Villa Guadalupe is home to more than 1,000 people. This area was once part of the capital city’s dumpsite, and it is where our Samaritan Scholars and their families live.

Most of the parents of our scholars previously earned their living by working at the open-air dumpsite, sorting through recyclables and other items to sell. When the dumpsite was closed off in 2016, some area residents found employment at a new recycling plant, and others applied their entrepreneurial spirit to starting businesses outside of the dumpsite. Here are three examples of hardworking mothers who have found creative ways to support their families.

Yenny

While Yenny used to work at the landfill, she now sells handmade jewelry from recycled paper, makes personalized piñatas that brighten up community festivals, and she sells delicious nacatamales. Additionally, with a sewing machine that she received 15 years ago in a basic sewing workshop, she repairs clothes at home, offering a service to her neighbors. Two of Yenny’s three children, Brandon, 13, & Erick, 17, are Samaritan Scholars. 

Despite facing difficult situations and having limited financial resources, she has shown her three children and the community of Villa Guadalupe that, with dedication and love, anything is possible.

Tina

Tina is another exemplary mother who also previously worked at the garbage dump. She has three children, two of whom are currently Samaritan Scholars, Douglas, 15, and Dilan, 12. To generate income, she makes ice cream in different fruit flavors from her home and sells bags of ice in the community. 

This job allows her to stay active and at the same time take care of her children without difficulties and contribute to the well-being of her family. She teaches them the importance of taking advantage of every educational opportunity to build a better future and achieve a better quality of life.

Flor

Flor never learned how to read or write, but this mother does everything possible to support the education of her son, one of our Samaritan Scholars, José, 11. Flor seeks help from others to check her son’s schoolwork, demonstrating her love and commitment to him.

Flor’s husband has health challenges, and due to their financial insecurity, the family has been evicted from their home several times. Despite their challenges, she never loses hope.

Flor uses her cooking skills to generate income. She works in a charity kitchen that provides food to children in the Villa Guadalupe community. And she says her faith in the Lord drives her to keep going.

These mothers have been earning income however they can, but their hope is that their children will have a different life. With a scholarship, their children can stay in school and learn marketable skills that will lead to a life of financial stability.

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.

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

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.