Once, he sat quietly in a modest classroom, its walls echoing with resilience and the promise of a brighter future. The chalkboard bore lessons of hope, and each desk cradled a dream waiting to take flight. That young boy, Eliseo Tum, has since transformed his dream into reality, becoming a beacon of inspiration for others to follow.
This is the story of Eliseo Tum, a proud graduate of Nicolás Fund for Education (NFE), whose journey from a student in Villa Hortensia Uno to an author and educator is a testament to the power of education, culture, and community. His transformation is not just a personal triumph but a symbol of hope for the Ixil region of Guatemala—one book, one student, and one dream at a time.
A Journey Rooted in Hope
Growing up in Villa Hortensia Uno, a remote and impoverished community in the Ixil region, Eliseo’s access to education was anything but certain. Like many families in the area, his parents faced significant economic and social challenges, leaving little room for formal schooling. Yet, Eliseo’s innate curiosity and determination set him apart.
His educational journey began at Nicolás Christian School (NCS), a lifeline made possible by Nicolás Fund for Education. NFE, a non-profit organization, empowers Mayan youth in the Ixil region to break the generational cycle of poverty through Christ-centered education. For Eliseo, the classroom became a sanctuary—a place where he could dream beyond his circumstances.
It was here that teachers nurtured his love for books and storytelling, sparking a passion that would shape his future.
From Student to Educator
Graduating as an NFE scholar was a pivotal moment for Eliseo. With his diploma in hand, he felt a deep calling to give back to his community. He returned to Nicolás Christian School—not as a student, but as a teacher. Standing at the front of the classroom where he once sat, Eliseo now inspires the next generation to dream big and embrace the transformative power of education.
But his journey didn’t stop there. Inspired by the works of Al Lopus, NFE’s President and co-founder, and guided by the mentorship of Professor Bill Säfstrom, Eliseo ventured into writing. Lopus’s words demonstrated how literature could inspire change, and Eliseo was determined to do the same for the Ixil people.
His debut book, El último susurro del viento (The Last Whisper of the Wind), weaves universal themes with reflections of his local culture. Written in Spanish, the book invites readers into the heart of the Ixil region, preserving its stories and traditions for future generations.
A Literacy Movement in the Ixil Region
Today, Eliseo’s dual roles as a teacher and author are driving a literacy revolution in the Ixil region. In the classroom, he opens his students’ eyes to the joy of reading and the power of storytelling. Beyond the classroom, his books are finding their way into homes, sparking a love for literature that transcends generations.
For centuries, the Ixil people passed down their stories and traditions orally. Eliseo’s work is changing that. By putting these stories into print, he is preserving his heritage and creating a culture where reading is not a privilege but a way of life.
Literacy, as Eliseo sees it, is more than a skill—it’s a bridge to opportunity. Students who once had little access to books are now bringing stories home to share with their families, planting the seeds of a literacy movement that will shape the future of the Ixil region.
The Ripple Effect of Education
Eliseo Tum’s story embodies the mission of Nicolás Fund for Education: to empower students to build a better future—not just for themselves, but for their entire community. His achievements are a testament to the ripple effect of education.
Every lesson Eliseo teaches, every book he writes, and every dream he inspires contributes to the transformation of the Ixil region. His journey, which began in a small classroom built by hope, has grown into a cultural movement.
A Legacy of Hope
The Ixil region has long been known for its rich culture and resilience. Now, thanks to Nicolás Fund for Education and graduates like Eliseo Tum, it is also a region of opportunity.
Eliseo’s story reminds us that education is not an endpoint—it’s a beginning. It has the power to change lives, inspire movements, and leave a legacy that echoes through generations.
From a young boy in a classroom to a teacher, author, and cultural advocate, Eliseo Tum is shaping the future of the Ixil region, one word at a time. His book, El último susurro del viento, and his work as an educator are living testaments to the transformative power of education and hope.
Join the Movement
Inspired by Eliseo’s story? You can help empower more students in the Ixil region to follow their dreams and create their own success stories.
Here’s how you can make a difference:
- Donate to NFE: Your contribution provides students with the education and resources they need to break the cycle of poverty.
- Buy the Book: Purchase Eliseo Tum’s El último susurro del viento on Amazon to support his dream and share his cultural stories.
- Spread the Word: Share Eliseo’s journey to inspire others and amplify the impact of education in the Ixil region.
Together, we can fuel the next chapter of hope and empowerment. Act now to help create more stories like Eliseo’s.