In Guatemala, poverty continues to shape the lives of millions of children and families. Limited access to healthcare, education, and social services often places children at risk from their earliest years.
Esmeralda Riquaic Sacul is one of those children.
When Esmeralda was just three years old, she arrived at NPH Guatemala. Her father had passed away, and her mother was no longer able to care for her and her siblings. Born with myelomeningocele, the most severe form of spina bifida, Esmeralda is one of many children with disabilities in Guatemala who face barriers to healthcare, education, and stability early in life.
Yet, her story is not defined by her diagnosis. Emeralda’s journey is defined by the opportunities, support, and long-term care she found through NPH.
During her time at NPH Guatemala, Esmeralda grew up surrounded by caregivers and mentors who remained present in her life. She received regular medical treatment and a quality education and was offered a space where she felt seen and heard.
As a result of this steady, long-term support, Esmeralda developed the confidence, skills, and sense of belonging that empowered her to build an independent future – serving as a role model for other children who were beginning to imagine what is possible for their own lives.
This is the kind of long-term, holistic care NPH provides. Through safe homes, access to education, healthcare, and family support services, children in poverty who face significant adversity can heal, grow, and build brighter futures over time.
Today, Esmeralda is studying to become an English teacher. She also works part-time teaching at a private school, helping young students find their voices and build confidence. None of this would have been possible without the safety, guidance, and opportunity she found at NPH, a place that became more than a home. It became her family.
“NPH is family to me. It’s where I grew up, where I learned, where I felt safe,”
Outside the classroom, she organizes animal rescue efforts in her local community and encourages other young people to pursue their education and take ownership of their future.
The Life and Times of Esmeralda documentary brings this incredible story to life. Watch the video below to see how long-term support made it possible for Esmeralda to grow into the young woman she is today.
At NPH, we believe in staying present in a child’s life, not just for a season, but through every chapter of their growth. Esmeralda’s story reflects what becomes possible when children in poverty and children with disabilities receive a loving, stable environment, along with education and consistent care. Heroes of Hope, NPH USA’s monthly giving community, helps sustain this work through monthly donations that support children and families over time.
Join the Heroes of Hope recurring giving program and help more children like Esmeralda build brighter futures.
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