Scholarships & Training for Rural Guatemalan Women

At our recent scholarship meeting in Chimaltenango, our coordinator Lilian Emilsa Peren directed the group in singing “I Am a Woman.” In addition, Lilian led the group in reflection on the topic of self-awareness by analyzing the story of “The Pot of Three Meanings.” The story is about a pot that sits on the patio, owned by a family, with three uses: in the first season, the pot is used to store food, in the second to contain trash, and lastly, it is used to hold dirty clothes. The scholarship participants were divided into three groups and brainstormed together and charted their thoughts on how they could relate to the uses of the pot.

• The first group, reflecting on how they related to the pot filled with food: they associated it with happiness, confidence, pleasure, honesty, love, understanding, interest, peace, positivity and self-esteem
• The second pot, containing trash, the participants of the group related it to contempt, lie, envy, disillusion, suicide, hate, bitterness, pride, disobedience, ambition, and resentment
• And the pot of dirty clothes, they thought of: pride, laziness, sadness, envy, and realizing you can change your mentality

Together, the whole group reflected upon whether our pots (or minds) were full, and what things we can throw away or wash to become better people.

Let’s hear from our 5 newest recipients about their school year and the workshop:

Ingrid  says she was nervous about her first exams in March, because it was her first time taking exams in the institution where she’s studying this year. She advises her peers to not give any attention to people who express negative things about you. She hopes this year God will grant her wisdom to succeed like her classmates.

Ingrid 2 notes that her studies are challenging, especially her first midterm. Human anatomy is a tough subject for her, where she must learn where to give injections and how to draw blood. Ingrid emphasizes that it’s important to be positive and to demonstrate that it’s possible to succeed. She says that we are all capable, the only thing is that some of us haven’t found our value yet

Darly explains that her studies don’t feel that difficult - it’s a matter of dedicating yourself time to complete your homework and studying the content to succeed in each course. Darly says it’s important to believe that you can accomplish anything. She also notes that you shouldn’t call anyone stupid, because anything is possible, if you put your mind to it. We should not hold onto the words from people who want to hurt us. It’s good examine yourself and understand your value.

María Alicia completed making a belt in her Home Economics course, her belt was held in the highest standards. She’s already had exams in her Home Economics and Accounting courses. María Alicia says every person should believe they are beautiful because God created us. Possibly there are people who you don’t get along with and they can say things like “you can’t do it” or “you’re not beautiful” but you don’t have to believe them. On the contrary, you should feel proud of yourself.

Elsa says her studies are coming along. It’s difficult for her to learn English because she feels that the teacher does not give very many explanations and she barely understands him. She has asked for help from her peers so she can understand and learn better. Elsa advises that we should tell ourselves that we were born with a purpose. God gave us the qualities and we should accept how we are. It’s important to also to practice self-care to demonstrate that we love ourselves.

All the new students are fitting in to the program and adapting well.  More about their progress next month.