Education for Impoverished Guatemalan Youth

Graduation week was filled with fun activities, touching moments, and inspirational speeches. We had the honor of receiving 47 visitors who came to celebrate the graduation of 147 students and 3 university students.

The graduation ceremony was emceed by Mynor Lemus, Director of New Hope, and Lys Barrios, Sponsorship Coordinator in Guatemala. The program included participation from parents, sponsors, students, and staff. Juana Olinda, known to many of us as Doña Oli, spoke on behalf of the parents; her family has been affiliated with Common Hope for 16 years. Doña Oli’s youngest son, Kevin, was graduating and she expressed her deep gratitude to Common Hope for all their support:

“It is a dream come true to have all five of our children graduate with professional degrees, something that is difficult to achieve in these times, but that isn’t impossible. And that is where we see the support of Common Hope reflected; because alongside my support and that of my husband was Common Hope; alongside the effort of my children was Common Hope. Today, we can all say ‘Mission Accomplished!’ as we present a new group of professionals to the country.”

Dr. Steven Humbert spoke on behalf of the sponsors and shared his gratitude for the opportunity to be in relationship with his sponsored students and their families. With a lot of practice and preparation, Steve prepared his remarks in Spanish so that he could speak directly to the students and families. Steve and his wife Lynn have sponsored nine students over the years and are currently sponsoring five students, including Amanda, who graduated this year. In addition to being a sponsor, Steve has also visited Guatemala 28 times leading dental teams of graduating dentists from the University of Minnesota, providing dental services to families in San Rafael, New Hope and Antigua.

Graduation week in Guatemala is such an amazing time for the students, families, and also for the staff members. It's an opportunity to reflect on the hardships many students had to overcome and a time to celebrate their triumphs. In many ways, graduation signifies the culmination of all the work set in motion throughout the years. And as staff, visitors, and families members watched the 147 graduates walk in their caps and gowns, it was hard not to be moved by the immense sense of peace, pride, and happiness knowing these students are on the path to a brighter future.

Thank you to all of the donors who support Common Hope's work in Guatemala. Your gifts make education possible, which in turn makes HOPE possible.