Empower Maya Youth in a Post-Genocide Community

In July 2023, rising 7th grader Aleysha joined 34 other students as they started their three month-long Abriendo Horizontes (Broadening Horizons) prep classes at Limitless Horizons Ixil’s middle school, Colegio Horizontes. These classes are designed to narrow the skill gaps of incoming students and help them successfully transition into middle school. While Aleysha’s family of six struggles with poverty and she is still working to improve her Spanish (she grew up speaking Maya Ixil at home), she worked very hard and impressed her teachers, taking advantage of her time in class to absorb as much as she could from courses that were much more captivating than what she was used to learning in school. Her hard work paid off: she was officially accepted to Colegio Horizontes for the 2024 school year!

We kicked off the 2024 school year in rural Chajul, Guatemala on January 18 surrounded by Aleysha and her peers, Colegio Horizontes staff, and supportive parents. The inauguration ceremony was skillfully led by 9th-grade students, Evelyn and Sergio, who infused the event with enthusiasm and grace. 

A Full Middle School!

As part of our new class of 26 incoming 7th graders, Aleysha’s cohort is Colegio Horizontes’ third class of 7th graders to start at our ground-breaking middle school in Chajul. With the addition of Aleysha and her peers, Colegio Horizontes is at full capacity for the first time since its inauguration in July of 2022. Aleysha is now one of 72 middle schoolers, 2/3 of whom are girls.

Striving for Academic Excellence

Teachers report that Aleysha seems very focused, motivated, and invested in her learning. After the first semester, Aleysha is one of only 12 students in her class to score above a 75% in all of her classes, an impressive feat for any student at Colegio Horizontes because of the rigorous curriculum. Considering that this is her very first year of full day classes and the difficulty level of the curriculum, Aleysha is on a strong path toward academic excellence.

Dreams for the future

“I have one big goal: to be a nurse,” says Aleysha. This is what motivates her to continue studying, with the dream of going on to study at university, which is extremely rare in Chajul, especially for girls. 

Thank you for your partnership as we work to enhance the quality of education we provide to Aleysha and all of her peers at Colegio Horizontes, empowering them to unlock their full potential and positively impact the wellbeing of their families and the entire community of Chajul today, tomorrow, and in the years to come. 

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In the heart of Central America, Guatemala's economy is the largest in the region, yet it grapples with staggering rates of poverty, malnutrition, and limited access to education, particularly in rural, indigenous communities like Chajul. In this challenging environment, a story of inspiration and resilience emerges from Colegio Horizontes' middle schooler, Evelyn.

In a community where only 4% graduate high school and 93% live in poverty, Evelyn aspires to be a trailblazer, not only for herself but for future generations. Fueled by her love for math and a newfound interest in science since joining Colegio Horizontes, she envisions a future in STEM, whether as a science or math teacher or even a paleontologist.

The transformative power of STEM education is evident at Colegio Horizontes, where Evelyn's passion for science is nurtured through real-life examples and interactive courses. Her journey with STEM became tangible in the 7th grade when she witnessed the installation of solar panels on the school’s roof. Her science teacher, David, brought the subject to life by taking the class to the control room to explore how solar energy transforms into electrical power. Now, she discusses renewable energy's impact with her family and community members, as she sees the potential for wider adoption of such technologies in Chajul and across Guatemala.

The school's status as the only solar-powered institution in the community is a testament to our commitment to sustainable practices and a shining example of renewable energy in a region where power outages are far too common. Generously funded by the Honnold Foundation, the solar panels not only illuminate the classrooms but also the dreams of students like Evelyn, ensuring uninterrupted learning for all.

Evelyn's aspirations extend beyond personal success. Despite earning the highest grades in school, she remains grounded and empathetic and doesn't think twice about supporting her classmates when they struggle. Described as intelligent, humble, and compassionate by her mentor, Olga, Evelyn envisions leading change in her community through projects promoting equity and gender equality.

When not at school exploring the wonders of science, Evelyn returns to her modest home, where she lives with her mother, two younger brothers, and grandparents. She can often be found curled up with a book borrowed from the library, while her mom, Juana, weaves an intricate huipil on her backstrap loom, which she later sells to provide for her family.

Amid poverty and challenges, Evelyn's journey at Colegio Horizontes highlights the profound impact of education. Her story showcases how a dedicated STEM focus, coupled with hands-on learning experiences, empowers resilient minds like hers to become community catalysts, paving the way for more students in Chajul to pursue in-demand career paths such as science, medicine, computer science, and engineering.