By Jordan Fuller, President, Global Investment and Operations, Humanity and Hope United Foundation
In March, I visited our Honduran family, and my main takeaway was the staggering impact of education. Nelson Mandela said, "Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world." The students I spoke with exemplify that changing world. Here are a few stories:
David Valladares, 19, La Cuchilla
David's life has been far from easy. David's dad left his mom and two younger siblings when he was pretty young. As H&H began partnering with La Cuchilla, His mom, Miriam, really encouraged him to pursue his education. David and his mom had a special relationship, and he followed his mom's advice and continued his education at the glass school in El Progreso. Heartbreakingly, Miriam passed away (only in her 30s) in 2019 of kidney failure. Her death left David and his younger brothers (Jose Luis and Anthony) alone.
At that point, David decided he no longer wanted to continue his education. Life was too hard, and forgoing his education would make his life easier. Thankfully, Aminta stepped in as a mentor figure for him. As a result, David continued his education, graduated from the glass school, and was accepted into the Honduran Military Academy with students from Central America. There, David will receive a free university education in addition to serving in the Honduran military. This weekend, Aminta picked him up from the military academy for vacation during Holy Week. She was happy to report that he enjoys school even though it is a challenge, and he is excited that he will have a job upon graduation. David is a role model for his two younger brothers and the rest of the community.
Jimmy Navarro, 21, La Coroza
Jimmy's upbringing was also a challenge. Jimmy is the second of eight kids, and at a young age, his father was murdered. When H&H opened the door to secondary education for Jimmy, he was not interested. Jimmy believed he needed to help his Mom provide for his siblings. He'd work in the palm fields and anywhere he could find work.
Aminta, my dad, and Riley each tried to sell Jimmy on the opportunities available through education. Jimmy was not buying it. His Mom, Chayo, laughed through a story with me earlier this year of remembering Riley literally chasing Jimmy through La Coroza so they could have a conversation about education. Something clicked for Jimmy, and he focused on his education.
This year, his final at the Glass School, Jimmy and one of his classmates from La Coroza, Alex, were chosen to receive an internship in Guatemala where they will receive a special certification. As I spoke with Jimmy last week, he was working on a PowerPoint about his university plans. He plans to study English and French. Through speaking with him, Jimmy oozed confidence. He knows he has potential. Darwin and I were later talking about Jimmy, and Darwin told me, "Jimmy is going places." Jimmy also plays a huge role in helping his younger siblings with their education.
Remolino Secondary Students
Finally, I had the pleasure of meeting with the middle school and high school students in Remolino. Through our COVID masks, we talked about the challenges presented by remote education, and the students contributed great ideas on how to overcome those obstacles. We had an excellent discourse on where we wanted to be in 10 years.
I heard about all the careers such as agriculture, accounting, business management, engineering, cosmetology, and ministry. But, each student said in 10 years, they saw themselves helping their families. Two students, Adamarys Buezo and Sergio Bonilla, stated they saw themselves as H&H education sponsors because they want other students to have the same opportunities they did. Coincidentally, at that exact moment, it got really dusty in the room at that moment, and I got choked up. :)
Education is changing these lives. Each one of them is unlocking their potential and identity. And you are encouraging more lives toward generosity and love.
Thank you for being a part of the H&H family. Lives and generations are changing due to your partnership.