For César, art isn’t just a talent; it’s a refuge. As he studies and plans for a life out of poverty, painting allows him to release emotions, heal, and transform ideas into something visible. 

César discovered his passion for art at a very young age. While other children played with friends, he found his best companionship in pencils and blank sheets of paper. At age 5, he began drawing Marvel superheroes, imagining battles and creating worlds that existed only in his mind.

That talent grew with him. He wasn’t satisfied with traditional art supplies, but he loved experimenting with what he had around him: mixing earth with water to create tones, drawing with charcoal, flour, stones, or even the green pigment from tree branches. For César, everything could be transformed into art. At 16, he tried painting, and at 17, he sold his first work. That moment marked him and showed him that his art had value and could reach others.

César donated several of his works of art for the auction, including the painting of the dumpsite that he’s holding on the left, and “Explosion Geometrica” that he’s working on in the photo on the right.

As a teenager, he considered studying medicine. “I liked the idea of ​​helping people, but I didn’t feel satisfied; it wasn’t my thing,” he said.

It was then that he decided to tap into the talent he already had within him and pursue graphic design, a career that would allow him to combine what he enjoys most with his professional future. César looks to the future with the conviction that art will take him far. He dreams of combining painting and graphic design to create unique projects, whether in the design of motorcycles, cars, or even the development of new technological ideas.
 
Today, at age 20, he dreams of finishing his university degree, not only for himself, but also to fulfill his father’s wish: to see him succeed and become a professional. His parents have been his main driving force and support since he was a child. 

“My mom bought me notebooks, saved my drawings, and took photos of them. My dad helped me get my first colors and materials. They were the ones who motivated me to keep going,” he said.

César mentored several scholarship students in Nicaragua as they worked to submit art for the Shine A Light: Artist Showcase & Auction.

Beyond creating, César also desires to teach and motivate children and young people who, like him, often lack support or resources. His dream is to guide them and show them that art can be a life path.

“I didn’t have much support when I started drawing. I didn’t know how to do it. I just drew, and practice, along with patience, made me draw a little better,” he said. “So I’d like to be of help to other people who are passionate about art and who may be discouraged, by motivating them to continue and explaining how to do it so they can develop their art. I want them to remember that art is beautiful and worthwhile.”

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.

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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.