Help with Food
Veronica Carmello
Veronica, 25 years old, is a student at CIFMA; a specialized school for Toba-Indians in Saenz Pena. She is studying to become a bilingual teacher. There is a big need for bilingual teachers who speak and write both Spanish and Toba fluently. Originally she was interested in international studies at a larger university but she did not have enough math. She hopes to be able to pursue international studies after she is finished at CIFMA.
She is pleased with her education at CIFMA. When she arrived she could not write Toba very well. At home they only spoke Toba, but she never wrote anything. Now she is so good in both languages she can help other students.
Veronica believes that it is very important for the Toba Indians to integrate into society. They have to merge with the rest of the population in order to be able to progress economically. She believes it is quite possible. But it is also important to preserve their cultural heritage. Toba must hold on to their traditions in order not to lose their identity. Veronica hopes her bilingual skills and studies in international relations will come help her serve in this capacity.
Veronica is very cheerful, light-hearted and outgoing. She tells how grateful she is to all the support she has received through Star of Hope. She would never have been able to study this far without the assistance. It is traditional that an unmarried woman remains at the home of her parents. But it is crowded and that makes it difficult to study as desired. She wishes that she could have an entire room to study in peace. Right now six people are sharing two small rooms.
