7.4 grades of education.
Your Support at Work
370
Children, young people, and families participated in NPH El Salvador’s programs in 2025.
314
Children and families participated in NPH El Salvador’s community-based programs in 2025.
92
Graduations across all levels of education, from preschool to university and technical education, supported through NPH programs in 2025.
Give Now
Every gift helps provide education, family support, and opportunities for vulnerable children and families across El Salvador.
The Difference You Make
Growing Brighter Futures
Carlos grew up with a love for agriculture, inspired by his grandfather’s work in the fields. When financial hardship threatened his dream of becoming an agronomical engineer, he received a scholarship through NPH El Salvador’s Padre Wasson Community Scholarship Program. With the support of NPH and the encouragement of his family and mentors, Carlos persevered through the challenges of university and is now just months away from earning his degree.
As part of his training, Carlos completed a six-month internship in NPH’s crop production program, where he gained practical experience while giving back to the organization that had supported him. Looking ahead, he hopes to build his own business, support farming communities, and share his knowledge with future generations. Grateful to NPH’s donors for making his education possible, Carlos believes that every opportunity can change a life and is determined to help others achieve their dreams just as he did.
Our Story
Discover Our Journey
Explore the moments and milestones that have shaped NPH El Salvador.