Profiles of our lay missionaries

David Deegan

David works in an educational project for indigenous teenagers in the highlands

of Guatemala, Central America.  There he organizes scholarships for those who

come from rural areas where the possibility of receiving an education is non-existent. Since he has been there, funds have been secured to build two residences, one male and the other female, for age group 13+.  People have graduated as bilingual and other teachers, mechanics, accountants, nurses, etc

David writes: "This year has seen many changes to our programme. Miguel, our Administrator, has taken greater charge of things. In fact, he is running the programme and I am helping him in this role.

I myself have taken on a new task; I am giving classes in the local catholic school. I have been very well known there for many years by both the teachers and the students. I started off with the older grades i.e. secondary level and 5th and 6th class/grade. Then I began classes with the smallest ones, pre-kinder, kinder, and preparatory as well as 1st and 2nd class/grade. I was fearful that the very small ones would be afraid of me as some may not have seen a foreigner before, but they were fine and we all had great fun while learning. I was amazed at the speed at which they learn and remember things. On a few occasions while at evening mass and returning to my seat after having received communion I would hear some small kids shout to me, “Good morning, Sir,” with a hint of an Irish accent!

I love my new role and everyone is very supportive. I am so looking forward to next year’s classes.