When he was just 23 years old, Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes opened the doors of the family home in his little village of Jocotenango, to give the children of his Guatemalan community a chance at a different life —one beyond the drugs, gangs and crime that were a part of his childhood. After a brief time teaching in a private school, he recognized that education, as he saw it, could be so much more. 

The concept was simple. “Everyone is welcome, treat the other with respect, lets talk,” he said, and the beginnings of Los Patojos, loosely translated as The Little Ones, was born. Now, seventeen years later, El Patojismo serves more than 500 students each year, with two schools and a style of education that includes programs where creativity, wellness, sports, and job training are an integral part of the regular curriculum.  In 2015 Romero Fuentes was named a CNN hero for his work for the children of Guatemala, an honor that brought well deserved attention and recognition to his extraordinary vision.

As you listen to this episode, consider:

• There are many challenges exist in every community. Which are the ones that matter most to you?
• Where are the local opportunities to get involved?
• What resources, talents and skills can bring to  you bting to the table? How can you use your own gifts to make a difference?

To learn more about El Patojismo, visit their Global Giving page.

Listen to Juan Pablo Romero Fuente’s episode here.

To learn more about Robert Maggio, the composer of "Where Love is Love," our theme music, please check out his website.

To learn more about Suzanne, visit her website.

To learn more about the inspiration for this podcast, please check out Suzanne's memoir, Estrellas - Moments of Illumination Along El Camino de Santiago

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