The Boy Who Taught His Mom To Write

As this holiday season begins, I want to share a story from Guatemala that reminds me why education is one of the most meaningful gifts we can offer.

Angel is a five-year-old from a rural community in Guatemala. His mom, Katy, never had the chance to attend school and has always struggled to communicate with others. For many years, reading and writing felt completely out of reach for her.

Everything began to change when Angel watched his friends return from school with drawings and stories. He wanted that same joy. One day, Katy gathered her courage and walked into the local preschool. Before she could say anything, Angel stepped forward and said, “I want to go to school. I want a storybook, crayons, to learn, to play, and to make friends.”

Angel began learning with Miss Karla Lorenz, a teacher who graduated from GLXi’s Open Books, Open Minds program. Miss Karla shared simple activities Angel practiced at home. Katy struggled at first, but slowly began learning right beside him.

Then came a moment she will never forget. Angel guided her hand across a sheet of paper and showed her how to write her name for the first time. A simple act filled with meaning and possibility for both of them. “Writing my name showed me how ready he is for life,” - Katy. Later, she discovered she may have a learning challenge of her own.

Today, Miss Karla continues her training in our Open Minds in Action workshops, gaining tools to build more inclusive classrooms in her community.

This season reminds me that generosity opens doors. Your kindness this year has made stories like Angel’s possible. You are not only opening books, you are opening minds, expanding futures, and strengthening entire communities.