Grateful for Vocational Tutors Like Mauricio

“I deeply understand my students because I grew up like them,” says Mauricio. “I came from a family that struggled with many needs.”

As a young teenager, Mauricio had to start working to help support his family. At the time, a kind neighbor taught him to weave and work with textiles. “The dedication of one neighbor equipped me with my textiles abilities and then allowed me to work,” he says.

Now, Mauricio does the same for the students in his class. La Hermosa Child Development Center in El Salvador supports teenagers with vocational training to broaden their employment opportunities. For five years now, Mauricio has taught students traditional textile and weaving techniques. His position not only helps youths in Compassion’s program, but it also helps Mauricio earn a living doing what he’s good at.

“This job allows me to survive in the textile industry because this community is well-known as the principal provider of textiles in the country,” he says.

An Understanding Mentor

Like many Compassion vocational tutors around the world, Mauricio is gifted in spotting each student’s potential. And sharing a similar background with them, he can also empathize with and understand their struggles.

“For me, it is important to invest in my students’ lives. What inspires me is that we don’t see any children in the program lost on the wrong paths. In this community, they have easy access to alcohol,” says Mauricio. “The influence of gang groups is strong. They attract the young people by offering that they can gain easy money by taking on a risky task.”

Three days a week, Mauricio teaches two groups of six students traditional textile techniques. The youths treat him as a close friend. “I try to guide them to become good people and wise professionals who use their talents to improve their way of life,” he says. “I encourage them to live lives that glorify God.”

After preparing them with practical skills, Mauricio works to open job opportunities for them in the community. “Some of our children’s families have their own textiles machines at home. When a teenager learns the trade well, they can help their family in the business and support their families to have food on their tables,” he explains.

Mutual Inspiration

While Mauricio invests in his students, he also learns from them. One student who personally inspires him is 18-year-old Estiben. Estiben has five siblings, and each day his family battles challenges and need.

Despite this, Estiben is friendly, hardworking and an outstanding student in Mauricio’s workshop. The traditional weaving machine is challenging to use and can be tiring, but Estiben feels comfortable using it. The quality and diversity of his creations have led Mauricio to make this bold proclamation: “He’s the student who exceeds my knowledge.”

Estiben is amazed at how the workshop has empowered him to become a professional artisan weaver at age 18. Meanwhile, he’s also studying accounting to open other options for his future.

Mauricio watches this with amazement. “Estiben’s example inspires me to pursue the opportunity of getting a professional career just as he is doing. I want to study a degree in education,” expresses Mauricio.

“I feel happy because my tutor, Mauricio, teaches me and supports my professional dreams,” says Estiben. “He encourages me unconditionally, inspires me to have a relationship with God and have deep knowledge about the gospel. He always motivates me to make good decisions.”

Thank you, Mauricio, for your commitment to young people in El Salvador and for all the ways you’re allowing God to use your gifts to release young people from poverty in Jesus’ name!

Related story: Grateful for Center Directors Like Belen

Learn more about Youth Development through Compassion.