Last week I had one of those days that ends with a full heart and a grateful soul. Here in Villa Guadalupe, we invited twenty girls in our Samaritan scholarship program to see the movie Lilo & Stitch at the theater. The girls and some of their mothers gathered at our center with a joy that was contagious. They couldn’t stop smiling; they were all ready to experience something special.

It was the first time any of us had seen this film, and doing so in a movie theater made the experience even more magical. Throughout the screening, they completely immersed themselves in the story, laughed a lot, and enjoyed every scene, but it was clear that the film left them with more than just entertainment; their expressions held reflection and a genuine connection to the film’s message.

The phrase that resonated the most was, “Ohana means family, and family never abandons you or forgets you.” The girls repeated it over and over again as they left, but the most beautiful thing was what they themselves added! I heard the girls tell each other that this is what it feels like to be part of this International Samaritan scholarship program: a family that supports and cares!

Twenty of our Samaritan Scholars recently took a trip to the movies.

Here are two of their comments:

“The scholarship program is like a family because they give me love, support me in difficult situations, and in my school activities, and listen to me.”

—Alejandra, 8th grade

“I consider the program like a second family. They’ve been there for me and supported me through so many things. The program guides me and helps me grow, just like a real family would.”

—Emily, 11th grade

This experience made me pause to think about the beautiful impact we are having on their lives. They have a place where they feel safe, loved, and heard. When we see them express themselves with such emotion, when we feel their sincere gratitude, and when we hear them say they feel protected here, we understand that we are sowing something valuable. That we are making a positive and lasting difference in their lives.

It was a deeply meaningful afternoon. They teach me every day that love and support truly transform lives. This experience confirmed something I already felt in my heart: that this program is a place where we all feel part of something beautiful. It’s a family, it’s our big Ohana. And how wonderful it is to be a part of it.

If you haven’t watched Lilo & Stitch, check out the trailer to see how this movie captured the hearts of a group of Samaritan Scholars.

International Samaritan is a Christ-centered organization built on Catholic Social Teaching. Our mission is to walk hand-in-hand with people who live and work in the garbage dumps of developing nations to help them break out of poverty.

We provide holistic scholarships for students from kindergarten through college, and we’re currently supporting nearly 1,000 scholars in Central America, the Caribbean, and East Africa.

Would your church or school group like to partner and travel with us? Learn about our Learn, Serve, Grow program.

Empower our scholars to change their lives. Become a monthly supporter.

Laura Cuevas, Program Coordinator

Laura is a Systems Engineering student and has been working as a coordinator at International Samaritan since 2022, marking the beginning of her professional career. Her connection with the organization began in 2019 when she received a scholarship, which has strengthened her commitment to education as a tool to transform lives and break family cycles. Passionate about working with children and young people, Laura enjoys spending time with them, passing on her knowledge and contributing to their growth.