Gavino Simon Cumes, 48 years old, Long Way Home Crew

Gavino lives in Comalapa, was married at age 20 and now has nine children. The family lives in a five-room house with eight of their nine children. He completed the 7th grade.

Work History

  • Corn farming his whole life
  • Farming wheat, cabbage, and potatoes
  • Masonry and carpentry since he was 15
  • 25 years as a truck driver in Guatemala City

Sponsor Gavino! Donate Monthly - $25/month | $50/month or:

  • Salary for one month - $143
  • Health benefits for 1-year - $300
  • 6-month bonus - $143 or 1-year bonus - $286
  • Set of tools (Hoe, Mattock, Shovel, Leatherman) - $100
  • Work boots (Sz-39) - $50


Gavino hopes all of his children will attend the school, thus providing more opportunities than he received.

Gavino thinks his family and the community have both benefited from LWH. He is better able to feed his children and he has noticed less trash in the streets.

According to Gavino, unemployment is the primary problem in Guatemala. He thinks LWH is helping to solve this problem by training workers in a highly marketable skill.

Since November 2009, Catalino has learned:
Stucco Finishes Construction with Earth Bags Roofing with Concrete and Metal
Water Harvesting Construction with Tires (Cisterns and Retaining Walls) Pouring Concrete Slabs
Red Brick Patio Building Teamwork