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PERU NEWSSeptember 2012 Issue 5

LETS DANCEPERUVIAN FOLK

BENITO & ALCIDESA DESTINY THING

GODMOTHERTESTIMONY

TIME FOR EDUCATION

Ifyourequirecopiesofanyofthephotographs,text,drawingsoranyothermaterialscontainedwithinthismagazinepleasewritetoOlgaPérez,CommunicationsAreaNPHPeru(operez@nph.org).

ThenexteditionofPeruNewswillbepublishedinJanuary2013.

Photographs by Olga Pérez and Benito Sánchez. Thanks to John Rolph and Monica Gery for helping me with the text

on cover

Teresa, Luis Daniel, Joanka and Carlos Abel thumbs up for all the children

First of all I want to apologize for the delay of

this issue. The past few months have been

busy as we are facing a hard financial crisis, as

in all of the NPH homes. We are trying to do

our best to cut costs without it effecting the

quality of the care we provide.

I love this issue for all the children stories. Each

story shares a special message and lesson for

us to learn, and it is explained through the

childs voice. One child particularly dear to me

is Milagro. I was lucky enough that she opened

her heart to me during my time here in the

home and we also live together in the same

house.

I hope this issue teaches you more about NPH

Peru and that it brings with it the contagious

happy smile of our children.

Olga Pérez

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Special thank to my lovelycontributor Erika (15)Erika was born in 1997. She and her four siblings entered to NPH in 2011.She is currently studying second grade of secoundary school. She is thejournalist of Nuestros Pequeños Periodistas and is excited to be part ofthe small team which helps to provide information about our lives.

celebratIon

Father Wasson Day4

contructIon

Contruction Update6

chIldren

Benito & Alcides8

Godparent story12

Gian Carlos & Giovanna14

A day with Milagros16

Quick Interview22

home

Get up and dance!24

Education in NPH28

quoteS

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“You may only be one person in the world, but you may be all the world to one child.” This well known and beautiful quote from Father Wasson is hanging on the wall of the little girl’s house. At NPH Peru, we still don’t have a chapel or a permanent dining room, and this is why we accommodate and celebrate our beautiful Mass ceremonies in the house where the little girls live. In the end, it doesn’t matter where we do this because our hearts and minds were in the right place and on this day they were with Father Wasson.

In the morning, we celebrated a commemorative Mass with a local priest. All eyes were fixed on a photo of Fr. Wasson with his smile reminding us that we

have to celebrate his amazing and joyful life, it is not a day to be sad and that he is looking after us. After mass, the children and staff reunited in front of our tempo-rary dining hall where 100 white balloons were waiting for us. It was a significant way to send a message to our founder that we will never forget him. While everyone held their balloon, prayers were said and children were able to express how they felt.

“Thanks Father for opening NPH and giving me this big family,” were the words from Milagros, a youth who is doing her service year. Alcides, one of our universi-ty boys prayed, “Thanks for giving me a house and taking care of me during these years.” The little ones also had some things to say. Franchesco, who is 9-years old, looked to the sky and said, “Thanks for giving us clothes and food Father.”

We then joined together to form a big circle and sent all our prayers and balloons into the sky to reunite with our founder. It looked like a thousand white doves flying up high. The children tried to search for their balloons as they rose higher and higher. Little Jose, who is 6-years old, noticed that his balloon would be the first to arrive into Father Wasson hands.

When the balloons had all disappeared from our view we began to serve and eat lunch. It was a special meal because the chickens came from our recycling program. It was a lunch made through the efforts from all the children at NPH who strive to take care of the environment. Fr. Wasson’s message and his actions will always be in our hearts.

Prayers sent to Heaven

celebratIon

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Construction Update

During April and May 2012, we built the perimeter paths around our first block of eight houses. It was one of the final steps to finish the first block and is our goal to eventually connect all the houses and buildings with sidewalks.

At the beginning of June we opened our seventh family style home,

named San Martin. With the addition of this house, we only need

one more to complete the block of eight houses on the west side

of our property. This house was built from January 15th to the first

week of May.

Our current construction is of the volunteer and National Director house. These houses will be smaller and simpler that the children’s versions. Estimated

time of completion is at the end of November.

pathsVolunteer & National Director house

conStructIon

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Construction Update

One of our biggest worries had always been water. The water of our property wasn’t drinkable because it had a high level of hardness. Thanks to a donation, we were able to change that situation. The first step was disinfecting the water tower and cistern. Then in the final stage, we were able to install the equip-ment to make the water drinkable. Once the water has passed through the required stages of filtration, it emerges as pure drinking water from which the children can drink directly from the tap, free of contami-nation.

Volunteer & National Director house house 7water

conStructIon

Children

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Alcides & BenitoDestiny Path Of Life

Children

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Benito and Alcides are two brothers who have lived in NPH Peru since 2006 and destiny seems to keep them together. They finished high school together, did

their year of service at the same time and chose the same course at university. As the saying goes, “A brother shares childhood memories and grown-up dreams.”

This is a story about two brothers that refused to live separately. It started on January 19, 2006, when the boys of NPH were having supper and welcomed two skinny brothers who felt nervous and weird. “We were so innocent; they showered us and gave us two beds. I didn’t know how to feel,” said Benito, the oldest of the two, now 21-years old. “During the first week I started to feel calm, I didn’t miss anything and I had new friends. Actually as time passes I miss my home more.” Alcides is 19-years old and he was only six when he arrived and experienced a different introduction to the home. “I cried every day for several weeks. I missed my family. I still miss them but I didn’t regret being in NPH. We always want to improve ourselves and no other orphanage gives us this opportunity.”

The two brothers finished high school two years ago, then as a NPH requires, they started their year of service in the home. Benito spent his year helping in the kitchen and had the responsibility of doing the food shopping every Saturday. “It is a big reponsibility to prepare for my future,” he agreed, “if a problem turned up, you learn to solve it.” Alcides on the other hand, spent his year in the kinder house taking care of the littlest ones. “I learned how to be a father but I also learned that you have to work hard to win a child’s affection. Children are smart, and when you receive all their love, it is worth it,” said a smiling Alcides.

“I learned how tobe a father but Ialso learned thatyou have to workhard to win achild’s affection”

chIldren

On the right Alcides and Benito in 2011, in this page the brothers in 2006.

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When they finished their year of service, NPH rewarded the brothers with a short vacation. It was then that they started another journey together back to their home to visit their family after six years. But it isn’t easy as it seems since they are from the north of Peru, almost two days journey to their native Oxamarca. The trip began on January 3, 2012, heading to Lima where they met up with their sister who went with them to the city of Cajamarca. It was in this beautiful city, where the last Incas died centuries ago. Their next stop was Celendín where finally, they got the last transport to Oxamarca.

“It was sad to see that they hadn’t fixed the road in six years, no one cares about these small villages in Peru’s interior,” explained Benito. “The same happens with our town -- it’s still the same with no development.” But the sadness became happiness when they were able to see their mother and their house again. The little town received their visitors as special guests. “They recognized us because we look like our oldest brother, all the neighbors invited us to food or a drink when we came by,” explained Alcides. “We were even invited to kill some chickens!” Four days of reunions, shared experiences and relaxation. Four days to think only of their family. When the boys think deeply, they realize that they have changed and have other expectations.

“I thought a lot there and I realize that I don’t fit there now. All the people work on the farm but they don’t have any other interests. I’m lucky to have an open world” related Benito.

All good vacations come to an end and it was hard to say goodbye to their mom and grandparents, but they also understood that they had to leave. All of

these new experiences and feelings were truly amazing for Benito and Alcides. After the two-day journey back home, they felt happy to see NPH again. “I feel cheerful because the boys in my house were waiting to hear about our trip and they had millions of questions,” explained Benito.

The next trip for these brothers is to university. Theyhave decided to study accounting in the same university located in the town where we live. When they think about why destiny seems to keep them together, Alcides becomes thoughtful and answers, “The union makes the strength. Maybe it is God that lets us support each other.”

Was this the last time that the brothers would travelto their home town? There is time ahead and they are still young, but they have some very clear ideas. “I would like to help my mom and return to visit our home town. She was very proud of us. She has nine children but we are the only ones in college,” explainsAlcides.

They become serious when we talk about NPH, where they have grown up but the two brothers never forget about their first home. “First I will find a job and help my mom, then I could come back to support NPH. Look what they have given me. The least I could do is return something. Without NPH we would probably have ended up taking drugs or working on a farm,” reflected Benito. “I want to become independent and find a good job, probably that will be the hard part. For sure I will come back to NPH. I want to show my children where his father grew up and teach them all the things that I learned here,” explains Alcides.

Benito and Alcides have hard work ahead of them attheir university, but they have already come so far together. The journey through NPH doesn’t finish yet but there is no question that they are grateful to their home. “NPH give us our life. I never get tired of thanking the Godparents for their affection and kindness. I admire the caregivers and Father Wasson. I use them as a model in life,” says Benito. “I’m sure Father Wasson guides us from heaven. Thanks to all the people that accept us in this humble home, and thanks to the Godparents, because of them we can improve our lives. Can you imagine how the home would be without them? I would fight for all them!” concluded Alcides.

“Without NPH we would probably have ended in drugs or working on a farm”

chIldren

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Inside Peru’s map pictures of the trip took by Benito

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Jackie is one of our canadian volunteers that comes to Peru every

year to help us. She has been traveling to our home since 2009 and is part of our family due to

her effort and love for the children. but something else happen in 2009

when she met Jenny.

1.How did you get involve with NPH? I went on my first trip with Friends of the Orphans Canada to Guatemala in 2001. I really wanted to get involved with Peru so when

Friends Canada started organizing teams to go to Peru, they asked if I would organize the tour portion of the trips. Since then I have become the Country Coordinator for Peru with Friends Canada.

2When did you meet Jenny? I met Jenny on my first trip to Peru in 2009. At that time the children were still at the rented facility in Lunahuana. We went over to visit

one day and the staff had all the children out front with a welcome sign. This little girl was standing in the front of the group. She was the smallest and had such a scared and sad face. I put my arms out and she just walked into them and wrapped herself around me. That was it! I was in love with little two year old Jenny. She stayed wrapped around me during our whole tour of the home. They had to come and pry her off me to give her lunch and then she came back to me after her nap. That was an unforgettable day!

3How do you feel with Jenny over the years? Jenny has been my Godchild ever since then. It has been amazing to hear about her progress to see photos of her and get her

school reports. Jenny was very shy and introverted when she got to the home and she has really developed a wonderful, trusting personality with her family at NPH. She is doing so well.

GODMOTHER JACKIE

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4How it is your relationship with her? I am one of the most lucky Godparents since I get to visit Jenny at least once or twice eachyear when I come down to Peru. She was

very shy with me the second year I visited, but gradually, as she sees more of me over the years, and gets older and better able to understand, our relationship is growing and she is learning to trust me. I am looking forward to watching her grow into a wonderful young woman with all the help and guidance she has received at NPH.

5What do you have to do as a Godparent? As a godparent, I send money each month to sponsor Jenny. These funds help with food, clothes, education, etc. I also receive

reports from Jenny’s caregivers about her progress and her schooling and I send her cards and notes in response. Of course when I go to visit, I take little personal gifts for Jenny

6What it is the most difficult thing as a Godparent? It is hard to know Jenny’s history and to understand that she will be in care until she

reaches maturity. The children of NPH receive wonderful care but the one thing they are missing is the individual love of a parent on a day to day basis. Our own children in Canada have no idea how lucky they are!

7 How do you feel being part of her life? I love being part of Jenny’s life (her photo is my screensaver at work!) and I hope that throughout the years she will learn that she

can count on me as a constant in her life - someonewho, although not always present, will be there for her and loves her.

8What do you thing about NPH? NPH is doing a wonderful job with the chil-dren. The new home in Canete, Peru has enough homes built now with safe play areas

for the children. The kids go in to the town for school with the local children which I think is aweso-me as it gives them a view of life outside of the home. The NPH Peru children are extremely well ca-red for. All of their material needs are met and they have wonderful, caring staff working with them.

chIldren

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GIAN CARLOSGIOVANNA

Giancarlos came to NPH on October 2011. He seemed to be a disruptive boy who started to exhibit bad behavior and was out of control without any reason. He constantly ran away from his own

mother who ended up filing a police report for his continued difficult actions.

Giancarlos tried to escape NPH twice in the first month. He hit other children in the home and his language was horrible. We tried to make sense out of the information we had. He would escape from his mother and would run away from her. Then he didn’t want to stay at NPH but he cried because he didn’t want to go back home. What had happened to Giancarlos? A deep investigation started, through the local family court and our social worker, to make sense of the situation.

Children don’t run away for nothing, and every bomb has its detonator. The situation got worse when his older sister, Giovanna, started to escape as well. The mother insisted it was the disobedience of their children and the rejection of their stepfather. After the investigation, the pieces came together and several facts came to the surface. The mother had never mentioned before that she took her son to work in the fields where some people take drugs and that when she got angry she would hit her

children. She reveal either that the stepfather ostracized the children, hitting them and ordering them to do all the work in the house.

Those were the reasons why Giovanna often slept in her aunt’s home where she would get some food and even clothes. Giancarlos didn’t remember his aunt so he’d spend his time in the street where he learned to survive. He used to sleep with stray dogs and because of this he arrived with skin problems.

The NPH caregivers taught Giancarlos how to take a shower every day and dress properly for every occasion. “He didn’t care about his torn or dirty clothes, and he had never seen body lotion or a deodorant,” said Tia Maria, his caregiver. With patience and love, the boy realized that he was in a safe place. He soon gave up stealing things from the other children and now he practices good values and wants to help in the house. The entrance of her sister Giovanna a month later has helped him too.

Both have a long way to go in school. “They didn’t know how to hold a pencil. We have had to start from the beginning with many things,” explains Tia Maria. They are interested to learn things now, and they are very proud when they succeed in something.

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chIldren

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a Full daY WIth

MILAGROSMily, how everyone call her, has built alovely personality and through everychallange has proven herself more

capable and more adept.

IN HER OWN SHOES

chIldren

I found I found Milagros sitting on her bed folding clothes. Attached to the wardrobe next to her bed are two posters of Korean pop stars; she loves music and watches Asian TV soaps. Six months ago she moved to this room which

she shares with another girl, who is at university. Thereason was is that she began her year of service and this way she has more space and privacy.

Milagros has a beautiful and contagious smile. She can definitely transmit happiness and joy. She relaxed on her bed and we started to talk about how she arrived at NPH in April 2006. “When the social worker told me, six years ago, that I was going to an orphanage, I thought that I would find nuns with dirty children. Then I arrived from school and I was surprised with a big, clean house, it seemed like a pa-lace to me.”

Milagros comes from the far north of Peru, from the department of Amazonas, so six years ago her life was completely different. When she talks about her mother she maintains her smile, but when her fathercomes up she become a little more serious. “Before Icame to NPH I was happy because I had my mom, butit was strange because the children at school always bothered me because I didn’t have my father’s surname and I didn’t know why. When I was seven my grandfather was able to give me his surname, but he died before signing the papers. When we came back from the vigil I was shocked because my father was there, in spite of us thinking he was dead.”

After this shocking situation and with her dad in her life again, Milagros moved with her paternal grandparents, who live in the city of Cajamarca. “My mom thought that I had more opportunities in the city and better choices,” said Milagros. But the reality was very different: “It was horrible living with my grandmother. I’d rather have lived in the middle of nowhere with my mom than stay with my grandmother. But it was the only way that my dad would recognize me. I didn’t say anything to my mom, even though my grandmother treated me like an animal.”

Milagros remembers a lot of chaos in that house, then, slowing her voice, she listed several things that her grandmother used to do to her. She was treated as a servant without time to do her homework, and the woman used to hit her badly. Because of the physical marks that she had, her teacher realized that something was happening. “She asked me if I had an illness. I told her everything about my homelife. She took me to the NPH social worker, who asked the judge to accept me.” Since that day, Milagros joined NPH and forgot about her fears and anxieties. “I’m happy to have my second family at NPH. Now it is better because I have my cellphone and I talk to my mom often. I didn’t regret being here. If I had been living with my mom in Amazonas, I would probably be pregnant or with several children since it is the culture there. But if I had been living with my grandmother I would be dead for sure.”

I dIdn’t SaY anYthIng to mY mum, even though

mY grandmother treated me lIke an anImal

chIldren

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I’m haPPY to have mY Second FamIlY at nPh. becauSe IF I had StaYed WIth mY grandmother I Would be dead

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I Want to be a FaShIon deSIgner

It Is not good that we have to see abandoned chIldren, maybe

I can change some lIves

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At the beginning of 2012, after passing her exams at high school, Milagros started her year of service as a caregiver in the girls’ house. “When I learned that I would be doing my year of service in the little girls’ house, I felt tired immediately!” explains Milagros. “But I couldn’t be more wrong. They give me a lot oflove and affection. I became a little girl again. I play and joke all the time. Sometimes they try to get my attention by doing bad things, but then they come to apologize.”

Her day is very busy and she has a lot of responsibilities with the little ones who live in “Casa Santa Teresita”. During the morning, when the girls are in school, it is the only time that she has a few minutes to talk with me. Then, when she picks them up from school, she spends the afternoon helping and taking care of the girls. But I think she doesn’t realize how important she is. “I don’t feel like a caregiver, I feel like an older sister. The caregivers do another role because they don’t dance or play like me, I like to have a good time with them. From time to time I shout, but I try not to do it because I feel bad about it.” She helps the girls to do their homework and review for their exams, and also with their everyday chores, tasks and games, but she also is learning about herself. “I’m learning how to control myself, because I know I have a bad “temperament”. This year is helping me to reflect and think about next year, but overall it is helping my future, I’m nervous and I try to be patient and communicate more passively.”

Milagros only has a few months left to think about what to do at university, because in January she will finish her year of service and it will be time to take an important decision about her future. I noticed that her academic future is a theme that worries her. “My future is confusing, because I want to study fashion design but there is no chance in the town where we live. I would love to make clothes for people. I’m not scared about my future, I would be happy if I could travel and learn more languages.” Surprisingly, when we talk about her long term future, she has some aspects very clear. “I wouldn’t live in my home town in Amazonas, but I’d come back to help my mom. For example, her home is decaying and tremors have

caused parts to fall down. When I have a job I would like to help them to have a better life. Also, I want to help my sister to go to college.”

Milagros has a really good relationship with her mom and they are able to talk more because they only see each other on the NPH visitor’s day, every four months. Milagros enjoys spending time with her little sister and is excited to see that she is growing up very fast, although she would like to see her more often. At this point, Milagros grabs one of her teddy bears and settles her head on her bed. Then I see a small card of the founder of NPH. “He’s taking care of me,” explains Milagros. “Father Wasson had a big heart, because to build NPH you have to be a great man. Thanks to him I’m here and I have everything I need.” We didn’t notice how much time we had been talking in her room, so she only had a few minutes to clean her room before walking to school to collect the girls. My last question was about her thoughts on having a family in the future. “I want to adopt a child. I live at NPH so I know that there are a lot of children that need love. It is not good that we have to see abandoned children, maybe I can change some lives too.”

Father WaSSon haS a bIg heart, becauSe to buIld

nPh You have to be a great man

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chIldren

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QUICK INTERVIEW

1What Is your favorIte colour?Cinthia: YellowAdela: PurpleYhasmin: Red, Black and white

2What do you lIke to do In your free tIme?C: I love readingA: Play and watch TVY: Watch TV

3hoW many tImes do you go to the bathroom?C: Six times at dayA: Two times at dayY: Ten times

4hoW much tIme do you spend In the shoWer?C: 15 minutesA: 15 minutesY: 15 minutes

5are you In love?C: I am notA: Yes I am, but it is a secretY: Yes, but I couldn’t tell you!

6 What tIme do you go to bed?C: At 9:00 pmA: At 10:00 pmY: At 8:00 pm

7 hoW old Were you When your teeth fell out?C: I was 8 years oldA: I was 6 years oldY: I think I was 8 years old

8What Was your fIrst nIckname?C: I was called giraffeA: PenguinY: Snoop

chIldren

By ERIKA HUARI

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9do your feet smell bad?C: Not at allA: I’m sure notY: A little bit

10do you Wet the bed?C: When I was five years oldA: Yes, when I was littleY: Yes, until I was 12 years old

11do you eat your naIls?C: I don’tA: Yes, when I’m nervousY: All the time.

12 What Is your favorIte food?C: Milanesa (breaded chicken)A: Potato with huancaina sauceY: Spaghetti with potato with huancaina sauce

chIldren

By ERIKA HUARI

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Get up

and dance!There’s no doubt about it. Peru loves to

dance and not just to reggateon and pop music. The varied and creative tradition of folk dance

is amazing. The folk dances of Peru are a fusion of the traditions of many different races

and cultures that have made this country their home.

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Get up

and dance!

home

Music Music and dance are part of the everyday lives of Peruvians. In the market you can hear the latest hits from Asia and the USA. On the bus,

the radio broadcasts Cumbia or salsa. On people’s cellphones and even in the main square of our town, music is everywhere. The Peruvian culture is prone to musical expression. In fact, almost all farm work was accompanied with music and dance. This tradition started with the cultural fusion rising from the contact between indigenous Peruvians and Europeans and then the African slaves added different rhythms and percussion instruments. African, Spanish and indigenous roots come together to give life to folk dance in Peru. The country likewise offers tremendous diversity in terms of dance, with styles specific to the coast, the Andes and the jungle. There has always been a significant respect for tradition-in school the children learn to dance typical dances and it is common see on TV or hear on the radio traditional music.

It is not a secret that the children from NPH Peru love to dance and they are very proud to perform folk dances and wear traditional costumes. The ladies used to dance Huaylarsh, comical dance that incorporates movements from agricultural work. In the choreography the males fight for the female, but to make the show funnier, the ladies have to dress like boys. People have danced for

centuries in periods of sowing and cultivation.One of the most beautiful dan-ces of Peru comes from Puno. Saya is characterized by the delicate and serene swaying of the women and the agile mo-vements of the men. “The most difficult thing is to concentrate on the steps and transmit the strength that they need,” explained Franklin who has danced Saya since his grandfa-ther taught him when he was little.

Apparently this type of dance was born as homage to the Afri-can influence and Aymara cultu-re, from which the basic moves of this dance are inherited. The distinguishing feature of this dance is its elabora-te costume that transmits elegance and youth. “The best thing is when you finish the dance, your body is so tired but at the same time relaxed, and you feel satisfied,” said Segundo, Franklin’s brother.

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Franklin and Segundo dancing Saya

Yhasmin dress to dance Huaylash

One of the most popular traditional dances of Peru is called the Marinera. It is a coastal dance and it’s a graceful and romantic couple’s dance. The music starts and the partners hold each other’s gaze. It represents a stylized courtship where the female shows her enchantment of her partner. Its distinctive feature is that the dancers hold handkerchiefs in their hands. “The most difficult thing about the steps is when you do the run around and have to keep looking at the boy’s eyes. Sometimes it is easy to fall,” said Milagros, who has danced Marinera since she arrived in NPH. The exact origin of the dance is unknown, but it is an unmistakable blend of Spanish, Moorish, Andean and Gypsy rhythmic influences.

The African-Peruvian influence is noticeable also in the choreography of the dance, in which the man always follows the woman, and the woman provokes and makes herself hard to reach. “Attitude is so important in this dance. You have to be happy but at the same time continue eye contact with your partner while concentrating on the steps,” said Milagros. The name of “Marinera” has patriotic roots. In 1879 Don Abelardo Gamarra, “El Tunante” (The Rascal), named the dance as Marinera in tribute to the Peruvian Navy.

Dancing is a part of every culture. From entertainment to rituals, even healing, dancing

is a form of expression that represents the people. It provides a vessel to transmit a story, to and down traditions or just to bring a smile to the observer. For our children it is something special and beautiful, and they feel proud.

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The girls dancing Huaylash

Jose and Milagros dancing Marinera

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a,b,c easy as 1,2,3A

ccording to Peru’s Education policy, it is compulsory for children from the age of 7 years to 16 years. However, not

every child has access to all three levels of education. It is a fact that many of our children didn’t attend school regularly before entering NPH. Some of them never even learned to read or write, or didn’t have anyone to help with homework.

Father Wasson was very insistent when he affirmed that education takes our children out of the cycle of poverty. He was definitely right. With an education, a new world appears in front of the children’s eyes, and they are able to break this cycle.

At NPH Peru, we send our children to a public school in town. The little children

between 3 and 5 years old start their education in a nearby Kindergarten school. The primary age children attend a public school during the morning that is within walking distance of the home. Then the secondary students take their place in the afternoon at the same school. The secondary day runs from 1:00 pm till 6:00 pm and includes grades 7-11. Glenn Jones, Educational Director for NPH International, visited NPH Peru in May. He said, “Although this is a public school, there are still usually minimal costs involved. Because of their desire to work with NPH, this school waives the yearly fees for all of our students”. Public schooling gives our children the opportunity to have contact with other children who live in different environments.

Our children also have the opportunity to separate school life from home life

and have a reason to leave the NPH grounds. We also have five students in the local university of our town, San Vicente de Cañete, and one youth is enrolled in a vocational program. Of course better opportunities and choices are found in the capital Lima, but at the moment we are unable to send our children there. Nevertheless, there are several options available in our local town. Our university students are studying careers in computer engineering, tourism, accounting and law. Costs for university and for the vocational program are similar and range from $1,700 to $2,000 per year.

Our children are lucky. Most of our caregivers are teachers, so they tirelessly help the children to do their homework. As Glenn explained, “The majority of the caregivers are trained as teachers and are willing to work with

$45uniform

books$9

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a,b,c easy as 1,2,3and have a reason to leave the NPH grounds. We also have five students in the local university of our town, San Vicente de Cañete, and one youth is enrolled in a vocational program. Of course better opportunities and choices are found in the capital Lima, but at the moment we are unable to send our children there. Nevertheless, there are several options available in our local town. Our university students are studying careers in computer engineering, tourism, accounting and law. Costs for university and for the vocational program are similar and range from $1,700 to $2,000 per year.

Our children are lucky. Most of our caregivers are teachers, so they tirelessly help the children to do their homework. As Glenn explained, “The majority of the caregivers are trained as teachers and are willing to work with

the students who are having difficulties in school. Even though it is one of the smallest homes, NPH Peru has many options for education.”

The school calendar is also filled with special dates and ceremonies honoring national heroes and martyrs. In school our children learn to parade and carry flags in preparation for the celebration of national independence holidays each year on July 27 and 28. Providing a quality education to our children is essential to NPH Peru. They learn to think and act for themselves, have more options in the future, and learn to become productive members of Peruvian society. This foundation will set a good example for their families and children, so that finally, they may end the cycle of poverty from which they came.

uniformschool supplies$50

*The educational costs are an approximately of 2011 expenses per child

home

Joanka and Deyssi at the school

QUOTES

What is your favorite thing

about the new house?

By ERIKA HUARI

ayita (16)

I have more space in my bedroomso it is easier to be tidy. I love the big bathrooms with several showers because it is spacious when a few of us are in there at the same time getting ready for our day.

kebi (10)

I love the bathrooms with showers, and that we have a door in the bathroom and I don’t have to search for a bucket as I did it in my home.

cinthia (14)That we have different spaces to share together. In the bedroom I have more space, and we can all meet together in the dining room of our house and sit on the couch.

yoshelin (16)

We get up early and we organize ourselves much better because we live in seperate homes, but still in a big family. And of course our bedrooms are bigger. And I love the volleyball field. We have more space to play outside here

pedro pablo (8)

I can share things as a family because I never had a house like this, with separated rooms.