Education for Impoverished Guatemalan Youth

At just 13 years old, Yendri already embodies the determination and curiosity that make brilliant minds flourish. Yendri has been part of Common Hope’s New Hope School, since he was four years old. Over the years, he has grown from a shy young student into a confident, motivated learner—thanks to his hard work, the dedication of his family, and the support of our education programs.

Before joining Common Hope’s programs

For Yendri, school used to come with constant worry. His family often struggled to cover the cost of school supplies, uniforms, and even printing assignments. He remembers feeling anxious each time he needed something for class, knowing how hard it was for his parents to provide it. He avoided asking for help because he already understood the financial strain at home.

“I felt distressed,” he shared. “I didn’t want to ask for what I needed because I knew my parents couldn’t always help me.”

Finding support—and new possibilities

Everything began to change when Yendri started receiving support through Common Hope’s Academic Strengthening Program, Homework Center, and the Center for Discovery and Investigation (CDI). With access to school materials, printing, computers, and a quiet and supportive place to study, he discovered something powerful: learning could be joyful.

Now, Yendri proudly wears his school uniform, has reliable access to the materials he needs, and participates actively in the Homework Center every day. The routine has helped him build strong study habits, stay organized, and concentrate more easily. He has also taken computer classes that opened new doors—teaching him how to use technology confidently for research and school projects.

“I feel more motivated. I’ve improved my grades, and I feel more creative when I work on my assignments,” he says.

Growing as a leader

Yendri’s teachers describe him as an outstanding student—not only academically, but as a supportive classmate and natural leader. He encourages his peers to complete their homework, helps those who are struggling, and balances responsibility with kindness and friendship. His family is deeply committed to his education, and their involvement strengthens everything he has achieved.

Dreaming forward

With each year, Yendri’s dreams grow clearer. One day, he hopes to become a lawyer, and he is already thinking ahead about the path to university. He believes Common Hope can help him continue his educational journey, and he is determined to keep working hard.

His message to other young people is simple but powerful:

“Take advantage of the education you’re receiving so your future can be better. And thank you to all the donors for opening your hearts and helping us achieve our dreams.”

When Karla was a child, she lived in a single-room wooden home without clean water or consistent electricity. Her family shared the space for everything — sleeping, cooking, studying — and had to walk several blocks to collect water by hand. Her environment was unstable and isolating, and Karla, quiet and fearful, struggled with anxiety at school and rarely made friends.

But Karla’s life began to change the day she was affiliated with Common Hope. At the time, she was too shy to speak during her intake, but the organization began walking alongside her with consistent care — providing school supplies, academic tutoring, medical attention, and emotional support. Over time, Karla’s confidence grew. Through workshops focused on self-esteem and identity, she found her voice.

“Thanks to the medical care, emotional support, and self-esteem workshops I received, I came to know myself and say: yo puedo, yo valgo — I can, I am worthy,” Karla shared during a recent interview in one of our Mente Sana mental health clinics.

Karla’s journey was not without challenges. After surviving a natural disaster that displaced her family, she faced the trauma of loss and instability again. She expressed that in her childhood, psychological support was something she wished had been available. Today, it’s part of what drives her: Karla is now in her final year of a psychology degree at the University of San Carlos, and she is completing her clinical practice at the same Foundation that once supported her.

Now, Karla supports other children and youth who struggle with the same emotional burdens she once carried. She is an example of the full-circle impact that holistic health care can have. The Common Hope Health Program — which includes medical and dental care, as well as mental health counseling and workshops — now serves hundreds of families in Antigua and beyond. By integrating health services with education and family support, the program makes it possible for students to not only attend school, but to thrive in all areas of their lives.

In Karla’s words, the support of donors makes all the difference: “To the sponsors and donors — may God bless you, because without even knowing us, you’ve supported our dreams.”

Her story reminds us that health is not just about treating illness — it's about affirming human dignity, nurturing confidence, and opening doors to a future filled with purpose.

Thank you for helping make that future possible.