Volunteer

Give a Year, Gain a Lifetime of Love

“My year of service with NPH [Guatemala] has changed me for the better. Never have I been called to love so unconditionally. I learned to measure my success at the end of the day not necessarily by how much I got done but rather by how patient, positive, and kind I was.” 

– Jessica Heintz

Become an NPH Volunteer

The NPH volunteer program is full of opportunities. We invite people of all backgrounds to participate in the endeavor to create a life of dignity for vulnerable children in the countries we serve. We welcome people who bring their skills, an open heart and mind, and a desire to serve the NPH community.

Volunteers support NPH’s goal of enhancing the well-being of children and youth in residential care and community outreach programs. 

Volunteers bring specialized skills, love, and individual attention to children and families supported by NPH. Through their service, their time spent with the children, and their participation in NPH community life, the volunteers act as examples to the children, motivating them to reach their unique potential and promoting intercultural exchange and understanding. Volunteers are accepted for a specific job in an NPH service country, with a minimum duration of one year. Volunteers work in health care, therapy, education, youth development, and administrative positions, depending on their skills and qualifications. Volunteers live on NPH property and receive food and housing at no cost. The NPH volunteer experience is much more than a job—the volunteers are part of the NPH family. In the evenings and on weekends, volunteers spend time with the children and adolescents in our residential care programs.

What Makes a Good Volunteer?

A well-suited candidate’s core motivation is a drive to help the children. Ideal traits include respect for cultural differences and sensitivity to norms that may seem foreign or unusual. NPH seeks only those volunteers who clearly demonstrate the capacity to be good role models for the children.

A successful volunteer comes to NPH with a positive, life-loving attitude, a strong work ethic, flexibility, an appreciation of local culture and custom, and a sense of humor. Volunteer service at NPH is challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. You’ll work hard as you build enriching and long-lasting relationships.

“To be important and a real part of someone’s life, I can’t imagine anything better. Go out and try this work, see how it changes your plans, changes your priorities. And once they change, you won’t want to change them back.”

– Stefan Feuerstein
former volunteer and National Director, NPH Honduras

Volunteer Requirements

We’re excited that you are interested in joining the NPH family! Each volunteer is appreciated and necessary for the continued success of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos. If you feel that you meet all the requirements below, we invite you to apply to become a volunteer.

  • Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and in good health.
  • Volunteers must be available to serve for a minimum of 13 months.
  • Volunteers must have at least an intermediate level of Spanish. If they are not yet at this level when they apply, they must attend language school at their own cost prior to beginning service.
  • Volunteers must have prior experience working with children.
  • Successful volunteers are cooperative, flexible, and patient. They have a strong work ethic and are able to adapt in diverse cultural environments. They are respectful of their host country and its culture and maintain a positive attitude.
NPH Volunteer in Honduras
NPH Volunteer in Honduras
NPH Volunteer in Honduras
NPH Volunteer in Honduras
NPH Volunteer in Honduras
NPH Volunteer in Honduras

NPH International Volunteer Program

How to Apply

If you’re interested in applying to be a volunteer for NPH, please click the Application link at the bottom of this page. Allow 30 minutes to complete and submit the application online. The volunteer application must be submitted in English or Spanish.