QueenLeticia

in to thewoods

HappyBirthday

NPHP

February 2011 Issue twoPERU NEWS

We would like to thank you for your

support in Christmas and the New

Year.

Dearest God Parents & Supporters,

You have helped us celebrate these special days bringing us your

greatest smiles so that we can all enjoy ourselves. We want to give

you our thanks in the name of all the children here for the things

you give us which mean so much and which we appreciate so highly.

As is our custom we went to mass on Christmas Eve to hear the

sermon and on our return enjoyed a traditional dinner at midnight

after which Father Christmas arrived with presents which were

shared between us all. We spent New Year’s Eve celebrating with

fireworks and a typical Peruvian dish, Ternero al Vino (lamb in red

wine). We then danced, ate grapes and enjoyed a rowdy disco until

the early hours of the morning!

Above all we thank you all for your support – and for those of you

who wish to visit us one day, our doors are always open.

Kind regards

Rufino

Rufino enjoys christmas at NPH

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If you require copies of any of the photographs, text, drawings or any other materials contained within this magazine please write to Olga Pérez, Communications Officer NPH Peru (co.pe@nph.org).

The next edition of Peru News will be published in May 2011.

Photographs by John Rolph, Olga Pérez, Ryan Tam, Tula Lourdes Cruzes and Ahias.

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Child story: we welcome two new boys to our home

Feature: Ahias journies to his birthplace

Construction: the latest news from our new site

In pictures: the last three months in pictures

Volunteers: the new year brings new volunteers to our home

Interview: we ask tia Berta to share her experiences in NPH

News: NPH celebrates six years in Peru

Our home: learn how we feed our seventy children

Our future: what I want to be when I grow up

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in this issue

We welcome two new children to our home. Nicolas and Pedro Pablo both joined us shortly after Christmas and are settling well into the family.

Nicolas comes from a broken home, his father taking no responsibility and until recently remaining unknown to his 11-year-old son. Due to the lack of family support Nicolas developed serious

behavioural problems and became involved in street crime being caught on two occasions robbing mobile telephones.

Pedro also comes from a broken home, his mother having fled from a violent relationship during her pregnancy. In the last few years nine-year-old Pedro began to stay away from home becoming addicted

to gambling machines and robbing money from his mother to fuel his addiction. He stopped attending school six months ago due to severe physical bullying.

We give them both lots of support as they integrate themselves into their new home.

■ John Rolph

Welcome

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C h i l d S t o r y

Nicolas and Pedro Pablo

Nico

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hou

se C

añet

e

When I finished my year of service I was given the chance to travel to my homeland where I was born and had lived for my first thirteen years.

During my year of service I had been given a small monthly stipend but although I had tried to save I left for

my journey with only 200 Soles (US$70).

The day arrived. On the 3rd January 2011 I left the NPH house heading to Lima, this adventure was probably insane but I felt the energy to face real life outside of the comfort of NPH. I sacrificed the little money that I had to

arrive in Lima and from there I took a taxi to the North of the city where I found a bus company called Vitours heading to Chiclayo. I waited

Eighteen year old Ahias recounts his incredible journey to his homeland, the Peruvian Amazon

Homelandto my

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Ahia

s

two hours before the bus started up as there weren’t enough passengers; the New Year holidays had made the tickets very expensive.

During the journey to Chiclayo I couldn’t believe that I had left NPH for the first time, taking that risk to see my older siblings, my town and all the people who love me spite of the distance between us.

“This adventure was probably insane but I felt the energy to face real life.”

I was tired and hungry when I arrived to Huarmey but I didn’t eat because I was concentring on my journey and on arriving safely to my village. For this reason I dedicated a prayer to God asking him to help me to arrive safely. I also communicated frequently with my tutors at NPH.

I arrived in Chiclayo at around 5.30am after 16 hours. I took a taxi to Tepsa agency and had to wait until 9.30am to begin the journey to Bagua Chica. I had been asking about the possibility of travelling early but at that

time the busses only head to Lima, Cajamarca, Trujillo or Tarapoto. As I began the journey to Bagua Chica, I received a phone call from my uncle who was in Jaen with my older sister. That gave me the extra energy to spend another six hours travelling. I enjoyed the beautiful landscapes and observed many new things.

Later I arrived in Curra Del Diablo, where, because of the irresponsibility of previous governments there had been a bloody confrontation between police and the indigenous people. I felt a huge pity to see the crosses by the side of the road.

I arrived, at last, in Bagua at 5.30 in the afternoon where I met my uncle Mario and was finally able to eat. After buying a few things we drove to Santa María de Nierva where we took a boat to my birth place, Atsakus.

Finally I saw my town, the joy inside me was incredible, to see my older brothers, I wasn’t able to hold back my tears. I thanked God for taking care of my family.

But in spite of the joy I felt I was filled with sadness to see my land so neglected and forlorn. The roads ruined by the rain, the social problems,

educational needs, criminal issues, and poor quality of life. I missed the friends who had passed away since I had left.

I stayed in my town for a day and a half, but hadn’t been able to eat anything. Later we decided to hunt partridges but

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F e a t u r e

we couldn’t find any, only an edible frog which we shared between four of us.

“In spite of the joy I felt I was filled with sadness”

It was time to leave. The rain never stopped, it was horrible. Between tears I said goodbye to my grandmother and my brothers and I left with the heavy sorrow of knowing all that they lacked in their lives. I explained that it will be alright and that someday I will come back again to help, I

hope I can make my promise come true. I will work hard to achieve it because I was born and grew up there. I took my first steps there, my ancestors lived there, among them my mother who I carry with me every day in my heart.

I started my journey again to

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F e a t u r e

Ahias visits the people of his village

Santa Maria de Nieva, this time I was accompanied by my uncle who runs an evangelical church and generously paid all my tickets. I continued the journey with a friend arriving late in Lima where I spent the night before returning to my home in Lunahuana. There I was reunited with my tutors and the other children once again in the comfort of our big family.

■ Ahias

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F e a t u r e

With his photography Ahias paints a picture of poverty in Amazonas

Ahias’sRoute

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F e a t u r e

Our children help to prepare their new home

In the last issue we reported that due to a shortage of funds our proposed move date was looking uncertain.

We had hoped to move home close to the beginning of the year but were unsure that we would be able to complete the first phase. Fortunately, Christmas arrived early for NPH Peru when we received a flood of new funding in November allowing us to make huge advances at our new home. For this we send our sincerest thanks to our donors across the globe.

We now have four homes complete with just a few finishing touches to take place over the coming weeks. We have also completed the water and sewage networks and the sewage plant is currently nearing completion at the factory and will soon be installed at our property in San Vicente de Cañete. We have also started construction on two new homes which we expect to complete in early April allowing us expand our family as the year progresses. The foundations are now complete and one of the two

Constructionhas a large portion of the brick work complete.

As we move into February we welcome are already hosting the first visit from our Canadian friends who have supported our project so faithfully over the past years and with four groups arriving throughout February and March our dream of moving our children before the start of the school year will probably become a reality.

■ John Rolph

Almost time to move home!

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C o n s t r u c t i o n

Construction

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C o n s t r u c t i o n

Summer coursed begin

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I n P i c t u r e s

Summer courses begin: Each year NPH holds reinforcement classes

during the summer break

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I n P i c t u r e s

School's out for the summer: Our children enjoy a range of out door activities

David and Goliath: Kinder performs a short play

Welcome Father Phil: We enjoy a weekend with NPH's President

Our volunteer scheme here in Peru is small, but we annually welcome a group of skilled volunteers to our team to support the work of our employees, and to offer their skills, patience and unconditional love to our children. This January we welcomed three new volunteers to our home. Olga, Lilith and Carolina arrived at the home where they will live and work for the next 13 months.

We welcome three new volunteers to the family and say goodbye to two

Lilith (Occupational Therapist, Germany) I’m from Germany and I studied occupational therapy. I’m here because I want to help the children of NPH so they can enjoy a life without limits like any other kids.

Carolina (Occupational Therapist, Chile) Being here in NPH I realise that there are many important things in my life, and each day I rediscover feelings that I keep inside me. Probably, the main reason I am here is for the kids although I imagine that this experience will be hugely relevant in my work and home life.

Welcome& goodbye

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Vo l u n t e e r s

Ryan and John say good bye

Olga PérezA lot of people think about doing a service year with an NGO. For me this was the perfect year because I had just finished studying journalism, I hadn’t yet rented a house and above all I had the energy to do it. But the easy part is thinking about it; the hard one is finding the perfect organisation. Thanks to the internet you can find thousands of places, but it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.

At first everything seems overwhelming, I found a selection of NGOs with aims and objectives that matched mine but on discovering the website of NPH I realised I had found the perfect organisation. I later discovered that NPH had worked with the NGO where I worked in Barcelona, and that gave me confidence to apply.

The first time that I made contact with NPH was in

September and they give me a lot of useful information and advice, I had been thinking of interviewing with other organisations too but the opportunity at NPH seemed like it was made for me. It would give me the chance to use my skills as a journalist and photographer and to work with children, which I love.

When the application and copious paperwork arrived in my inbox I was frustrated by all the things I needed to fill in and all the papers I needed to find. But in the process I learnt a lot about myself because I had to answer many questions about my personality, limits and qualities.

“then a week later I received great news, I was going to Lunahuana”

In the offices of NPH Spain they explained that applications are often sent to all the houses, but I was very clear that I wanted to go to Peru and the job offer required an urgent volunteer, so after an interview with NPH Spain’s psychologist, my application was sent directly to NPH Peru.

Then a week later I received great news, I was going to travel to the tiny village of Lunahuaná to join the NPH family there. The next month passed very quickly, I had to finalise my plans, attend goodbye dinners and deal with my nerves, expectations and the uncertainty of the coming year.

My flight landed in Lima after 14 hours. As I left the arrivals area I finally saw a poster bearing my name and the volunteer coordinator who was waiting for me. I had to spend a day in Lima to wait for two other volunteers, the hours passed slowly as I didn’t know what to expect. Mountains, desert, more mountains and some cars, the trip to Lunahuaná, where the house is situated, was long and I tried to imagine where I was going, but reality is better than the imagination.

We arrived. All the kids had made a big poster with our names, I remember I was shaking inside, excited and nervous. Some children were telling me their names, others were hugging me, and there were lots of new things to see and learn. I probably wasn’t conscious that my new life in NPH had already begun.

■ Olga Pérez

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Vo l u n t e e r s

Bertameet

How did you find out about NPH?I had a friend who applied to work here, she let me know about the job and encouraged me to apply too. Finally I was able to talk to Alfredo, the Director, and took the job, I think it was destiny.

What is the job of a Tía? I take care of the kids, and have to listen to them and be aware of everything. Basically I’m a mother, because I’m worried about their health and education. The most important thing that I do is give them love.

What most surprised you when you arrived?That the children did everything, they washed, cleaned, made their beds... But above all I was surprised by their affection; they accepted me as a Tía immediately.

What is your favourite thing about working with children?I love kids and these kids need us so much. To be part of this makes me happy. When I see the result or the change in a child it gives me the strength to carry on. One person can change a small yet important thing in a child and maybe someday they will remember me.

When you arrived you started in the girls section, but now you are in the boys. What is the main difference?The boys are more hyperactive, the girls are calm when they play or talk but boys are all energy. For me is easy to create a connection with young girls, because I can identify with them and share my experiences easily. Anyway I love being with the boys, but sometimes I miss the girls.

Have you noticed a change in the children during your time here?You can see a big difference in the kids here. Sometimes you only need a few weeks, but with others you have to wait longer. But it’s a big success when you see that change. For example there were four sisters that entered with no education, they didn’t even know how to read or write,

Berta Casani Valencia has been with NPH Peru for one year and eight months. She had worked as a teacher before, for that reason she knows well the necessities of a child. Berta never loses her smile and takes care of the children as if she were a mum. We find out what motivates her to work for NPH and how it affects her future plans.

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I n t e r v i e w

How would you say goodbye to someone you didn’t want to leave?

Unfortunately, this month we have to say goodbye to John (England) and Ryan (Hong Kong) and it is one of the hardest things we do in our house. There is no real way to say goodbye after all the hard work and dedication they put in to everything they do. But our children will always remember these special people and, you know, goodbye is not forever...

We wish them the best of luck with their plans and thank them for their dedicated service.

“I learn a lot with you, like sharing without anything in return. Re-member that you always will be in our hearts; I wish the best in your jobs. Tio Ryan you are very rounded person, and show me that you could be a good father in the future. Tio John, you are a very funny person and I want to thank you for working hard the whole year.

Have a safe journey home” Rufino

but they made a huge change in just a few months, that was amazing.

Do you think that NPH gives these children a future?Most of the kids need NPH; they don’t have a future outside. They learn a lot here that they can use in the future. NPH opens doors for them.

What do you expect from the future?I want to start a family. Having

worked with the children of NPH I have realised the importance of a stable family; my work has changed my perspective about my future.

Will our situation improve when we move to our new property this year?Yes, I’m positive about this. We will have access to better hospitals, schools and opportunities. We will be able to save money and time for the good of our children. I’m

very excited about the idea of a new start for NPH.

Anything else you want to say?I’m grateful to Padre Wasson for having created this organization; he had such a good heart and shared with everyone.

■ Olga Pérez

Hard to say goodbye

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One of the activities for our 6th anniversary was a recycling contest.

Each participant used a variety of recycled materials like lolly sticks, toilet paper, cardboard, boxes, broken balls and toys.

The children presented

Recycle, Invent, Reuse

During the celebrations we held a football league with local teams, a beauty pageant and a recycling competition. Our young writers report on the highlights of the celebrations.

Happy BirthdayNPH Peru

In December NPH Peru celebrated its 6th Anniversary with four days of activities.

6“Happy 6th anniversary NPH Peru”

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their excellent work in an exhibition, there were lots of beautiful articles but the jury had to make a choice.

The children created photograph frames, desk-tidies, useful baskets and models of our home, cities

and country scenes.

The amazing thing was that the babies and kinder participated in the activity too, they did very well and showed that they can create their own work.

The prizes for the winners were gifts such as cuddly toys, although all the children who participated received candies and sweets.

■ Agustina

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Our team fought with energy and force to avoid defeat

It was complicated game played to the limits of the rules but the away team stole the match. NPH took the advantage with a goal in the 39th minute of the first half when Sanchez, with a strong right foot, embedded the ball in the top corner leaving goalie, Ignacio, with no option. Despite the fact that

the home team could have ended the match the visitors raised the game and began a strong attack. Lalo obtained a draw in the 16th minute of the second half with an impressive header.

The NPH players failed on the attack until the trainer made some changes. Tío Roger replaced Ahias, and Franklin came on for Jhon Carlos. For the away team Matias entered for Lucas and Lalo for Pedro.

From then on the home team didn’t cease the attack in the hope of victory. But with a contra attack the away team took advantage of a weekness in the defence. Matias, who entered the match at the half, scored the winning goal in the 86th minute leading his team to victory. With only four minutes left NPH couldn’t equalize the score and had to suffer defeat when Ref. Ochoa gave the final whistle.

■ Luis Walter

NPH Peru falls 2-1 before College Mariscal Benavides

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The most exciting event of the celebrations was a beauty pageant.

The children were divided into five groups, each group representing an elected candidate all competing for the role of Señorita NPH Peru 2010. The candidates and their teams were judged on the criteria listed (right).

The supporting teams were very excited and worked hard to cheer on their candidate.

NPH beauties sparkle in sixth anniversary pageant

Judgement Criteria

• Presenceinfrontoftheaudience• Modellingincasualwear• Modellinginfantasydress(madebythemodel’s supportingteam)• PerformanceofasongordancetypicalofPeru• Andtheinvolvementofthesupportingteam

The fantasy dresses section was a particular highlight. The costumes were stunningly

QueenLeticia

Leticia's butterfly outfit

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beautiful. One group presented a mermaid from Cerro Azul, a beach within three hours of our home. Another created a goddess from the jungle of Peru and another dressed their queen as a beautiful and creative butterfly.

The arrival of the final was an exciting moment and all of the children wanted to know the result. Finally the jury made the decision and our winner was elected. Leticia was placed as Miss NPH Peru 2010 with Anita and Rosa as runners up.

■ Rufino

Anita as a fantasy mermaid

Ayita in traditional Peruvian dressLeticia, in her evening gown

We are very happy with our daily meals; we give thanks to God for giving us our daily bread and to all of you our big family of NPH International for holding us in your hearts and giving us a gift to be able to live happily and to know that you all love us and will always carry us with you in your hearts.

Each week we go shopping at the local market. On a Saturday we take a group of three people to the local market at 6.30am to buy fresh fruit, vegetables and meat, enough to last the whole week. Between our home and the market we make a 45 minute journey. When we arrive at the house all of the children help us to unload the car and take the food to the kitchen.

Luis Walter shares a little of his culture and explains how we feed our 70 children

Gloriousfood

food

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Renz

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O u r H o m e

when iGrowup i want to be...

Alcides (18): I want to study accountancy to become a good professional on a national level. Then I will visit my family and I will show them what I have learnt in NPH. At first I plan to finish my service year and I am also preparing to go to university next year. It’s like my home here, where all my tutors give me good advice. I want to thank all the donors for working with us, but mostly to our founder Father Wasson and all my family in NPH for giving me the chance to finish my high school and be able to become a professional.

Letti (16): I want to make cakes and deserts. I want to finish my studies, help my family and travel around the world. When I acomplish all my goals I will definitely come back to help NPH.

Rosa (17): I want to finish school and become a professional, and furthermore I want to help my family. I would love to help NPH in some way in the future because its the place that has allowed me to receive an education.

Milagros (16): I want to be a fashion designer. I want finish my studies, help people who need it and also my family and friends. I of course want to help NPH, because it has given me everything I need.

Jefferson (6): I want to become a policeman because I don’t want the old kids to steal anything. I will come back to NPH because I will be a grown-up.

Renzo (9): I want to become a policeman because I want to save my country. I would like to come back to help one day because I like NPH

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