Meet Morelia
Morelia believes that hard work is key to achieving dreams, and there’s no better proof than her own journey: From being an affiliated student to graduating and becoming a successful professional!
Growing up, she faced family struggles and economic instability, with her mother as the primary provider and her sister managing the household. Despite these challenges, Morelia dreamed of a better future.
She found a safe space at Common Hope | Familias de Esperanza, where she discovered the tools and encouragement needed to thrive. She participated in technical drawing classes, received educational reinforcement, and completed an English course that inspired her to pursue a career teaching english.
In 2023, Morelia graduated from high school with a Bilingual Secretary diploma and excellent grades. Now she works as a secretary and English teacher at our New Hope School, where she continues to grow professionally.
Morelia believes that the support she received gave her a renewed sense of purpose! She recognizes the positive impact of Common Hope’s programs on the development of students and families, providing opportunities to transform their future.
“Common Hope | Familias de esperanza help me to transform my reality and discover I that I can achieve anything I set my mind to” - Morelia
Celebrate Brilliant Minds
“I’d tell students to take full advantage of the education they are receiving so that in the future they don’t miss out good opportunities. I thank God for the donors, for opening their hearts and supporting me when I needed it most, and for their generosity that allows other young students to achieve their dreams.” - Yendri
“To the children and adolescents, I would say: work hard, cherish every opportunity, and make the most of all the resources Common Hope provides! To the sponsors and donors, I deeply want to thank them for all their support to education and for cultivating hope in so many students, as I once was” - Morelia
“Thanks to the educational support, I feel more confident, capable and with clearer goals for my future.” - Morelia
“Thank you all for your generous support! Thank you for believing in us and trusting that every effort can transform lives and build futures.” - Karla
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Meet Jefry
Jefry is about to enter high school and has big dreams for the future!
As a resilient and dedicated student, he has maintained good grades despite facing challenges, including the loss of his mother and the shared responsibility of supporting his family and household alongside his dad. Education expenses used to frustrate him, and he found math particularly tough.
Supported by Common Hope | Familias de Esperanza, Jefry has been overcoming these challenges.
At New Hope School, he receives personalized math tutoring and vocational counseling. At our Homework Center he founds every school supply he needs and teachers guidance with his homework. Now that his older brother has graduated and started working, his family’s financial situation has improved.
Jefry values the encouraging environment at New Hope School, where he values the teaching approach and the trust he has built with teachers and classmates. He dreams of graduating with a diploma in Electronics and Digital Devices, attending college, and eventually creating a company focused on cybersecurity. Jefry knows that resilience and responsibility are key to achieving his dreams and practices these values every day.
Meet Yendri
Yendri began his journey with Common Hope | Familias de Esperanza when he was just 4 years old.
His family faced economic barriers, struggling to afford the school uniform and all the school supplies he needed. Yendri remembers feeling worried every time the teachers asked for new materials. He used to avoid asking his parents for supplies because he knew they didn’t have the resources to cover those costs. Accessing healthcare was another big challenge for them.
Since they joined Common Hope | Familias de Esperanza, Yendri has access to all the resources he needs to succeed in school: The Homework Center has shown him study habits, how to organize his time better and to focus on his education. At the Computer Course and Research Center Yendri leaned how to use a PC, also receiving the tools and supplieshe needs for learning and homework.
At our New Hope School, Yendri stands out for his leadership and kindness: he prioritizes his schoolwork, motivates his classmates to do homework together, and is always respectful and helpful. Yendri dreams of becoming a lawyer one day!
“I have felt more motivated, my performance at school has improved and I even feel more creative when doing my homework” - Yendri
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Meet Karla
Karla is in her final year of college studying Psychology. Her story reflects our mission: students graduating, finding meaningful work, and breaking the cycle of limited opportunities.
When she was growing up, her living conditions were challenging. Without access to running water, her family had to carry it from a public deposit several blocks away to wash clothes, dishes, and bathe. “We treated water as if it were gold”, she recalls. There was also no electricity or access to early childhood education.
Karla was shy and afraid of many things. Socializing and making friends was difficult for her, which made going to school a challenge.
Supported by Common Hope | Familias de Esperanza, she had access to educational programs and extracurricular activities that helped her grow both personally and academically. She received essential school supplies and reinforcement classes, especially in math.
Additionally, Karla had access to healthcare services and emotional support, developing her social skills and self-confidence. Her family’s living conditions improved as well, from one shared wooden space to more stable block house with rooms.
Inspired by her journey, Karla dreams of giving back to her community by helping others who have faced similar struggles. By studying psychology, she aims to provide emotional support to children and teenagers. She is currently completing her internship at Familias de Esperanza.
hola amigos
The holidays remind us of what truly matters: connection, generosity, and the joy of helping others reach their full potential. This season, we invite you to give with purpose and Celebrate Brilliant Minds.
Below, you’ll find stories of students and families whose determination and courage are lighting the way toward a brighter future in Guatemala. Our Brilliant Minds Gift Catalog was created to honor their achievements and inspire meaningful giving. Each featured gift represents an area of Common Hope’s work—education, health, housing, and family development—that helps brilliant minds continue to grow.