April 2026

Dear Friends and Sponsors,

            In  his Easter homily, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the “tombs still to be opened today: mistrust, fear, selfishness, resentment, war, injustice, and the isolation of peoples and nations.”  The Pope exhorts us not to become “paralyzed” in the face of such challenges, but, instead, to imitate the “commitment” of the saints who have gone before us, so that “the Easter gifts of harmony and peace might grow and flourish everywhere and always throughout the world.”    

            The young people of Yashalum are a symbol of the Easter gifts the Pope speaks of.  They are the future promise of harmony and peace in our world, as we see in this letter sent by one of the university students.

Greetings,

            My name is Beatriz Jiménez Velasco. I am 17 years old and am currently in my sixth semester at the *Colegio de Bachilleres* (COBACH), Campus 22, in the city of Yajalón.  I am a student who is deeply committed to my education and driven by a desire to better myself every day.

            My life as a student involves dedicating time to my classes, homework, and school activities, always striving to give my absolute best. I enjoy learning and acquiring new knowledge—especially the kind that will help prepare me for my future career.

            In my daily life, beyond attending school, I also place great value on the time I spend with my family, as they are a fundamental source of my motivation to keep moving forward. Thanks to their support—and to generous individuals like you—I am able to continue my studies and stay on track to achieve my goal of completing my academic education. 

            One of my greatest dreams is to finish high school and go on to pursue a professional degree that will allow me to grow personally and professionally, support my family, and make a positive contribution to my community. I know that with effort, dedication, and the support I receive, I will be able to achieve this. 

            I am deeply grateful for your support, as it represents a tremendous opportunity for me to continue advancing in my education and building a better future. 

            As summer approaches, Beatriz, like most of the students, will  spend a couple of months in her community helping her family before returning to school again in August.  We are eternally grateful for your continued support, and we pray that the spirit of Easter continues to fill you with harmony and peace in these troubling and uncertain times.

In peace and gratitude,

THE STAFF OF MISSION TEACHING FOUNDATION