Matias
Working with children comes naturally.
June 15, 2009 - Honduras
While swinging from branches, diving into murky water, running around in soaking and dripping clothes, the boys of Arca de Noel (one of the Homes here at NPH Honduras) smile vibrantly with Matias standing along the wall of the pond. He stands there watching over the organized chaos, like a brother watches over his little brothers...because that's exactly what he is, their big brother, but this week he's working as a Tío in Arca. | | |
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Matias reading with one of his boys
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When not waking the boys up in the morning, making sure they eat their lunch, and playing with them in the afternoon, Matias studies in Tegucigalpa, where he is a University student. Studying education, Matias feels that his natural calling comes from children; whether it be as a Tío or a teacher, he feels that he has the temperament and proper desire to be a good and strong influence on the children of Honduras.Arriving at NPH 18 years ago when he was just 8 years old, Matias didn't know how to read or write, but could count because he had been making a living selling newspapers on the streets. Starting from there he learned the importance of being a good and responsible worker, and carried that countenance into his education and life in general. He learned quickly how to read and write, and put a great deal of attention into his studies as well as becoming a better person. Matias now enjoys "working with children to teach them" not only what the books have to say, but how to be a better person like he, himself, has become. In the future he says that "I want to work with children to help raise the level of education here in Honduras." A model student, man, and teacher, Matias gives sound advice when needed and shows a steady patience to work with the children, finding the paths that they need to take to learn best. It is neither an easy nor a quick job, but one of time and effort, and Matias has shown a great deal of both. Most importantly though, he sees the possibilities that each child holds within him or herself and wishes to unlock those qualities by guiding them down the right paths at the right times.
Benjamin Katz 
Home Correspondent
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