From Mayan Village to College Graduate: Franklin’s Inspiring Journey
As the oldest of three boys of a widowed mother, Franklin’s desire to earn a college degree remained a dream due to the meager finances of the household. Without an education, Franklin would have to resign to a life of manual labor (like those before him) close to his home, a remote location in the western highlands of Guatemala.
Four years ago, finding Freedom through Friendship (FFF) welcomed Franklin’s family into their widow program. During this time, FFF built a home for the family and provided them with monthly food staples. While this support significantly improved the family’s situation, FFF did not overlook the importance of the children’s education in achieving financial stability. With five children and no formal education, Isabel relied on her sons to supplement the family’s income.
In 2021, Franklin was granted a life-changing opportunity when he was accepted into FFF’s college scholarship program. Understanding his role as the eldest sibling and the ‘head’ of the household, Franklin balanced his online studies with his work in the fields to support his family. However, the lack of a computer was a significant obstacle. Franklin turned to FFF for help: he could not be competitive in his studies without a computer.
In the fall of 2022, FFF’s facilitators presented Franklin with a computer and a printer. Franklin also received a uniform and a year’s subscription to an internet service provider.
“Dear FFF, Without the computer, I would not have any way to advance with my studies and complete my coursework. And even when the internet signal is poor, I do not stop studying. I continue to be excited to pursue this beautiful opportunity so that my dreams do not die.”Sincerely, Franklin
Franklin’s graduation date was in May of 2024, making him the first college graduate in his surrounding village. Franklin completed his University practicum in Psychology, which involved teaching classes at the high school level. Graduating from college is a fantastic accomplishment for a young man from a remote and isolated Mayan village.
FFF approaches each widow and her family holistically. Upon Franklin’s graduation, the family will have received a house, nutrition, education fees for Franklin’s brother Arturo, and a college scholarship for Franklin. The long-term success of this family rests on the shoulders of these determined and educated young men.
The journey from elementary school to college graduation for an Indigenous Mayan student from a poor background, especially as the child of a single mother, is fraught with challenges. Franklin walked hundreds of miles along dirt trails to obtain his education. He was challenged socially and faced hardships that would have hindered most young men. Addressing these obstacles requires a multi-faceted approach involving economic support, educational reform, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement. Franklin joins the ranks of the five other FFF university graduates, who are now employed and helping to break the generational cycle of poverty.
