Provide Scholarships for 20 Rural Guatemalan Women

Update on What is Happening to the Students You Supported in  2012!

At the March Kateri Tekakwitha Fund scholarship meeting, Juana Cun,  2009 graduate and Candelaria Sut, 2010 graduate shared their work experience.

Juana advised the students to have a goal and be persistent-not give up until they reach it.  It is necessary to organize your time and put other things aside in order to succeed.  As a wife and mother, she has many responsibilities, but she finds a way to fulfill her obligations to both, even though she often must stay up late to accomplish all her work.  She has found it worth the effort.  One thing that has motiviated her is that she discovered that with more academic training she was able to command a higher salary.  She might do the same work without the degree, but she was paid less.  She felt they would not regret the time they devoted to their studies.

Candelaria told them that the most important thing was not to be afraid of new things or undervalue yourself.  She had found that everything is possible, but it oftens takes sacrifice and hard work.  Her greatest day was when she received her first salary.  She never had that experience.  Before she finished her studies, she had worked as a domestic.  In that situation, she never was free.  She received a small salary, but was mainly paid with room and board.  It is not the same as having your own salary and making your own decisions about how to use it.

The students has many opinions about the presentations.  Sandra Lopez, Blanca Surec, Reina Cuxil, Aura Curruchiche,  and Paula Cali said that the two former Kateri scholars were examples that helped them understand that you can accomplish all that you propose for yourself.  Adela Surec took away the idea that to get started you need to take whatever job is offered even if it is not what you have studied and with some work experience you can find a job in your career.   Silvia saw that these two women had a positive outlook and were not afraid of new things.  They had struggled to accomplish what they wanted. Glenda Tum and Clara Ecomac received advise on how to keep a job- to be punctual, responsible, and disciplined.  Marilena Patzan was encouraged to move forward in her studies and to organize and use her time well.  All of the students felt that the life lessons of Juana and Candelaria were helpful for them as they struggled with their studies and obstacles to meeting their goals.

We are seeking funding to continue the project through this year.  If you would like to see these young women through another year of study, click here http://goto.gg/12067.  

The 2012 scholarship holders gathered to end the school year with a "clausura" at the Aurora Zoo in GUatemala City.  Many had never been there before.  It was the first time they had traveled to the city and although several were sad to see the animals confined to such small cages, they were all impressed by what they saw.  Paula was particularly remarked on the large size of the tiger.  They young women shared a meal and exchanged gifts.  Cristina Cuc, Ana Chali, Mery Cun, Mishel Cutzal, Andrea Patzan, and Celia Sicay were recognized with special gifts.  Cristina and Ana graduated with a diploma to teach music, Mery and Martina to teach elementary school, Andrea as a bi-ligual secretary, and Mishel and Celia as bookkeepers.  Everyone especially enjoyed celebrating as a group and having a chance to have fun togehter.  There will be seven openings for next year.  The scholarship team is visiting the homes of the new applicants and will interview them in early December.  Many of them are reapplying. Although they were qualified last year, there was not enopugh funds to award them scholarships.  We now are seekig funds for 2013.  Our project is up on Global Giving.  We are looking forward to your continued support in 2013. Go to our Project and make a donation for 2013.