It’s technically verano in Guatemala, the opposite of rainy season, but the air has started growing cooler and crisper. (Luckily for us in the land of eternal spring, cooler and crisper only means lows of 65°F instead of the usual 75°F we enjoy for most of the year.) Each year with the cooler weather we enter into a season of celebrations, which will culminate with the December holidays. But for us at Common Hope, the major celebration of the season takes place in November: high school graduations!
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the graduation ceremony for 142 of our affiliated students, each of whom has soared over many hurdles to reach this achievement. Over 500 people were in attendance to accompany the graduates on this exciting occasion.
The dedicated parents wiped away a tear or two, those who have made so many sacrifices for their children to get this far. There’s a strong temptation to pull their kids out of school so they can start contributing a steady income to the struggling family economy. They deserve much recognition for prioritizing education over so many other concerns.
Former affiliated students entertain the graduation gathering.
Our caring staff and volunteers smiled and applauded, they who’ve followed each of the student’s progress closely. The social workers have made home visits to inquire about school attendance, grades, and classroom difficulties. The doctors have guided students and family members back to health so that studies can progress in optimal fashion. And the construction staff has made family homes safer and drier with new cement floors, sturdy roofs, and more efficient stoves.
A nice smattering of sponsors had traveled great distances to be present, those who’ve given the students so much more than their monthly donation to the organization. Jonathan, the master of ceremonies and a former affiliated student, spoke about how much his sponsor meant to him during his schooling, inspiring and motivating him through letters to continue with his education. One couple in attendance had been sponsoring the same student since first grade, finally realizing their shared dream of celebrating his high school graduation together.
This school year has been filled with many obstacles for the students, the parents, the sponsors and Common Hope. But on this day we could all come together and revel in the moment. We’ve all worked very hard to reach this celebration, which will carry us through the next year of challenges, as we push and support the younger students to realize their own goals and reach their own milestones.
Latest posts by Lisa Hetzel
- Evaluating Our Impact - December 23rd, 2009
- Educational Exchange with New Hope Teachers - December 15th, 2009
- How to Get Your Home-Culture Fix - December 4th, 2009
- What Are You Thankful For? - November 26th, 2009
- Nonprofit Network Launches Website - November 20th, 2009
- Milking Your Tax Dollars from Afar - November 6th, 2009
- Going Green(er) in Guatemala - October 16th, 2009
- The Hidden Benefits of Volunteering - October 9th, 2009
- Secrets to Landing a Volunteer Position - October 2nd, 2009
- A Smorgasbord of Volunteer Opportunities, Chapin Style - September 28th, 2009
