We want to begin 2016 by thanking everyone who has generously contributed to Abriendo Oportunidades. The donations have increased and we are happy to report that these funds will allow us to
- Continue supporting the work in Chisec: Mentors and girls graduated after two years of committed work and dedication. Mentors were invited by the newly elected mayor of Chisec to continue working with girls in the municipality. He committed about $12,000 to support their anual work plan. Global Giving donations will help add to the pool of resources that we hope will come to the necessary $27,000 to keep activities in 21 communities. We are very proud of Chisec mentors, who have developed a comprehensive plan to remain active change makers in their communities. Their goals include encouraging girls to stay or return to school, erradicate child marriage, and increase women's access to reproductive health information annd services.
- Cover logistical costs necessary to increase the presence of our staff and key partners in the most distant communities in Petén: Abriendo is the only program currently reaching girls in 99 communities in Southern Petén. Mentors travel up to 3 hours to reach communities, traveling through mud, rain, dust and heat. Some communities have requested assistance in reducing violence against women and girls. This means organizing trips with key partners such as the Office for the Defense of Indigenous Women and members of the Reproductive Health Observatory. All of these efforts fit into our strategy to erradicate child marriage. Petén is teaching us much about the importance of secondary education as a means not only to improve adolescent girls' opportunities, but as a safe space where they can make decisions regarding their life.
- Build a solid sustainability strategy to help graduate mentors continue developing the Abriendo model in new communities.
Thank you again for believing in Abriendo and supporting mentors, girls, and communities in rural Guatemala.
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