Our Girls Program is now 2.5 years strong and growing.
What started as a pilot program in reaction to so many girls dropping out of school after the pandemic, has turned into a robust program that gives girls an avenue to understand their fundamental rights while also increasing their reading and comprehension skills. Meet two program leaders; Sefora from Chimatenango and Angela from Totonicapan, and listen to them talk about how these programs are bringing inspiring stories to life in their rural villages.
Meet Sefora and the girls Club in Comalapa
Meet Angela and the girls Club in totonicapan
The books purchased for the program tell inspiring stories of real and fictional characters. These young readers are taught by Anne Frank the dangers of judging others, and the high prices people have had for their beliefs, cultures, and heritage. They are learning that every person is worthy of love, no matter what, from the written words of Mother Teresa. They are learning that education and gender equality are worth fighting for from Malala Yousafzai. The stories that pour of of the pages of these books impress in our girls their self worth and that many movements start in the classroom.
And it is working. In schools with an active girls program we are seeing the girls change in small ways – ways that slowly, when tended, make a huge difference. They are raising their hands. They are participating in discussions. They are seeing new possibilities and it is shaping their dreaming. Talk of being doctors, lawyers, teachers, and psychologists is happening. These students know that in order to achieve their goals, the must focus on their education. The program is designed to increase their reading habits and skills, getting them to a place where they are reading complex text independently, which equals freedom to read and to advocate.
There are many more girls that would love to join our program, and we are launching new girls programs this year (stay tuned for news on this!). The program relies on fundraising and donors. Each program require staff and special books, so in order to reach more girls we need more resources. If you are interested in supporting this program, please consider donating today.