Early Life
Maximiliano is one of five children and lives with his grandparents. He believed them to be his parents until he was 12 years old, when he learned that they were his grandparents. His grandmother works as a street vendor selling ginger, but often has to run from the police as trade on the street is not considered legal. Maximiliano’s grandfather, a construction worker, died in 2023. After his death, Maximiliano’s grandmother worked hard to support the family but they struggled to make ends meet.
In primary school, Maximiliano would attend classes until 1pm and then work cleaning onions to sell, often till late at night, to help support his family. Because of the lack of sleep, Maximiliano would often fall asleep in class and struggle to concentrate on his lessons.
Life at school
Through a fellow vendor whose son was at school with the Sisters of Mary, Maximiliano’s grandmother heard that the Sisters planned to visit their town to meet children in need of a place at school. She encouraged Maximiliano to meet the Sisters. Following their meeting, the Sisters visited his home and when they saw his need, they immediately offered him a place in school.
Now, Maximiliano is studying hard at the Sisters of Mary School and wants to become a mechanical engineer one day. He no longer needs to work but can focus on studying and enjoying the freedom of a proper childhood while he learns. He has a good environment to grow in, his own bed, clothing, and three meals a day.
Maximiliano is grateful for the opportunity he has to improve his life. This is only made possible through the generosity of supporters who ensure he has everything he needs at school. They help him look forward to a better future for himself and his grandmother.
The struggles of Maximiliano’s grandmother and her efforts to care for her grandson feature in the film Irmas: The Life of the Sisters of Mary released on 19th October and available to view at www.irmasfilm.com