By Jenny Dale | US Country Director
Through education, mentorship, empowerment, and personal development, MAIA continues to unlock the potential of Indigenous girls in Guatemala, fostering academic excellence, leadership, and socioemotional growth to create lasting change for their families and communities.
MAIA Impact School
In 2024, 62 girls joined Project Impulso, an academic leveling program addressing learning gaps caused by COVID-19 school closures. Participants, starting with 3rd- or 4th-grade proficiency levels, achieved remarkable academic growth, gaining the equivalent of 1–2 academic years. Each girl received 486 hours of tailored instruction, including support for learning disabilities. These students will advance to 7th grade at MAIA Impact School in 2025.
At the MAIA Impact School, 217 Girl Pioneers in grades 7–11 benefited from 1,400 hours of rigorous instruction, with 81% achieving grade-level proficiency in reading comprehension and 90% in math. Academic outcomes remain exceptional, with Girl Pioneers scoring 36 points higher than Guatemala’s national average in math and 22 points higher in literature. Retention rates were an impressive 97%. Additionally, 93% passed the math entrance exam for Guatemala’s top public university.
Highlights include Girl Pioneer achievements in national science and STEAM competitions, showcasing the transformative potential of MAIA’s education model.
Socioemotional Mentorship and Family Engagement
Indigenous women mentors provided 1,418 hours of socioemotional training in leadership, empowerment, nutrition, and reproductive health to Girl Pioneers. Individual mentorship sessions (705 hours) fostered resilience and academic persistence, while community leadership projects reached over 30,858 individuals.
Family engagement remained a cornerstone, with 1,359 home visits and bi-monthly parent workshops fostering shared growth. The on-site nurse provided 1,920 hours of healthcare support, complemented by 93,434 nutritious meals for Girl Pioneers and their families.
Launch Program: Post-Secondary Success
This year, 40 Girl Pioneer graduates entered the Launch Program, receiving 523 hours of workplace training and earning 14 professional certifications in skills like financial literacy and workplace communication. Nine local businesses provided internships, enabling graduates to gain practical experience. As a result:
Standout achievements include a Girl Pioneer receiving a SHE-CAN scholarship to the University of Minnesota and another leading a national award-winning sustainable tourism initiative.
MAIA also conducted an external evaluation of the Launch Program to refine its impact and align outcomes with strategic goals.
Thank you for supporting this journey!
MAIA’s integrated approach—spanning education, mentorship, and career readiness—continues to transform the lives of Indigenous girls and their families in Guatemala. These results reflect the dedication of our educators, mentors, and community partnerships, ensuring Girl Pioneers achieve lasting impact for themselves and their communities.
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