Alberto Ramirez, our Practice Partner who is also employed part-time by Local Hope, is a young man with big dreams. He is originally from San Martín Sacatepéquez, and has returned to school to become an accountant after having to abandon his education earlier in his life to go to work and help support his large family, including 3 brothers, and 2 sisters. In 2019, Alberto’s love for learning and his deep desire to return to school was recognized by Local Hope staff, and he was recruited to join our Leadership Program. Now supported by a LEAP Educational Scholarship, Alberto has returned to school, some 14 years later! To continue to help his family, while he is studying, Alberto works as a receptionist in Local Hope’s Eco-Guest House. Provided a tutor in 2020 by Local Hope, Alberto is thankfully bilingual—Spanish and English—and has already enjoyed being a Local Hope Practice Partner with his first clients.

Practice Partner Sergio Israel Gómez Pérez wishes to study Hotel and Tourism Administration at a university after he finishes his gastronomy coursework at a private technical school. He is the third of six brothers and sisters, and he helps to suppot his large, single-mother family. When his family became fatherless when he was child Sergio began to work at odd jobs and eventually in construction. In January 2021, Local Hope staff recognized Sergio's love of learning and his deep desire to continue studying, and recruited him to join our Leadership Training Program. Now, with the support of a LEAP Educational Scholarship, Sergio will complete his gastronomy degree and have the opportunity to study Hospitality and Tourism Management at university next year. His work as a Practice Partner will help him fund his studies!

Practice Partner Flor Cardona has distinguished herself among students in Local Hope’s Leadership Program. Her greatest wish is to graduate from university with a degree in Social Work. She is currently in her second year of social work studies. Flor lives in Boca Costa, one of the most underserved communities in the region. The belief that women don’t need to be educated is still pervasive in her community, and she continues to study despite family and neighbors insisting that she is wasting precious resources since “study is only for men.” While studying, Flor must work to contribute to meeting the needs of her six-person family, AND to cover her education expenses. In 2021 the Local Hope staff recognized their desire to improve and recruited her to join our Leadership Program. She has teaching experience, and is looking forward to practicing with you!