Meet Daniel
Daniel is a normal, 11-year-old fifth grader. He has two older brothers and two younger siblings. His younger siblings, Christel and Pablo, are also in our school. Daniel started with us in second grade. We immediately noticed that he was very smart and it was important to prepare additional work for him, as he was always the first one finished. He loves soccer and sports and excelled in PE class as well, thriving on competition. He likes to build and create new things and enjoys science and experiments. Since elementary school in Guatemala goes through sixth grade, Daniel was in his last years with us.
Both of Daniel’s parents have inconsistent work, as his father is a mechanic and his mother works selling food or other products. They have struggled financially over the years and have had many unexpected challenges, such as when one of the cars his father was working on was stolen and the family became responsible for paying the owner for his loss. The pandemic hit them especially hard, so we quickly began helping with monthly food bags and the parents were so appreciative. We have also helped with clothing and other needs of the kids on many occasions throughout their years with us
Toward the end of the first quarter of this year, Daniel disappeared. Since we are still doing distance learning here in Guatemala, the parents arrive each Friday to turn in work and receive the next week’s packet. Daniel’s dad continued coming to turn in work for Christel and Pablo, but not for Daniel. He also stopped connecting to his Zoom classes. We consistently asked the parents what was going on and only received answers of, “Not yet. We’ll explain soon, when we’re sure.” We didn’t even know what that meant.
Finally we were able to sit down with Daniel’s dad and get the truth. And we were shocked. Our fun-loving, fifth-grade Daniel left Guatemala, traveled through Mexico, and crossed the border into the US. His parents could only confirm that he had made it, that he was safe. They signed him over to an uncle and hoped he would have better opportunities there. Our fear is that, as an 11-year-old, he will begin working to send money home to his family. But we choose to hope that he will attend school, that he will indeed find a better future.
This is the reality of life in Guatemala. Fifth graders leave their families in search of a better life. This is why we fight each day for a better Guatemala, a better future for our kids. This is why your support matters.
