Article submitted by Becky Ramirez, MVI Donor and Prayer Partner
The EYES have it! The most notable features of the children Gus and I are privileged to meet at the schools we are involved with in Central America are their EYES! They are bright, smiling and alert! It is always refreshing to witness the joy their eyes exude as well as their appreciation for the opportunity to attend a school where a strong academic base is formed and the joy of knowing Jesus is shared. We have observed a transformation in the lives and hearts of children all over Central America.
Children in the countries of Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador are underserved educationally by their country’s public schools. The classrooms are over-crowded, with insufficient learning materials and furniture. Much schooling consists of copying by rote from a blackboard. Oftentimes, the students arrive for class to find no educators. Education usually is ‘last’ for girls in Central America. The children struggle to learn in this environment and it is easy to become ‘lost’ and turn to less desirable means of existence.
What a delight it is to experience the learning taking place in schools like Casa D’Attaraya in El Salvador; Las Huellas del Maestro in Honduras; Nicaragua Christian Academy I And NCA II in Nicaragua…only to name a few. Hope is evident; dreams of a better future are being formed. Most importantly, God’s Truth is learned in the atmosphere provided to these young people who are the future of their countries. Here they learn to walk with God while developing values and disciplines which will be used during their lifetime. They develop a new vision and purpose. For me, it is evident in their EYES!
Francisco, who is learning freedom
I am reminded of Francisco who is learning freedom from the oppression his family has faced. Francisco’s dream is to become an entrepreneur—pursuing business, combining his baking and cooking skills. Through his Christ-centered education, his goal is becoming real. While a student, he has been helping with the feeding program at the school, giving his time, talent, even cleaning skills back to his school, at the same time setting an example for the other students to see and learn from. He is presently studying baking/trade classes through a local trade school while completing his education.
Irma, realizes her value to God
Irma, one of five children, came to school as a quiet and shy 3rd grader, unable to read. She had the mentality that, as a girl, her place was only to clean, cook and serve—without the hope to change that mind-set so ingrained in the country. Now, as a 7th grader, Irma’s confidence has grown, she commented that she felt valued and more able to express herself. She is now reading at grade level, is a leader in her youth group and “realizes her value to God.”
Claudia, wants to become a pediatric doctor
Claudia, another student at an MVI-related school, has wanted to become a pediatric doctor. Her younger brother’s poor health has given her opportunities to experience the frustration of depending on the local health care system where hundreds of people line up at the common medical center hoping to be able to see a doctor. She is now an 11th grade student taking accelerated science and health courses at the school. Her family is poor: Her mother, a hard-working woman, makes tortillas to sell in the market. Claudia’s education has enhanced her goals: She wants to give back to her community, working with children needing care in the area. Her eyes demonstrate the hope within her.
The eye is the lamp of the body. Matthew 6:22
The eyes of the students we meet at the various Christ-centered schools across Central America are truly the windows to their souls. It is evident. These children are acquiring knowledge and advancing. Most importantly, they are learning to walk with God and shine for Him.