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World

CNN Hero: Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes

Updated 1:59 PM ET, Tue April 21, 2015
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Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes7Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes5Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes8Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes9Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes606 CNN hero Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes 1114Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes7Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes5Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes8Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes9Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes606 CNN hero Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes 1114
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While working as a teacher in Guatemala, Juan Pablo Romero Fuentes saw his students struggling with drugs and gangs -- issues that his own generation faced as well. So at 23, he turned part of his family's home into a community center and started Los Patojos, a nonprofit that has become a haven for young people. JUAN ARREDONDO/CNN
Los Patojos, which translates to the Little Ones, has helped more than 1,000 children. The program offers free classes, tutoring and meals, as well as low-cost medical care. JUAN ARREDONDO/CNN
The group's feeding program provides a nutritious meal to more than 100 children each day. For many of them, it is the only meal they will have all day, Romero Fuentes said. JUAN ARREDONDO/CNN
"I created a safe place for them to realize that they actually can change bad aspects in their lives and their community," said Romero Fuentes, now 30. "I wanted to give them a better present in order to attain a brighter future." JUAN ARREDONDO/CNN
At the main center, painted with colorful murals and quotes, children are exposed to a number of creative outlets. They take classes in dance, music, photography, theater and juggling, and they often put on performances for one another. JUAN ARREDONDO/CNN
"I love my city and my country. I want to inspire these kids," Romero Fuentes said. "They are the ones in charge of writing the new history in Guatemala." JUAN ARREDONDO/CNN
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