The term “Hermano/a Mayor” within the Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH) family refers to those boys and girls who grew up in the home and are now independent adults, some with families of their own, but who always carry the family that raised them in their hearts.
For Father Wasson, it was always essential to maintain these symbols of siblinghood, and one of his wishes was that his sons and daughters would never stop seeing each other as brothers and sisters, on whom they could lean.
This is the testimony of one of them. A Hermano Mayor who now dedicates his time and knowledge to lovingly serving his extended family.
SUPPORT AT NPH EL SALVADOR
I am a Hermano Mayor of the NPH El Salvador home. I am 36 years old and have worked as the Community Services Coordinator since 2020 (recently also appointed Coordinator of the San Francisco de Asís Youth Home). My role at NPH is to be an example as a Hermano Mayor for all the children; I also provide spaces for the young men and women in the different programs so they can develop their potential and make the most of the opportunities NPH offers. I also guide them through their journey to independence and life outside the home, integrate them into the workplace, and help them make decisions for a better future.
I believe that the work I do provides children with guidance in their studies and their progress, as well as support throughout their secondary and higher education journeys, so they can achieve their dreams and goals.
Personally, I have always believed that there is potential in our country. That, despite it may not be easy, you can achieve your goals and dreams. It all depends on your perspective on life and things in general. So, it does not matter where you are, but how you view the things that happen around you. You can be in the best place in the world, but if you do not see things positively and with a clear purpose, you will not take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.
A REFLECTION ON THE PAST AND THE FUTURE
I think the past will always be a place of learning, something we should look back on only to improve our present and work better for our future. This is something we are doing at NPH, as today we are in a stage of transformation. We are working under the same philosophy and mission, but we are doing so by adapting to the new challenges of society, the laws, and the governments of our countries, something that perhaps was not so important in the past.
As for the future, I look at it with hope because I know it depends on how you are working on your present. At NPH, we are doing everything necessary to keep alive a legacy as important as Father Wasson’s and, above all, to continue doing what he wanted: to help many children, giving them a new opportunity to change their lives and fulfill their dreams and goals, becoming agents of change for their families and the society in which they live.
THE SPECIAL THING ABOUT BEING PART OF NPH
NPH is a family where all children share their feelings and emotions with each other and with the people around them, where a stranger quickly becomes your best friend and sibling. NPH makes every child feel at home, protected, cared for, and important. It makes them feel like they are in a place where they can fulfill their dreams and that they will never stop belonging to this family.
NPH has been part of my life since I was 11 years old. It has been the place where I grew up and learned everything I know today. Thanks to NPH, I have met wonderful people over time, including sponsors, donors, and workers from different homes and countries where NPH is located. I was also able to develop my leadership skills, become a professional, meet my wife, baptize my daughter, and share every opportunity within NPH with her, so that she can get to know this family and know that I was and am part of it, and that I owe everything I am to this family. NPH is the most important thing that has ever happened to me. I cannot even imagine what would have become of me if I had not joined here, but I would not be the person I am today without NPH in my life. Therefore, it is important to pass this message on to the new generations so that one day they do not regret not having taken advantage of the opportunity to be part of this family and achieve all their dreams and goals, despite the different circumstances or problems that may arise, but knowing that there is no better place to do so.
Now, as a Hermano Mayor, the most special thing is working in the place where I grew up, helping NPH carry out its work, supporting young men and women I once knew as toddlers and some as babies.
Also, being able to give a part of myself so that the NPH family can continue to grow, reinvent itself, and give its all to the children of my country. Working at NPH is what I always wanted and something I will always be proud of.
A MESSAGE TO DONORS
All of us who make up the NPH family are doing our best to continue working for the children of our countries. We recognize that over the past few years, we have faced many changes that have not been easy, neither for you nor for us, but it has been a beautiful challenge to strive to grow as a home and institution and transform ourselves without changing our essence and the reason for our work.
We aim to maintain our philosophy and mission in what we do, thus keeping the legacy of our beloved Father Wasson alive. And donors, upon visiting us, will realize that we continue working to support children and develop good people, adapting to the new demands of our societies and governing bodies.
And for those who have not yet decided to be part of this family, I invite you to get to know us and fall in love with this organization, its philosophy, mission, and, above all, the great work that NPH does for all children and adolescents. You will realize the magic that NPH holds and will never want to leave it.