17 Oct 2024
September and October were action-packed months in San Agustin, Guatemala, at the MSC-run vocational school Centro Faustino Villanueva!
In September, the community at Centro Faustino Villanueva marked the 203rd anniversary of Guatemala’s independence. (Images via @centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
In September, the community at Centro Faustino Villanueva marked the 203rd anniversary of Guatemala’s independence. (Images via @centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
In September, the community at Centro Faustino Villanueva marked the 203rd anniversary of Guatemala’s independence. (Images via @centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
The month of September brought very special celebrations indeed as students at the school marked the 203rd anniversary of Guatemala’s independence.
“Guatemala is your land, your homeland, cherish it, magnify it, love it, defend it. Make it Happy!,” read a post on the Facebook page for Centro Faustino Villanueva, which was accompanied by these wonderful images of colourful and fun-filled celebrations.
Celebrating the 203rd anniversary of Guatemala’s independence at Centro Faustino Villanueva. (Images via @centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
Celebrating the 203rd anniversary of Guatemala’s independence at Centro Faustino Villanueva. (Images via @centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
Celebrating the 203rd anniversary of Guatemala’s independence at Centro Faustino Villanueva. (Images via @centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
In October, the community at the centre celebrated the joy of youth with Dia del Niño, or Children’s Day. “We celebrate those who, with their infectious laughter, teach us to enjoy the little things,” the centre posted on Facebook.
Founded by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in 1984, Centro Faustino Villanueva marks its 40th anniversary this year. This vocational centre is dedicated to helping disadvantaged and underprivileged youths, and is located in the extremely remote region of San Agustin, Alta Verapaz, in Guatemala. Situated more than eight hours’ drive from Guatemala City, the school provides a vital service to children and youths living across this very rural area.
A very special celebration for Dia del Niño, or Children’s Day, at Centro Faustino Villanueva, Guatemala. (Images via centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
A very special celebration for Dia del Niño, or Children’s Day, at Centro Faustino Villanueva, Guatemala. (Images via centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
A very special celebration for Dia del Niño, or Children’s Day, at Centro Faustino Villanueva, Guatemala. (Images via centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
With the motto “Open doors to education”, the centre works with over 200 students from impoverished villages and vulnerable family groups in the surrounding area, with a waiting list for places. Youths at the centre can study a range of three career skill sets: business administration, science, and teaching. A recent agricultural programme also works to supplement the food supply for the school community, while teaching the students valuable life skills that they can take back to their own homes and communities to improve the quality of life there.
A very special celebration for Dia del Niño, or Children’s Day, at Centro Faustino Villanueva, Guatemala. (Images via centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
A very special celebration for Dia del Niño, or Children’s Day, at Centro Faustino Villanueva, Guatemala. (Images via centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
A very special celebration for Dia del Niño, or Children’s Day, at Centro Faustino Villanueva, Guatemala. (Images via centrofaustinovillanuevamsc on Facebook.)
With blessings and best wishes to Fr Jairo and all at Centro Faustino Villanueva as they continue in their invaluable work for families and communities across Alta Verapaz.