TIES supports high school scholarships for indigenous Mayan girls in Sarstun, Guatemala. Our intermediary for our grants is the US-based Guatemalan Tomorrow Fund. We have reprinted their latest newsletter below:
Make an impact in a life and donate to the Guatemalan Tomorrow Fund today! Building a Brighter Future: Empowering Indigenous Girls and Their Communities At Guatemalan Tomorrow Fund, we’re not just providing education; we’re building a foundation for a more secure and prosperous future for our students and their communities. This past quarter has been a testament to the power of collaboration and dedication, both locally in Guatemala and with our incredible international partners. We believe that when you invest in the education and empowerment of indigenous girls, you uplift entire communities, creating a ripple effect of positive change.
We’ve been hard at work championing our students, particularly focusing on the unique needs and immense potential of indigenous girls. In partnership with several Guatemalan government organizations, we’ve implemented vital workshops and training sessions to ensure our students, especially the most vulnerable rural indigenous girls, fully understand the legal framework that protects their fundamental human rights. Knowledge is power, and we’re committed to equipping them with the tools to advocate for themselves and their communities, fostering a generation of strong, informed leaders.
Beyond human rights, we’re also focused on practical skills that enhance well-being and open doors to opportunity. With support from the Ministry of Agriculture, our 12th-grade students at the INDRI campus are gaining valuable skills in fish farming. This hands-on training in raising tilapia will not only provide a sustainable food source but also significantly improve the diet at the school by providing fresh, nutritious fish – a crucial step in ensuring our students have the physical well-being to thrive in their studies and beyond.
Our ability to provide comprehensive support has also been significantly boosted by the incredible generosity of our international partners. A dedicated group of Chicago-area Rotarians, led by the Buffalo Grove Rotary Club, traveled to our Río Dulce campus to construct a much-needed new dormitory. This impressive facility, featuring 35 rooms, will greatly enhance our ability to provide essential services and comfortable housing for our staff and volunteers, allowing us to expand our reach and impact, especially as we welcome more female students and staff.
Understanding the unique challenges our students face, we’ve also prioritized their mental well-being. We’ve partnered with professors from Mariano Gálvez University who are providing invaluable training to our teachers, enhancing their ability to accompany students dealing with trauma and various mental health challenges. A holistic approach to education means caring for the emotional well-being of every student, ensuring they have the resilience and support to navigate their educational journey and future endeavors.
These initiatives are crucial, especially as we adapt to changes in U.S. government funding. Your continued support allows us to maintain these vital programs and expand our reach, ensuring our students, particularly our indigenous girls, receive the comprehensive support and vocational education they deserve for lasting impact.
At TIES, we think that it’s great that the Guatemalan Tomorrow Fund is increasing their numbers of female staff and students. But it’s sad to see the reference to the cuts to foreign aid in the US. It makes us think about the Obama quote:
Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.
If you’re a US taxpayer, please consider donating directly to the GTF. But if you’re a Canadian who would like to support the indigenous Mayan community in Guatemala, please make a directed gift to TIES and we’ll make sure that 100% of your donation gets to Ak’ Tenamit!
TIES is extremely grateful for all donors’ support of ALL of our projects!