“Sow, sow, and never tire of sowing; someday you will reap.” These words from Father José Carlos Zancajo Sastre, L.C., who, together with several families, promoted this educational apostolate serving Venezuela’s most vulnerable population, demonstrate that education with values and love is a powerful tool to change destiny.

Mano Amiga is part of the educational work of Regnum Christi. For over 60 years, it has provided educational opportunities to children and youth from vulnerable populations in Latin America and Asia. Currently, it operates 32 schools in nine countries, where more than 20,000 students find a promising future. In Venezuela, its schools in Mariches and Turgua currently educate 1,169 students and have already graduated 1,800, while in Colombia, with campuses in Bello and Zipaquirá, 1,156 young people are being formed, demonstrating Mano Amiga’s lasting impact in the region.

Recently, in Venezuela, this apostolate celebrated 30 years of work and collective effort, of shared dreams, of generations that have found in education a powerful tool to change their destiny.

We share the note prepared by the Communications Office of the Colombia – Venezuela Territory (See original note):

30 Years of Mano Amiga Venezuela: a story of service, family, and hope.

“Here I learned the value of service. I was trained myself, and Mano Amiga gave me the opportunity to train my three children as successful professionals who today contribute to Venezuelan society. Infinite thanks, because they have not only changed my life but that of my entire family.”

These words from Elgis Benítez, General Media Coordinator, who has been part of Mano Amiga for 30 years, reflect the profound impact of this educational community. For her, the school has been much more than a workplace: it has been her home, her refuge, and the opportunity to see her own children grow and succeed. “I have seen more than 21 generations pass through these classrooms, and there is no greater satisfaction than knowing that my effort and dedication helped change not only lives but entire environments,” she comments proudly.

Eglys’s testimony is not the only one in Mano Amiga. It is a living reflection of how education has the power to transform not only students but their families and communities. Over these three decades, thousands of lives have been touched by this tireless work.

The history of Mano Amiga in Venezuela dates back to 1994, when the first school opened its doors in Filas de Mariches, driven by a group of parents and, to a large extent, by Father José Carlos Zancajo Sastre, LC, who with his passion and apostolic zeal urged: “Sow, sow, and never tire of sowing; someday you will reap.” Ten years later, after Holy Week missions in Turgua, a rural area near Caracas, the second school was founded: Mano Amiga La Montaña. The first classes began even as construction was ongoing, but the excited faces of the children became the best reward, and several decades later, they continue to bear fruit.

Nazareth Crusco: from student to high school director

Nazareth Crusco recalls with emotion her years as a student at Instituto Mano Amiga La Montaña. For her, this school was not only an educational institution but also the support needed to dream big.

“Here I learned that effort and dedication are the keys to achieving what you set out to do. I always wanted to return and give back to the school what it gave me. Today, after years of work, I have the honor of being the high school director.”

Nazareth embodies the purpose of Mano Amiga: to form citizens committed to their country, who seek not only their own success but also that of future generations. “Seeing the students graduate, knowing they have the opportunity to change their future, is what motivates me to keep going every day,” she says with a smile.

Building dreams for the future

Ludiana Altuve, Mano Amiga Venezuela’s fundraising director, has been a fundamental pillar in the sustainability of this project. With dedication and a clear vision, she has led efforts to ensure more children and young people can access quality education. For her, each donation, each scholarship, is much more than a financial contribution: “It is an investment in Venezuela’s future. My dream is to see positive leaders who transform and change their environment, and I know we are achieving it.”

The work of Ludiana is not limited to fundraising. Her passion for the project is reflected in every student who has been able to graduate thanks to the support of sponsors and committed companies. “Every time I see a young person complete their studies, I know we are one step closer to breaking the cycle of poverty,” she concludes with hope.

A family that transforms lives

Mano Amiga Venezuela celebrates 30 years of collective effort, shared dreams, and generations that have found in education a powerful tool to change their destiny. Along this path, the directors of both schools have been key guides in carrying out the mission. Thais Páez de García, director of Mano Amiga Mariches, shares: “Every student who arrives here is a seed of hope. My job is to help them flourish, overcoming any obstacle.” Meanwhile, Donatina Giuliani, director of Mano Amiga La Montaña, reflects: “In every corner of this rural community, I see a future full of possibilities. Our commitment is to provide them with the tools to achieve it.”

To celebrate this great achievement, throughout October, thanksgiving masses were held at both Mano Amiga Mariches and La Montaña. Both celebrations gathered the educational community, sponsors, and benefactors in an environment of faith and gratitude. Additionally, on November 17, a Eucharist and toast will be held at Colegio Cumbres in Caracas to conclude the celebrations of these three decades of uninterrupted dedication to transforming the lives of thousands of young people and families in Venezuela.

To support this educational apostolate that helps more than 1,169 students from Venezuela’s most vulnerable areas, you can make a donation.