Luminarias Give to the Max Campaign
A nonprofit fundraiser supporting
LuminariasWe support indigenous young Guatemalan women as they study and work to achieve their dreams.
$1,475
raised by 8 people
$10,000 goal
Luminarias is providing comprehensive support to impoverished adolescent girls in Guatemala, promoting their academic and personal development while guiding them on a pathway to become exemplary leaders. More than 90% of our participants come from indigenous backgrounds where opportunities for girls are scarce. Early marriage is common and education is frequently out of reach. Research has shown that, when we invest in young women, we invest in nation building. Luminarias is a beacon of hope and transformation for these girls. We currently have 16 girls enrolled in our primary and secondary school program at our main facility and eight at the university level.
OUR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
In a recent conversation with three of our university students, Marlyn reflected, “If I had not come to Luminarias, I would probably be selling food in the street market now.” Statistics suggest that she might also be married and raising children in poverty. Instead, Marlyn, along with Jenifer and Hilda, are studying at San Carlos University in Guatemala City. They share a home there with four others, all of who completed their high school education with us.
Jenifer and Hilda are both in their 3rd year of Social Work and Marlyn is in her first year of nursing school. They have found the transition to university coursework both beautiful and difficult. At Casa Luminarias, where the girls completed middle and high school studies, there were staff people to help them navigate daily life, friendships and academics. At University, the girls are on their own to create their schedules and keep up with their coursework, do house chores, shop and cook, and solve personal problems. They have to decide how to interact with others who have different values and ideologies.
Throughout their Luminarias journey, Marlyn, Jenifer and Hilda have developed the attitudes, aptitudes and personalities to make them leaders in their comm-unities and in their country. We are proud to support them as they work to achieve their life goals!