Hernan Cumatz Medical School Scholarship

Type of Project: Financial Management
Request: Donation Management
Location(s): San Lucas Tolimán, Solola, Guatemala
Recipient: Hernan Cumatz

Hernan Cumatz knows the depths of poverty because he grew up in a poverty-stricken environment in San Lucas Tolimán.  Seeing the pain and suffering of his fellow Guatemalan brothers and sisters opened his eyes to the physical needs of others.  Hernan stated, “I think that primarily living in an under-developed country alongside people of extreme poverty, it is very easy to be susceptible to the pain and suffering of my fellow brothers and sisters.  Here there are great needs.  It is these needs that drive me and better prepare me to serve.” 

In December 2002, Hernan applied for a medical school loan through Trade Palms.  He began studying medicine in February 2003 at San Carlos University in Guatemala City, Guatemala—about a three hour bus ride away from his family.  Due to the rigorous demands of medical school and the time spent away from his wife and young children, Hernan sensed God calling him in another direction.  Hernan completed his degree in secondary education in December 2007 and is now teaching full time in Colonia Pampojila, just outside of San Lucas Tolimán.