As do so many countries and societies in the world, Guatemala suffers from a large gang and drug scene, enveloping children from a young age, and developing an unsafe and seemingly escape-less scene around them. Yet a noble figure in this scene holds the hand of this dangerous and dark world, also standing clear above it, helping others to do so as well. Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes has been noticed as a CNN hero in an article by Laura Klairmont, showcasing his amazing feats through tough times. Juan grew up in the same drug- and gang-infested scene that haunts some parts of Guatemala today, realizing the incredible influence involvement in this can have on one's life. Becoming a teacher, Juan noticed the difficulties that many of his students suffered from, and the strain from being taunted and succumbing into this violent lifestyle that he had seen through his own childhood. At age 23, Juan decided to make life a little easier for some of these troubled students, opening up his own home, and creating a safe haven for those who needed one. Creating this community center has provided free tutorials and classes, low-cost medical care for those who are in need, and nutritious meals for the children, often acting for many as the only meal obtained each day.
Los Patojos, as it is named, translates to "Little Ones," and serves meals to more than 100 children a day, as well as low-cost medical care to more that 1,500 people a year. As Fuentes describes it,
'"I created a safe place for them to realize that they actually can change bad aspects in their lives and their community," said Romero Fuentes, now 30. "I wanted to give them a better present in order to attain a brighter future."'
And Los Patojos has certainly been successful, helping countless families in desperate situations of poverty and hopelessness. "Los Patojos has become a haven in a region where young people are in desperate need of opportunity and protection. An unprecedented number of children from Central America have made the treacherous journey to the United States to flee violence and poverty in their countries. Since October, more than 57,000 unaccompanied minors from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras have been caught crossing the U.S. border. Some 37% are from Guatemala -- more than any other country, according to the Department of Health and Human Services." Unfortunately, this is the reality of the world today, yet hopeful organizations and inspiring young heroes help us to see some glimmer of hope for the future. Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes certainly has acted as one of these incredible and under-appreciated heroes of the world. Fuentes continues, after seven years of peace-making and loving care for his community, maintaining the mentality of dedication and hope for a brighter future: '"In a violent country, the only weapon we can have is love," he said. "These kids are already powerful, but they don't know that yet."' '"I love my city and my country. I want to inspire these kids," he said. "They are the ones in charge of writing the new history in Guatemala."'
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