One of the poorest Latin American countries, Guatemala suffers a poverty rate of over 55%, according to leading humanitarian aid organizations like UNICEF. In rural areas, poverty is at an alarming 80% and causes half of the children to suffer from malnutrition.

In an effort to combat this devastating situation, some are willing to make a difference, showing hope in the face of despair. Michael Shawver, theology teacher and KINO Club moderator, has answered the call for years to be a man for and with others during his summer service in Guatemala. Through a relief organization named Unbound, Shawver and his family went on the journey to Guatemala to meet the families he has been helping to support.

Two of the girls, Maria and Alba, receive monthly donations to improve their homes, buy school supplies, and provide extra food.

Although malnutrition is the main concern facing these women, Shawver explained that physical and emotional abuse is also normalized in these smaller communities.

Intense poverty also restricts solid mental health support through counseling or therapy to help with the trauma and abuse of such neglectful situations.

Shawver’s family was so moved that they decided to support another student, a girl named Germayoni, pronounced Hermione, “like in Harry Potter,” Shawver said.

Having bonded through this special experience, he shares how the sponsorship of these three families will provide the children with the hope of a better future. Shawver also wants to continue this mission of humanitarian and immigration outreach on campus through the Kino Club and Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

“Through our clubs, we hope to sponsor two more students through Unbound’s Global Classmates program,” he shared. “There is a lot of room for our clubs and our community to support and promote the amazing work of relief organizations.”