Harvest and Hope through Opportunity
By Dr. Maria Pouncey
Many have asked me – “Why do you only help immigrants who work in agriculture or fishing? I’m also an immigrant!” Well, our team, including yours truly, dedicate many volunteer hours weekly in our communities, but our main goal is to support “migrant” families who work in agriculture or fishing. Our program is guided by federal guidelines from Title 1, Part C – Migrant Education Program. The program was established since 1966 to provide an opportunity for equality in education for migrant families who have unique needs due to their mobile lifestyles – many times moving as much as four times per year and four different schools per year.
Imagine the anxiety felt by a child who has to register in more than four schools per year – new teachers, new students and friends. As it is, it is difficult to move to a new home or new job; now imagine having to move without a place to live or understanding the local culture. Our migrant families do it – for the good of all who enjoy the fruits and vegetables we enjoy in our homes. For this reason, we have supplemental programs such as the program for migrant families, providing support to ensure migrant children from birth to 21, who have not graduated from high school, have the same opportunities as students who do not move. The program is a service of advocacy and educational support.
Not everyone takes the offered opportunities, but those who are informed and recognize that “knowledge is power” are successful and are a great example of what is possible. The Cantero family from Greensboro and Immokalee, Florida are such a family. The family always wanted to be informed and took advantage of every opportunity, more importantly, they always moved forward with hope! The results were their best harvest – realized with the graduation of their third son from St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas. Their three sons, Hugo, Pedro and Francisco (Paco) arrived at universities through their dedication and the College Assistance 
Migrant Program (CAMP). The program is specifically for migrant students who have graduated from high school. Their parents recognized the importance of an education, wanted a better life for their children and were willing to sacrifice for their children to move ahead. The Cantero family continues working in the fields and their sons also continued to help them during every school break. They all worked until they were able to find stable employment in the fields they studied, – one in graphic design, and two in biology. One has continued in a master’s program. The youngest daughter, Gemma, also began college this summer and plans to continue until she graduates from Florida State University.
Parents have a responsibility to be informed of opportunities available for students – take every opportunity to enjoy a better future. The migrant education program congratulates the Cantero family and recognize the effort of all families who plant and pick the harvest and maintain hope through opportunities!