Empowering 33 Mayan families to overcome poverty.

We have been convinced for some time that graduating from high school in this pueblo may not lead to a decent job. For this reason we started some local mentorships last year to expose some youth to technical training to see if that was a good fit for them. One student proved himself interested, attentive and a good learner, but when it was time to sign up, we didn't have the money to promise him a year's support.    Now we have three interested youth: two young men and a young woman graduating from middle school this year, and interested in going to technical school this coming October 2024.   With sufficient donations this year - starting with the Little by Little Campaign in April - we can assure they can attend the technical training that appeals to them, and via which they can get a good job at a decent wage to begin helping their families.   Our project Trainer will follow with the youth and their teachers to be sure all is going well, and afterward to help them find a job. 

Creando Mi Futuro has just completed its first year as a legal Community Association. During this year of working together, the Director and Parent Board have been able to organize and increase the participation of the parents in the program thru classes in literacy, beadwork, weaving, organic gardening, attending to our small tienda where products of the students and parents are displayed.  The Parent Board also handles the buying and distributing of the monthly food basket.

Two more students have graduated from highschool with a scholarship from the program, (first in their families).  Both studied business administration.  [Photos #s 6 and 8 -Delmy and Manuelito.]

Another student, with our support, attended technical school to pursue her dream of becoming a chef.  Angelina now has a job in a local restaurant,where she is paid slightly more than the other workers because of her Title. [photo 9]

Four young men were able to attend short training in a number of mechanical pursuits, that we set up with local“mentors.”  These are intended to teach basic skills, and to assess which students are willing, attentive and responsible – with the hope that we could send one or more to technical schools electricity, motor repair, carpentry – their choice.  We are eager to receive donations to cover these costs (approximately $250 per year). [photo of boys with chainsaw]

5 younger students have graduated from primary school to secondary (7th grade) and 7 more from “basico” (9thgrade) to “diversificado (10th-12th grade.)   In every case this is further than their parents were able to go because of the cost of secondary school and beyond.    They are very proud and their families and the program proud of them. Creando covers school supplies for our kids at all grade levels, and 80%tuition and school supplies for the older grades.

Three mothers have completed the basic sewing course, enabling them to qualify to purchase a sewing machine at a 2/3 discount.  They and others will continue in this class.  [Rosa photo with sewing machine]

Our garden is flourishing.  Eight families continue to learn about gardening regeneratively (similar to the methods of their ancestors), and harvest what they have sown, both medicinal and edible products.  [garden photo]

Our little store has a new front.  The store features the crafts products of the parents, kids, and associates of the program, as well as herbal products from the garden.  We are developing a local Facebook page, and will soon be locate-able on Google Maps just in time for the tourist season in our pueblo. [fotos of tienda outside and in]

We are really happy that things continue well.  Receiving support through GlobalGiving from donors like you has been a big asset in our growing ability to help these families improve the family nutrition, education, and economy.  Thank you so much.  We are looking forward to the Christmas season and the new year 2024!

Mira Talbott Pope, Directora CA Creando Mi FuturoSan Pedro la Laguna, Guatemala