A Note of Gratitude From One of Our Students

Meet Francisco, one of our Finding Freedom through Friendship scholarship students. Living in a remote village in the western highlands of rural Guatemala puts Francisco at risk of being one of over 60% of teenagers in his area who do not continue onto high school. https://www.usaid.gov/guatemala/education

There is little hope for the future of a country that hosts a plethora of uneducated youth. Mayan girls without educational opportunities marry early, become child brides, and are at risk of domestic violence. A community of restless teenage boys without opportunity leads to illegal migration, social unrest and gang violence.

Finding Freedom remains committed to our scholarship students as they negotiate the unending challenges of virtual education. Francisco has big dreams for himself.

Here, in his own words, are his feelings about the gift of education:

January 2, 2022

Dear Finding Freedom through Friendship Board Members,

With all my heart I send you a cordial greeting from my humble Village and I address you with these words: I wish you the best of your life, and that you have success in the work that you do every day. May God take care of your existence and above all multiply his rich blessings on your work and continue giving life to your heart of solidarity.

Subsequently, I would like to express my sincere thanks for your generosity without which I could not achieve my chosen ambition to study for a stable future with my family. The scholarship will allow me to obtain my profession of Teaching Teaching of Second Education in Pedagogy and Psychology, which is one of the careers that since I was a child I have been fascinated to achieve.

I do not have adequate words to thank this great help that you are giving me and my family, I only have to say, thank you very much. I am completely happy with everything.

My goal is to make it to the end of my college career, earn my degree, find a job that provides me with an income and I know that all of this will only be achieved with your valuable support for me. I am a young man full of goals. I like to study a lot, to be an example to the youngest who want to achieve their dreams. I will work hard as a responsible student and do my best to take advantage of and value the support you are giving me. Thank you for helping me achieve my career and allowing me to focus on my goals without being distracted by financial concerns. Happy New Year !!