By Rafal Rogoza—
Founder and chairwoman of the Samuel Guzman Give a Chance Foundation, Sheny Guzman, made national headlines in El Salvador after a ribbon cutting ceremony, officially opening an ESL program that the foundation has funded.
“Sheny is providing our education out of her own pocket,” read the headline in the January 22, 2012 issue of El Diario de Hoy, one of El Salvador’s highest circulating daily newspapers.
“I invite you to my dream and see it as a reality, and that tomorrow you can share this opportunity with future generations,” said Guzman – 22, international business major from Jersey City – during her ceremonial speech.
In the audience were students, deans, businessmen, the mayor, and a reporter. Guzman said she was so nervous during her speech that her legs were shaking.
“I got an A in public speaking,” said Guzman with a smile in an interview with The Gothic Times.
The Samuel Guzman Give a Chance Foundation coordinated with Universidad Monsenor Romero in El Salvador to offer English lessons in the Instituto Nacional General Juan Orlando Zepeda, a vocational school teaching nursing and accounting.
With a proficiency in English, students will be able to apply for work in call centers in El Salvador and nursing homes in Canada.
After El Diario de Hoy published the story of Guzman’s goodwill, she became a celebrity among readers.
“I received hundred of letters after the story published,” said Guzman. Most of the letters were from people asking for help and from others who wanted to know how to volunteer.
Readers’ comments about Guzman flooded the El Diario de Hoy website and the newspaper editorial board decided to print the comments in the next issue.
“These actions exemplify how to move forward. Her nobleness and vision couldn’t be any more on-point,” wrote Salvador Zaldivar.
“Well done. Keep achieving your dream. Ask God for wisdom and always do the right thing and everything will go well,” wrote Natali.
“People like her are needed in my country of El Salvador,” wrote William.
Guzman made it back to NJCU for the spring semester but had to return to El Salvador because her story was being featured on a popular news show produced by Univision. The show will air on “Estrella TV” in Los Angeles and “Canal 21” in El Salvador.
According to Guzman, during the trip she was given a tour of Transactel, a “beautiful facility” that services as a call center for such companies as Zynga. Guzman met with the director of the call center and discussed the mission of her foundation to employ students in call centers.
“They want to sponsor and expand the foundation because these students are going to be future employees,” said Guzman.
For more information about the Samuel Guzman Give a Chance Foundation, email [email protected] or visit www.giveachance.us.