Selvin is a twelve-year-old boy who lives at Valley of the Angels orphanage, our mission school in Guatemala. As the oldest of three children, Selvin came to Valley because there was no one to look after him and his siblings at home. His father abandoned the family when Selvin was five years old, so his mother has to work a lot to support the family.
“At Valley, there are opportunities here,” Selvin says.
Fr. Joaquin, OFM, says that from Selvin’s first day at Valley, “He has shown good spirit, intelligence, and perseverance. He likes playing soccer and baseball and he is talented at drawing. He also loves the saints, especially St. Jude Thaddeus.”
When Selvin imagines his future, he dreams of buying his family a nice house and lifting them out of poverty. “Valley has been a true home for me, where I’m cared for and nourished,” he says. “It’s a refuge where I feel safe. When I grow up and can, I’d like to give back what they’ve given me.”
Forever family
Fr. Joaquin explains that soon, Selvin must leave Valley because the school’s programs for boys end with Grade 6. “Still, we find ways to support young men like Selvin to pursue their dreams,” Fr. Joaquin says. “They remain part of the Valley of the Angels family, and we continue to offer them friendship, guidance, and spiritual support.”
Educating boys out of poverty
With the help of generous donors, we also strive to provide some of these boys with the financial support needed to complete their technical education at other institutions, such as San José Technical School. To do this, they need learning materials, food, and housing during their time in the school, which is in the city.
“We can all be part of Selvin’s dream,” says Fr. Joaquin. Just a few dollars a day helps us ensure that promising young people in our Central America missions have a fighting chance to escape poverty, pursue productive careers, and raise up their families and communities – all under the loving and watchful eyes of God.
About Valley of the Angels
Valley of the Angels orphanage in Guatemala is one of the missions supported by Franciscan Mission Associates.
Founded in 1993, the mission was originally established to educate and care for abandoned children. Over time, it has expanded to serve all children in need. Today, Valley provides housing, meals, and education to more than 200 children.
In addition to formal schooling, students participate in programs that support their academic, spiritual, and personal development. Through the continued work of the Franciscan friars and the generosity of supporters, Valley of the Angels remains a place where young people are given the opportunity to build stable and hopeful futures.
