Growing up, Sonia would wake in the early morning hours, and instead of heading to school, she’d walk for about 45 minutes to get to the city landfill. Day after day, sunshine or rain, she was at the garbage dump in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, collecting all kinds of plastic, aluminum, clothing, and anything else she could find to sell. After sorting through trash for eight to ten hours a day, she would earn an average of about $5 a day.

This has been Sonia’s life, and it’s been all about survival. Sonia, now 54, has shown determination and perseverance. This past year, she used those skills in a new way. 

One of Sonia’s granddaughters, Breilyn, is a Samaritan Scholar. Breilyn enrolled Sonia in a literacy program at her school. For hours, and with the supervision of her teachers, Breilyn worked to teach her grandmother to read and write. Sonia says it’s harder for her to see clearly now, but she wasn’t going to let that be an obstacle to learning. 

Her perseverance was rewarded. Not only can Sonia read and write, but when Breilyn’s school district held its graduation ceremonies in November 2024, Sonia received a diploma attesting to the fact that she has now completed all the requirements to graduate from primary school. 

What an accomplishment! Sonia and her husband, Raúl, didn’t have the opportunity to stay in school. They both had to drop out to help their family earn money. Not only did Sonia and Raúl raise their seven children with the income they earned from their collections at the dumpsite, but they are also raising several grandchildren.

Sonia is so proud of her granddaughter for giving her these new skills. If an opportunity arises to learn, Sonia says that one must take advantage of it, no matter their age.

Sonia’s family and community are proud of her. She has shown us all that the scars of life do not have to prevent our accomplishments. 

This Mother’s Day, honor your mom or a special woman in your life with a donation that will help give children a path out of poverty.

After you make a donation, we’ll send her a Mother’s Day card that recognizes your gift in her name.

A gift of $30 can provide school uniforms and new shoes. A gift of $100 will feed a scholar’s family for a month, allowing the student to focus on school.

Thanks to generous supporters who cover administrative expenses, 100% of your gift on behalf of your mom or a special woman in your life will go to help children in need.

 Make a Gift: Honor Your Mom

Erika Cuevas, Program Director

Erika has a degree in Management and Social Development. She has been working with International Samaritan since 2016 and before that she worked with at-risk children and youth for thirteen years. Her work consistently focuses on eradicating child labor in the municipal garbage dumps.