Build a Brighter Future for 80 Kids in Guatemala

The Story of Saida; In her own words

My name is Saida Illú and I was born on June 27, 2005 in the city of Antigua Guatemala although my home and my childhood memories are found in the Vista Hermosa village [a slum overlooking the town of Antigua].

There I grew up with my mother and my two brothers, surrounded by mountains, simple landscapes and, above all, of the love of a family that, although small, always fought together.

I did not have my dad in my life, and his absence made me feel the fear of abandonment since I was a child. For a long time, I thought I couldn't trust anyone, that everyone could leave me as he did.

However, those feelings did not stop me; Little by little I learned that love is also found in those who remain, and that I am not defined by what I lacked, but by the strength I discovered inside me.

Although my childhood was not easy, I grew surrounded by people who love me, who taught me to value the simplest things and thank every dish of food at the table. In Vista Hermosa village I understood that true wealth is not materially, but in union, solidarity and faith.

From the moment I met Mick and Debora [in 2010] from the Integral Heart Foundation, I felt received and listened to. There I discovered the ability to understand others, to give words of encouragement and open my heart. I started as a student, and today I have the privilege of being a teacher. It has been a path of many challenges, but also of great learning.

Children are my greatest motivation to continue in the association. They inspire me to grow, strive and be better person every day. One of my favorite teachings for them is love and respect for animals, learn to take care and value life in all their forms.

We have afternoons full of games, laughs and learning; Some days are more stressful than others, but love for them makes me forget the bad. Their laughs are like music that illuminates difficult days, and his little victories remind me that each effort is worth it.

My greatest wish is that they can see life with motivation, that they never allow anyone to feel superior to them, but at the same time learning to remain humble. I dream of seeing them in the future studying, growing and being stable and happy people, with the confidence that they can achieve everything they propose.

As an employee of The Integral Heart school, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity they gave me as part of this project and for the confidence they put in me. I am also grateful to all the people who, with their support and collaboration, allow the association to remain standing and continue transforming lives.

I have learned that money is not everything. It is part of life and helps to meet needs, but it does not buy peace, gratitude or true love. That is why I think we must learn to live with conscience, to value what we have and to share with others, because true wealth is to give and recognize that we are all the same.

Today I can say that my story is testimony that, even if the beginnings are difficult, they do not determine who we are or where we are going. My life is made of struggle, gratitude and love, and I still walk with the certainty that the best is always coming.

Every smile I receive from children, every hug, every moment of shared learning, reminds me that our work leaves indelible traces. And even if the road has stones, love, faith and gratitude turn each step into a reason to move forward.

Saida
Teacher at Integral Heart
September 2025.

Greetings from The Integral Heart Family School here in Guatemala.

We are beginning a new series which profiles students who have been with us for many years, so you can see the long-term impact of your support.

Monzi started at our Integral Heart School at 4 years old. Now she is 11 and she is happy, charismatic, and gets great grades, as you can see in a recent report card image. We require a 70% grade-point-average to attend our programs.

At 4 years old, she was abandoned by her mother, who unfortunately was deprived of her freedom for legal reasons. This left Monsi and her 8-year-old brother with their great-grandmother (yes, great!). She stopped studying for a while until she was referred our program.

I remember her well from back then and despite her circumstances she always was a bright and happy character, as you can see in the collage image on the left.

Then, at 7 years old, she lost her great-grandmother, leaving them both alone and without a caretaker. Our own Mama Sonia, who works for the foundation here, took care of her and her brother, and returned them to classes again.

Monsi has experienced many family crises but is grateful to God and to the project for the great help she has received. She told us that God gave her a second chance with the kind people around her.

She loves children and understands that life has been difficult, but one should never give up. Her goal is to become a teacher to provide love to her students when they are going through a difficult time.

This is your support at work!

Monsi thanks you. We thank you.

With love and respect,
Mick Quinn & Debora Prieto (co-founders)
And, all the Staff and Students of the Integral Heart Family School.

Links:

• Support our work in 2025