A group of Saint Ignatius juniors and seniors had the unforgettable opportunity to travel to NPH (Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos, or “Our Little Brothers and Sisters”) Honduras for a cultural immersion trip. Unlike a typical school field trip, students didn’t just visit—they lived alongside the children at NPH, sharing meals, working on the farm, and participating in daily activities that gave them a firsthand look at life in the community.
NPH is a nonprofit organization dedicated to caring for orphaned, abandoned, and vulnerable children across Central America. Its mission is to provide a safe, loving home, along with education, healthcare, and opportunities for personal growth, so that each child can reach their full potential. The trip allowed students to see this mission in action, and as Isabelle Walsh, a senior who went on the trip, explained, “By the end of the week, it felt like we were part of the same community, even without speaking fluently.”
Students were welcomed with open arms by the children at NPH. Students played soccer, tag, and other traditional games, learning to communicate beyond words and forming friendships that transcended language barriers.
In the kitchen, students helped prepare meals and saw firsthand the incredible teamwork required to feed the entire ranch—dozens of staff and volunteers work together daily to provide nutritious meals for all the children. Walsh states, “The hard work that went into preparing meals for the whole ranch will not go unnoticed”
On the farm, they assisted with scooping cow waste and other tasks, and as Walsh explained, “I discovered the value of hard work that is required to keep the ranch running.”
Many of the children at NPH primarily speak Spanish, while some of the visiting students were less confident in the language.
“I was nervous at first because I didn’t speak much Spanish. But I realized you don’t always need words to connect. Smiles, games, and helping each other in the kitchen or on the farm were enough to build friendships with the staff and the children” said senior Frankie Lombardo.
The experience taught students that communication is not about language—it is about empathy, patience, and learning from others. “By the end of the week, it felt like we were part of the same community, even without speaking fluently,” said Lombardo.
The NPH Honduras immersion trip is just one of the many ways Saint Ignatius students are encouraged to step outside the classroom and learn through experience. It also reflects the school’s mission of forming students who are committed to doing justice. “It wasn’t just a trip. It was a chance to learn, to grow, and to connect in ways I never imagined.” said Walsh.
The dates for next year have not come out yet. Contact anyone at NPH if you are interested in getting a group together for next summer.
