Roberto’s Story: Building a Future Back Home

Roberto grew up in a rural village nestled in the mountains of western Guatemala near the Mexican border. He lived with his parents and two younger sisters in a small tin-roofed home. His father worked as a blacksmith, though irregular work made it hard to earn a steady income, and his mother, who suffered a heart condition, stayed home to care for the children. When Roberto’s youngest sister became seriously ill, however, medical costs pushed the family into crisis.

Determined to support his family, Roberto searched for work after graduating as a junior accountant—but despite his best efforts, every job application went unanswered. With nowhere else to turn, he made the difficult decision to migrate north in search of work. The journey was cut short; he was detained in Mexico and returned to Guatemala before he could generate any income.

But his return home presented a new opportunity. There, he was connected to Global Refuge’s Camino a Casa program, which provides support and opportunities for returned youth in Guatemala and Mexico. The team worked quickly to address the family’s immediate needs, providing nutritional support and medical attention to help them stabilize. They were also provided with 12 chickens, strengthening their food security and creating a sustainable source of nutrition and income.

With his family out of crisis and his sister getting the medical attention she needed, Roberto could finally focus on his own future. Global Refuge staff worked with him to strengthen his professional skills, prepare a résumé, complete application paperwork, and build confidence with employers. He was soon connected with Nabla Group, a construction company partnering with Global Refuge to employ returnee youth. There, he secured a full-time administrative position managing payroll, invoices, and materials, gaining valuable experience that aligned with his studies.

Now making a steady income, Roberto invests in his sisters’ education, paying for school fees and supplies so they can pursue their own dreams. His story is a testament to how opportunity and partnership can transform lives and benefit both the youth and the communities they call home. For Nabla Group and other local companies, investment in repatriated youth creates opportunities for meaningful employment while strengthening the local workforce and economy.

Today, Roberto continues his studies and full-time work—building a stable, independent life in Guatemala and proving that, with the right support from organizations like Global Refuge, young people can rebuild their futures at home.

To learn more about Camino a Casa and support the program, visit the Camino a Casa homepage.

This project is being implemented with the generous support of Islamic Relief USA. Any views expressed herein are solely those of Global Refuge.