The ultimate goal of a nonprofit organization should be to become irrelevant. In an ideal world, Filantropis wouldn't need to exist. We work every day hoping that our fellows will receive the support they need to become independent.
For Edgar Utuy, that day came sooner than expected, and we couldn't be more proud.
The leap into the professional world
A mitad de su carrera de Contabilidad, surgió una oportunidad en la Academia de Lenguas Mayas. Aunque Edgar dudaba de su capacidad por no haberse graduado aún, el impulso de su padre y el apoyo de sus compañeros en Filantropis lo llevaron a aplicar.
«De eso se trata,» le dijo su papá. «De que intentes… nada pierdes con aplicar.»
Edgar not only got the job, but after six months, he made a brave and unusual decision: to give up his scholarship. “I was already able to pay for university with my salary. I felt proud to have landed a good job close to home,” Edgar says. That’s the biggest indicator of success for us: student independence.
From the "Filantropis Family" to federal rigor
The transition wasn't easy. Going from the warm, familiar atmosphere of our office to the strict system of a federal entity was a big adjustment. ● New challenges: As the only accountant at his headquarters, Edgar has had to adapt to complex accounting systems. ● Ixil identity: He works to preserve the dialects of Cotzal, Nebaj, and Chajul. He's even learning to greet people in all three dialects to better connect with his colleagues!
A bond that never breaks
Although Edgar finished his coursework in 2019 and is now looking ahead to his master's degree, his connection with us remains strong. His story has helped us reflect on how to better prepare our young people for the "culture shock" of the working world without them losing the human warmth that defines us. "Being at Filantropis is like being with family. It's something I'll never forget," Edgar says every time he stops by to say hello.
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