Back to stories
The Difference a Teacher Can Make: Karla's Story
Ever since she was little, Karla always wanted to be a teacher. She is trained in special needs education and is passionate about supporting children with disabilities and their families.
"What inspires me is seeing thrilled parents, being able to help their children so that they can develop," shares Karla.
Karis Disability Services partners with Escuela Rural Aldea, an elementary school in El Morro, Guatemala, an isolated, mountainous village. This partnership allows the school to offer accessible education through Teacher Karla and a resource room.
Karla says that sometimes parents have a hard time accepting their child's disability, and this was the case with one nine-year-old boy named Edgar.
Edgar's mother was rejected from her own family, and for a long time, she would not allow Edgar to leave the house, not even for diagnostic treatment. Then, Teacher Karla visited their home, and shared with her the options available to her that could make her and her son's lives better.
Now, Edgar is a part of Teacher Karla's class and gets to go to school with his peers. He's thriving and he loves to be social with his classmates. Teacher Karla shares that sometimes he surprises her, bringing a bouquet of flowers or even a chicken on special occasions. Edgar's kind heart now has a chance to shine, thanks to the programs and people you support through Karis.
Another boy in Teacher Karla's class, Elder, is also experiencing new joy and hope because of access to education. 14-year-old Elder has mobility, communication, and intellectual disabilities. At school with Teacher Karla, he's learned to walk with more confidence and communicates through speech and sign language. He is a blessing to Teacher Karla and his classmates through his humour and his contagious, big smile, expressing sincere happiness in being part of the therapy group.
Elder's parents are busy caring for his six other siblings so Teacher Karla's committed and caring presence has been significant for Elder. His relatives express deep gratitude for Teacher Karla for therapy and support, sharing that it has made a big difference in his life.
"I encourage them that despite the situation they are experiencing with their children, because it is not easy," Karla says, "I can help them so that they can have that motivation so they can keep going."
Karla is sincerely grateful for Karis' support and sees firsthand the difference it can make. "I appreciate the support given to the children since for them... it is the hope to move forward."
Thank you for your support in enabling in-country partners like Karla to foster spaces for true belonging and uplift whole communities.