The Power of Learning: A Pathway to Dignity and Hope

Tammy Marino of Unbound highlights the life-changing power of education and why access is so critical. 

Whoever cares for the poor tends to the Lord, who will pay back the sum in full. (Proverbs 19:17) 

At the heart of Catholicism lies a commitment to the dignity of the human person, the call to work together for the common good and the prioritization of the needs of the poor. These principles guide all of us toward a deeper connection with Christ and with one another.  

Because education plays such a critical role in helping individuals and communities live with dignity and flourish, we are compelled to see education as not merely a privilege, but a fundamental human right. While education is a key path to break the cycle of poverty, many individuals still face barriers to learning due to persistent inequalities around the world. The Church calls us to recognize that ensuring access to quality education is not just a social obligation — it is a moral imperative. 

Unbound has always focused on access to education for aspiring students in need. The Unbound Scholarship Program allows people of faith who are moved to follow the Gospel call to provide funding for much-needed education. Recently, the nonprofit launched an ambitious strategic plan, “Hope in Every Step: A Radical Journey to End Poverty,” to guide and measure its work through 2030. The plan highlights five foundational pillars:  

• Eliminate Poverty 
• Empower Women 
• Advance Education 
• Build Community 
• Promote Well-being of All Ages 

Education can unlock the kinds of future livelihoods that allow individuals to become self-sufficient. Under the “Advance Education” pillar, Unbound hopes to increase educational attainment and job readiness for 400,000 marginalized students through the financial support of sponsorship, the Unbound Scholarship Program and community leadership exposure. These ambitious goals come to life through the stories of individuals whose lives are being transformed by access to education. 

A Young Scholar’s Story 

Nancy is an 18-year-old scholarship recipient in Guatemala who is in her final year of high school, studying accounting. Nancy’s goal is to study business administration in college so that she can get a job, help her younger sibling go to school and provide financial assistance to her parents who have worked hard to help her go to school. 

To satisfy the community service component of her scholarship, Nancy volunteers in her local Unbound mothers group. She notifies mothers about group meetings, helps neighbors with writing letters to their sponsors and works with the group to maintain the community by picking up trash along the sides of the road.  

Nancy is grateful for the opportunities education provides. When asked to give her perspective she said: “Education is very important because it helps us grow as individuals, reinforces the values we already have from home and helps us become independent.” 

Education for All Ages 

Access to education is not only important for traditional students. In the Philippines, May, 41, is in her third year of college studying for a Bachelor of Arts in information technology. May is the mother of six children, the parent leader for her mothers group, and she provides help in her brother’s store. 

After enduring many disruptions in her schooling, May was the first mother in her town to return to high school to complete grades 11 and 12. She graduated grade 12 alongside one of her children.  

After graduating, May soon began college to study elementary education but was forced to stop attending classes due to her work schedule. Unbound staff informed May that mothers could qualify for the Unbound Scholarship Program, and because they knew how dedicated May was to her education, they encouraged her to apply.  

May is now studying information technology because she sees it is a field that is in demand, and she hopes it will help her to get a more sustainable job. She has already learned useful skills by exploring a variety of courses in college including AutoCAD, bookkeeping, accounting, and photography. She’s gained confidence using essential tools like Excel and PowerPoint, which will serve her well in the workforce. 

“As a mother and as a woman who has a dream, even if they say I am old, age is just a number,” May said. “Just take it slowly. For me, I entered this situation [studying] because I love it.” 

As Proverbs 18:15 says, “The heart of the intelligent acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” Through stories like Nancy’s and May’s, we see the transformative power of education. By supporting Unbound’s mission, we answer the Gospel call to uplift the poor and invest in a future filled with hope. 

Share your thoughts with the Catholic Mom community! You'll find the comment box below the author's bio and list of recommended articles.

Copyright 2025 Tammy Marino for Unbound
Images: copyright 2025 Unbound.org, all rights reserved.