Growing up in Chajul, Gaspar Canay faced a dilemma many young people in his town still encounter: the pull of family responsibility versus the pursuit of education. As the eldest of five siblings, Gaspar was the first in his family to graduate from high school, a milestone that set him apart in a community where opportunities were often limited. But it wasn’t just his academic success that made him stand out—it was his decision to stay in Guatemala and build his future in Chajul, rather than seeking opportunities abroad.
Gaspar first learned about Limitless Horizons Ixil’s Youth Development Program in 2006, just as he was debating whether to continue his studies. “When I graduated elementary school, my parents told me there were two paths: to be a farmer or to go to school. They didn’t see the value in education, because in their experience, farming was a more secure way of life,” Gaspar remembers. “But Limitless Horizons Ixil gave me the support I needed to stay in school.”
After graduating high school in 2012, Gaspar moved to Guatemala City to earn enough to support his four younger siblings. Every few months, he would return to Chajul to visit his family. “Life in the capital was hard,” he reflects. “There was no family support, and I missed being close to my parents.” Over time, Gaspar realized that while many of his peers had left Guatemala for work in the U.S., he wanted to make a difference in Chajul. “I always wanted to work here. There was a time when leaving Chajul was the only way to earn good money, but now there are more professional opportunities here than ever before,” he says.
Thanks largely to Gaspar leading by example and paving the way for his younger siblings, three are now well situated and working in local professional roles at the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Health, and a local bank, all in Chajul. Gaspar is also formally employed by Building Goodness Foundation, our partner for the build of our new high school. “Back when I was a student, we would fight over the few books we had,” Gaspar recalls. “Now, students have access to so much more. This new school is a game-changer for their futures and the future of Chajul.”
As he continues to invest in his community, Gaspar’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of staying connected to one’s roots. He believes that the students at our school today are poised to create a brighter future for themselves and for Chajul. “The future of these students is bright. They now have the best education around, and there’s no need to migrate. Everything is possible right here at home.”
This giving season, support Limitless Horizons Ixil to empower more changemakers like Gaspar.