In photos: Lesther Aleman, Nicaragua's 20-year-old student leader

Aleman has emerged in recent weeks as a key figure in a student-led movement that is challenging the once seemingly indomitable power of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega. Forced into hiding due to threats, Aleman spoke to Univision about being thrust into politics at such an early age and his hopes for the future of his country.

Por:Univision

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From an early age, Aleman's mother, Lesbia Alfaro, says he was picking up diplomas at school for outstanding achievement, after learning to count and read the alphabet aged three. (Photo courtesy of Lesbia Alfaro)

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Lesther Aleman's mother recalls attending meetings at his school. "The first thing they said was 'Please would Lesther's mother stand up.' That made me feel immense pride," she told Univision during an interview in the family home in Managua.

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Lesbia Alfaro, the mother of Lesther Aleman during an interview with Univision.

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When Aleman was 12 his mother underwent surgery for a tumor and he made her a promise. "She was going to undergo the operation. I remember I was alone on the porch of my house in a wooden rocking chair and I said to God, 'If my mom survives, I will serve you all my life. I committed myself at 12 years old," he told Univision.

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"Lesther is a missionary. The other day they spent the weekend painting a church, fixing the roof and carrying groceries for the elderly," his mother told Univision. (Photos courtesy of Lesbia Alfaro)

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Lesther Aleman says his purpose in life is helping others. "I love to see everyone's ok. It makes me feel reborn. And when someone needs help I like to be ingenious, and find a way to get there and help," he told univision. (Photo courtesy of Lesther Aleman)

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Lesther Aleman was quick to join a protest on behalf of poor pensioners when the government announced a sudden reform to the social security system in mid-April that raised taxes and reduced benefits.

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Lesther Aleman, 20, at a student protest in Managua, Nicaragua.

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Student representative Lesther Aleman interrupts Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega, shouting that he must halt the repression, during the opening of the national dialogue. AP Photo/Alfredo Zuniga

AP Photo/Alfredo Zuniga

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Lesther Aleman (fourth from left with glasses) and fellow student activists at an undisclosed location in Managua. Photo by Tifani Roberts/Univision

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Lesther Aleman, 20, seen here with his father. (Photo courtesy of his family)

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Aleman's parents live in a poor neighborhood of Managua and they have only seen their son once since he went into hiding after the protests began.

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Lesther Aleman and his mother, Lesbia Alfaro (Photo courtesy of Lesbia Alfaro)

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Lesther Aleman with his sister Kenia Gonzalez. Photo courtesy of Lesther Aleman