Today is the International Day of the Girl and to celebrate, this issue of our blog will be focused on the young women of Guatemala. Admittedly, Guatemala still retains a high level of “machismo” and young women (especially indigenous women) still lag behind the young men in terms of cultural role expectations, access to education and social equality. But that is changing!
More and more in the schools we work with we see an increasing balance between the number of boys and girls who are completing sixth grade. In our own Avivara Scholarship program we are seeing an equal number of young women as young men go on to study at the secondary and university level.
In fact, next year we will be granting university scholarships to the following young women to pursue their studies in:
- Clara, Nursing
- Luz Elidia, Accounting
- Lidia Esther, Hotel Administration
- Lesli Karina, Medical School
- Dulce Maria, Counseling/Psychology
- Ana Carolina, Dental Hygiene
- Erica Jimena, Clinical Psychology
- Miriam Areceli, Teacher (Biology)
These young women represent the future of Guatemala and are expanding the role expectations for the young girls in their villages. Thank you to our donors who have helped to fund their education.
If you would like to help us continue this kind of support for the young women of Guatemala, please visit the donate page on our website. Your contribution will help us make a difference in their lives and impact the future of the other young girls in their villages.
In honor of all young women around the world seeking to expand their opportunities and fighting against injustice:
AVIVARA: Giving Hope to the Future through Education 