Cesar’s testimony is a wonderful example to all. Today, at 19 years old, he is studying the second year of Sustainable Tourism at UNAN-FAREM, a university in Esteli. After being a beneficiary of Fabretto programs for more than 10 years, this young man from San Jose de Cusmapa is transforming his future thanks to education and the unconditional support of his mother. This year, Fabretto would like to share his story with the whole world. Cesar was invited to the NYC Night for Niños this past May 5th; his words touched the hearts of everyone present. Read his speech below.

Cesar Gadea, NYC Night for Niños May 5, 2016

First of all, I would like to thank all those who have supported my education throughout the years, especially my sponsor, Maureen. I would also like to thank Fr. Leo O’Donovan for his wonderful contributions to education and social justice. You inspire me to use my education to give back.

I feel incredibly honored to be here with you this evening. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to travel to the US for the first time. It has always been a great dream of mine and I promise I will take full advantage of this opportunity to experience a new culture and enrich my understanding of the world. I also feel a great responsibility because I represent the thousands of children and youth who have benefitted from Fabretto programs before me and the many more that will come after me. I hope that my testimony tonight gives you a better understanding of how Fabretto changes lives.

I have been a part of Fabretto ever since I can remember. I started in the primary school enrichment program, and then in secondary school, I was given the chance to be a part of the English ACCESS Program. When I graduated from secondary school in 2014, thanks to the generosity of my Fabretto sponsor, my dream of going to college became a reality.

I decided to study Sustainable Tourism because it will give me the opportunity to practice my English, come into contact with people from different cultures, and show them my beautiful Nicaragua. As part of my university studies, I have made it a point to put my knowledge into practice by promoting sustainable tourism in my hometown of Cusmapa. The values I have learned at Fabretto from an early age have inspired me to combine tourism and community service. I feel responsible for helping my community thrive by supporting projects that not only provide people with a chance to take in the beautiful sites but also with a chance to give back. I have many plans and I feel confident that I will see them through because my time at Fabretto and my current university studies have provided me with the tools to succeed.

Father Fabretto inspires me every day to not only live out his values but also to teach others to do so. This evening I am also inspired by all of you. You give without expecting anything in return. Your generous gestures make me feel very close to you because we are all part of the Fabretto family. Having received so much from people like you, I feel committed to making a difference in my community and in my country. I, too, wish to give without expecting anything in return, but also with the hope that I will see the fruit of my labor.

Finally, I would like to thank God, my family, and Fabretto; I owe a large part of my personal growth to them. Thanks to Fabretto, I grew up believing that I could break the cycle of poverty and contribute to the development of my country, that I could be someone in this life because no matter where I come from, with education, I can do anything. Fabretto has changed my life and I hope to one day change many lives by contributing my little grain of sand. I would like to leave you with this thought from Mother Teresa: “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.” Let’s make each one of our drops count by working together to make this a better world.

Cesar Gadea