Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos...

This past week I was speaking with a University of Arizona senior about her plan to move to Miacatlán, Mexico, in June to teach special education. As she leaves the United States, she will be working for minimal pay, at an orphanage that not only feeds and houses children and some family members, but also pays to educate residents until they finish college. After I left the interview, I could not help but do more research about the organization called Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos.

NPH has a rich and interesting history that dates back to 1954. Since its founding, the organization has expanded and is now present in nine countries including Mexico, Honduras, Haiti, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, the Dominican, Peru and Bolivia. The homes in each country not only provide shelter, but also an education, community work experience and vocational training. The various NPH communities are nearly self-sufficient. Andrea Mee, the UA senior, said the community is complete with farms, water supplies and more. She also said that everyone living in an NPH facility works together to provide for their peers.

As you will see in my upcoming article, Mee will be leaving the U.S. to volunteer with NPH for one year. She said that if she enjoys her time of service, she will have the opportunity to extend her contract.

Below is a video that showcases what the Miacatlán location has to offer.

For more information about how Mee is preparing for life after graduation in Mexico, stay tuned to the Border Beat website.