NPH is a UN associated Civil Society Organization (CSO) organization, linking arms with a great number of other organizations to create a better world. Each of the 9 NPH countries in Latin America and Haiti do their part to work together with other organization for the benefit of vulnerable children and families.
Today, we focus on NPH Guatemala, NPH’s fifth home for vulnerable and at-risk children was established in rented facilities in 1996. In 2003 The family moved to their new residence named ‘Casa San Andres’, which is situated in Guatemala’s highlands, nearby the town of Parramos, about one hour from the capital city. Today, NPH Guatemala serves more than 600 children and adolescents in internal and community programs, working to achieve compliance with international agreements, such as the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the UNICEF Guidelines for the alternative Care of Children, the WHO Recommendations on Child Health Guidelines and the Sustainable Development Goals – Agenda 2030.
NPH Guatemala strives to create a more just and inclusive society for all. The success of our programs are based on strong inter-institutional alliances and community engagement highlighted in this Newsletter.
Collaborations with Ministries and Secretaries:
NPH Guatemala is collaborating with the Social Welfare Secretary (SBS) to obtain certification for our daycare centers in Chimaltenango and San Andres Itzapa. It is a significant milestone in our mission to provide comprehensive care and support to vulnerable children. This partnership ensures that our early childhood stimulation programs meet national standards and strengthens our ability to serve the community with quality, trusted services. The SBS certification is reviewed twice a year and allows NPH Guatemala to expand its impact, offering more children a safe, nurturing environment that promotes their development and their child rights.
Through the Ministry of Education, NPH Guatemala receives the certification to operate our educational center at Casa San Andres. This partnership is crucial for ensuring that our educational programs meet national standards and provide high-quality education to the children. With the support of the Ministry of Education, NPH Guatemala is better equipped to empower over 300 students with the skills and knowledge they need to build a brighter future, enhancing the impact of our mission to break the cycle of poverty and contributing to the SDG #4 Quality Education.
For ten years now, NPH Guatemala has been working closely with the National Adoption Council (CNA) to obtain certification for our shelter and protection program. This partnership is essential for ensuring that our services meet the highest standards for alternative care, protection and deinstitutionalization (reintegration) of vulnerable children. With the monthly support of the CNA, our team of caregivers, social workers and psychologists receive formation and orientation to provide a safe, nurturing environment for children in need. This mutual alliance is an example of ODS# 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institution, furthering our mission to offer stability, protection, and hope to those who need it most.
Every two years, NPH Guatemala is undergoing a general certification process with the Ministry of Public Health to ensure that our operations comply with national health and safety standards. This partnership contributes to the SDG #3 Good Health and Well-being, SDG #6 Clean Water and Sanitation and is vital for maintaining the quality and safety of the services we provide to the children and communities we serve.
Partnerships with local institutions and civil society networks
NPH Guatemala is member of the Municipal Commission for Food and Nutritional Security (COMUSAN) in San Andres Itzapa. The nature of the commission is a joint collaboration with governmental institutions and civil society organizations in order to unify strategic efforts in attending cases identified with acute malnutrition. It is a partnership to prevent and detect malnutrition and obesity in children, with each institution developing important functions, mechanisms and nutrition programs to benefit children detected with malnutrition, assuring their right to health and contributing to the SDG #1 No Poverty and SDG #2 Zero Hunger. To date, NPH Guatemala is the only non-governmental institution with a greater presence in the regular meetings of the commission.
NPH Guatemala is proud to be a member of the child and adolescent protection network in the municipality of Parramos. This partnership is crucial for collaborating with local authorities and organizations to ensure the safety, rights, and well-being of children and adolescents in our community. Being part of this network enhances our reputation and through or active participation in various activities and campaigns focused on the protection of children’s rights, we are able to respond effectively to the needs of children and youth at-risk.
NPH Guatemala also partners with the Women’s Office of the Municipality in San Andres Itzapa. Currently, we provide empowerment opportunities to 40 women who show interest in developing their occupational skills in the areas of sewing and baking. The courses are a combined effort and strong alliance between the two institutions. NPH provides the physical space, machinery and equipment of the baking and sewing workshop, the municipality of San Andrés Itzapa is responsible for the instructors and the materials they require. The goal is that the participants increase their basic knowledge in entrepreneurship, but also improve mental health, self-esteem, and understanding of their human rights.
NPH Guatemala is honored to partner with National Council for the Care of People with Disabilities (CONADI), a collaboration that plays a vital role in advancing our mission to support children and individuals with disabilities. Through this partnership, we are able to align our programs with strategies for inclusion and accessibility, ensuring that we provide comprehensive care and equal opportunities to all those we serve. Working together with CONADI empowers us to make a greater impact, fostering an environment where every child can thrive regardless of their abilities.
Currently, NPH Guatemala is part of the Departmental Commission for the Prevention of Sexual Violence and Human Trafficking (CODEVET). This partnership focuses on monthly meetings with different activities and initiatives for the benefit of children and adolescents in preventing abuse of their rights. NPH Guatemala has been part of the Blue Heart campaign, inspired by the United Nations to sensitize human trafficking. Through the Catholic Relief Service (CRS) our social workers and psychologists receive training in prevention of sexual violence, Ley Pina, and alternative care. Likewise, children, adolescents and parents received training in themes like prevention of pregnancies, sexual abuse and mental health issues.
For four years, NPH Guatemala counts with the support of the National Youth Council (CONJUVE) in form of workshops, training, recreational and sports activities, art, culture and academic sessions for our youth in the Transition Home in Chimaltenango. In bi-monthly meetings with the CONJUVE, our youth participated in cooking workshops and planting of oyster mushrooms, training in crime prevention, gender violence and pregnancy. This collaboration also seeks to make alliances with other institutions to improve the development of personal, social and professional skills of the youth. Together, we can make a more profound impact, ensuring that those in need receive the support and opportunities necessary for a brighter future.
Guatemala’s current performance and SDG ranking
NPH Guatemala focuses on strengthening inter-institutional partnerships to achieve its mission on raising complete, gratified, and skillful children so that they grow up to be able to reach their dreams and to become productive members of society.