Marta Ligia Rodriguez Ruiz

The following story profiles one of the young adults in our student home program. At least once a month we will try to profile these young people to spotlight their background and goals for the future. This is the fourth in the series.

Name: Marta Ligia Rodriguez Ruiz

Age: 19

Time in Program: 7 Months

Educational Focus: Secretary Technician and Computer Operator

Marta was referred to us from the manager at the Monkey Hut, a tourist center at the edge of the crater lake Laguna de Apoyo. She was working part time in housekeeping at the lodge to earn money to help out at home. She had already graduated but had no money to continue her education. She lived at home with her mother and six brothers and sisters. Her boss knew of her desire to study and that there was no way for her family to afford sending her to school, so she asked if Marta might be a candidate for our program. After contacting the house director, Marta easily qualified and over the past 7 months has shown her dedication and desire to get ahead in life in order to help her family.

In Nicaragua it is very common for family members who work to pool their funds to help out with living expenses. Marta was working part time in the lodge to help the family when she could, but work wasn't full time. So when this opportunity presented itself to study she was torn but decided to advancing her career possibilities by getting more education. She has entered a vocational school for secretaries and takes computer classes. She also wants to study english, which she hopes to start at the beginning of 2011.

Marta is a model student and person. She is quiet, constantly studying, and very friendly. When she is not studying for her class she likes to read her bible and other books that relate to the scriptures. Her biggest concern is for her mother and her family. They have very little money and often times there is no food in the home. Marta has a chance to make a big difference in her family through this program.

She has expressed her gratitude many times for the opportunity to be in the program, but not just for her, but for all the girls of Casa Esther and guys in the Casa Juan Marcos. She is a unique young lady that consciously thinks about others as well as herself.

Photos:
Top - Marta
Center - Studying at Casa Esther
Bottom - Marta with Nelly at Casa Esther