My name is Mario Cancax, and I was born in 2002 in a small village surrounded by forests and mountains where I enjoyed hiking. My early education took place at the San Bernabé Educational Computing Center, named after the village where I live. This was a national school until a group of kind-hearted foreigners helped transform it into one of the best facilities in the area, providing scholarships to all families in the village.
Early Education and Achievements
During my basic studies in school, I participated in various science fairs that included written exams in different subjects, but I only competed in mathematics. In 2016, while in second grade, I achieved first place in a national competition, marking a significant accomplishment for me within the student community.
Unfortunately, after this achievement, I could not continue my studies at my beloved school because the highest authority there prohibited mentioning God, as he was considered an atheist. This directly affected my family’s interests, leading them to prevent us from continuing our education there; when one family member withdrew, it was mandatory for the rest to leave as well.
Transition to NPH
At the beginning of 2017, we still did not know where we would continue our studies. My parents lacked the financial means to pay for all my siblings’ education at a private school and believed that a national school would be of lower academic quality than what we had previously experienced. Through a priest serving in the town of Parramos, whom we knew as Father Tulio due to his close relationship with my father, we learned about the family of Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (NPH), which had programs to assist needy families and scholarships for children unable to continue their education independently. Thus, they got acquainted with NPHG’s facilities and met with the directors to apply for educational scholarships.
It was February, and we still didn’t know if we would be studying; then our parents came home one afternoon with notebooks and pencils for each of us, telling us we would start studying the next day. I remember they had already been studying for at least 20 days, which meant we were behind in our studies, but it brought great joy to know we could continue our education.
Adapting to NPH
The first few months were about adapting and learning about NPH’s activities since it was our first significant change in life; previously, it had been solely about studying without intermediate activities. At NPH, there was a noticeable difference between a school that prioritizes discipline above all else and one that encourages freedom while fulfilling obligations.
That same year, I was invited by the Chimaltenango departmental education office to receive recognition for my achievement at the Science Fair the previous year. It was a great honor to receive this award wearing the NPH uniform; thanks to them, I could continue studying, and this was the least I could do to repay their support.
Continuing Education
By the end of the year, I struggled to find a place that would accept me until I had a meeting with Orlando Ramos. He offered me an opportunity to continue my high school studies with NPH’s assistance covering my tuition fees. This program was still in its trial phase and depended on me so that other young people living around NPH could also apply for similar scholarships. The conditions were to maintain good grades and attend meetings or activities organized by NPH.
I am unsure if I did well enough, but the program continues today with more young people benefiting from this great help. This has allowed many of them to find opportunities for growth; however, many limitations still affect this assistance program.
Recognition and Community Service
In 2019, while studying fifth year of high school with a focus on Computing, I qualified for a national public speaking competition that provided unforgettable experiences such as being part of a session within Guatemala’s Congress or receiving recognition and gifts from members of parliament at that time. During this event, many young people from different parts of Guatemala interacted with a group from Israel who shared knowledge about their religion and customs as well as technological advancements that could benefit us if used wisely.
This experience helped me appreciate that every culture and religion has its beauty. Consequently, during Guatemala’s Independence Day celebration on September 15th, I was invited by municipal authorities to serve as “mayor for a day” and deliver a speech before all young people and children from various institutions in Parramos.
Current Studies and Future Aspirations
In 2020 and 2021, I completed two years of community service for NPH in gratitude for their support. My work involved producing vegetable products to reduce food costs for the institution.
Since 2022 until now, NPHG has provided financial assistance for my university studies. I am pursuing a degree in Criminology and Criminal Policy; thank God I’m currently in my fifth semester and hope to find work related to my field of study in the future.
I believe I’ve met scholarship requirements not 100%, but I strive to do what little I can with great effort.
Without NPH from a young age, my only option would have been work while hoping to study in the future. This wonderful family has facilitated various phases of my life by always providing growth opportunities when doors closed elsewhere. My parents taught me that a good place is not just about discipline but also about placing God first alongside discipline; this is what I’ve found at NPH—a place where God is prioritized above any activity regardless of employees’ religions—making it an institution unlike any other.
Thank you for everything you do; not everyone possesses such generous hearts willing to help those in need. NPH has given me a path toward growth and improving my lifestyle. Everything I’ve recounted would not have happened without NPH.
* The above narrative is presented as the personal story of Mario Cancax. However, it is important to clarify that while Mario shared his experiences and reflections, the actual writing and composition of this text were carried out by another individual. This distinction emphasizes that the voice and perspective belong to Mario, but the expression of those thoughts is the work of a separate writer.