Marvin didn’t always plan on becoming an educator. However, he saw teaching as an opportunity to build a better future. “I decided to study teaching because I knew it could open doors to different jobs,” he explains. Marvin first joined Niños de Guatemala as a volunteer. Once a week, he led reading workshops for first graders. “I really liked how things were done at the school. I felt supported, and I loved working with the students,” he recalls.
Although he wasn’t selected the first time he applied for a full-time role, his dedication paid off.
“In December, they called me back and said a position had opened. I was chosen to teach second grade, the same class I had volunteered with. That’s when I knew—God’s timing is perfect.”
Once hired, Marvin quickly learned that teaching came with big responsibilities. He worked hard to meet the needs of all students, including those with learning accommodations. “I had four students with learning differences. I started researching and trying new strategies to help them learn the basics.”
His efforts didn’t go unnoticed. The school invited him to continue with the same class in third grade, and later, all the way through sixth grade.
“I already knew their learning styles, and they knew mine. That helped me push them further, introduce new challenges, and strengthen their skills.”
Eventually, Marvin transitioned to secondary school. This new stage brought different responsibilities. “I taught math, P.E., industrial arts, and accounting,” Marvin explains. “While I’ve always loved numbers, teaching them was a whole new challenge. That’s why I had to prepare thoroughly. I always told myself, ‘Do your best.’”
Leading with purpose
Marvin’s leadership and dedication led him to a new opportunity—becoming the Director of El Porvenir School. “I had always dreamed of taking on a leadership role, but I never thought it would happen so soon, and especially not at Niños de Guatemala,” he says.
Although the transition was challenging, Marvin received support from his peers. “I’m especially grateful to Alejandra Gámez. From day one she told me, ‘I’m here for you. You can do it.’ She always helped when I had questions,” he shares. “But as they say, things feel different when you’re the one in charge.”
Leading his former colleagues came with its own set of lessons. “I told them from the start—friendship is one thing, and work is another. As long as we do our jobs, everything will go well,” Marvin says. Through this experience, he’s learned the value of maturity, honesty, and openness to growth.
Building a better future
Leading his former colleagues came with its own set of lessons. “I told them from the start—friendship is one thing, and work is another. As long as we do our jobs, everything will go well,” Marvin says. Through this experience, he’s learned the value of maturity, honesty, and openness to growth.
Today, Marvin works every day to create a school environment built on commitment and communication. “I want everyone in our school community to feel seen and supported,” he explains.
Looking back, he feels proud of how far he’s come. “What makes me proud is how much I’ve grown—both personally and professionally.”
To future educators, Marvin shares a powerful message: “Do your work from heart to heart. The future of Guatemala is in our hands. We have to guide the children who pass through our classrooms. My motivation has always been to make a difference.”His leadership style? “Listen. Reflect. Stay honest.”
