When Marina Cucul realized her little girl Veronica was deaf, she was devastated. She thought Veronica would never be able to communicate with anyone, or attend school. Marina was afraid that Veronica’s life would be spent in a prison of silence.

For almost 13 years, Marina’s worst fears were realized. The family had nowhere to turn for assistance, and they were not aware that there were ways to overcome Veronica’s disability. But then Marina and her five children moved to New Hope Village, and things began to change.

Common Hope’s social workers took Marina to visit a school for the deaf in Guatemala City. For the first time, Marina realized that there were other children like Veronica and that there were ways she could learn to communicate. Veronica has begun learning sign language. She also attends New Hope School, so that she can begin socializing with children from the village and preparing to attend the special school in Guatemala City.

Now that Marina knows about the opportunities that exist for Veronica, she is determined that her daughter receives an education. But the family still faces obstacles. Marina is a single parent who must support and care for all five children on her own. Getting Veronica to school in Guatemala City will not be easy. We will do all we can to help. We are working with Marina and the other members of the community to help the Cucul family realize this dream.

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