Promoting Girls' Education & Equality in Guatemala

Immediately after GIrl Rising's last report, Guatemala went into lockdown on March 16th, restricting movement and travel (including shut down of public transportation) across the country, with restrictions on gatherings, school and market closures and mandatory curfews and use of masks in public. These measures remain with devasting effects throughout Guatemala, but we continue to work to meet the needs of the youth we serve by: 

• Working with partners on adapting Girl Rising (GR) materials and activities, including storytelling, for different digital and at-home learning contexts.

• Providing partners with funding to secure and distribute basic food and supplies for program families as well as support for partner communication costs/needs to stay connected with youth and with GR.

• Developing radio programming to deliver GR stories and materials to program participants in three regions. In addition to GR-focused content, we aim to include key information on the COVID-19 pandemic, including its socio-economic implications, as well as mental health and self-care strategies. These broadcasts will also reach a wider audience of girls, boys and community members with GR's powerful gender-equality messaging and resources. 

• Building alliances with other NGOs in Guatemala through digital platforms and advocacy initiatives; sharing COVID-19-related information and GR educational materials in different languages with these networks. 

• Finalizing, with radio partner FGER, the dubbing of films in K’iche’ & Kaqchikel. 

During these challenging times, it is wonderful to see the commitment of our partners to their communities as well as how quickly and creatively they’ve worked to meet the increasing needs of program youth. As things are in constant flux, we will provide updates as possible of ways we continue to adapt our work.