Scholarships & Training for Rural Guatemalan Women

In May, Mothers' Day is celebrated all over the world.  Guatemala is no exception.  Every school has a day of activities to honor the mothers of its students. 

The Kateri Tekakwitha Fund decided to join in the festivities.  The young women were invited to bring their mothers to our monthly meeting.  Florestina and Norma, recited a poem dedicated to the mothers.   Aura Leticia, Clara, and Glenda sang a song,  Marilena led a musical game. Emilsa, the program leader, led a game that tested the mothers to see if they could identify their daughters blindfolded.  This led to lots of laughter!

At the end the young women gave their mothers a gift  accompanied by words of gratitude. Mayra who is typical of the students in the program, expressed the feelings of many.   She told her mother that she represents love and a refuge to her  She is her best friend with whom she shares her sadness, problems, and happiness.  She is someone who has given her love, affection, and help, since the nine months she carried her in her womb until now.  She thanked her for all she has been to her. Returning to school at 24 years old to study in junior high school without her father's  support  of her wish to get an education, the support of her mother is  doubly important to her.

After the activities, they all shared a piece of cake and orange juice.  It was a lot of fun!

The fifteen young women in the program this year are all studying hard to get good grades and pass into the next grade.  The school year has just four more months to go.  School ends in October.  Five of the young women will graduate this year.  Juana Cun, the head of our intern program, has conducted a workshop with them to help them get ready to look for work.  They will leave the program ready for their next step-finding a job!