Healthy Mothers Program

by Mayanza, Inc.

Summary

This program supports a health education program that works with a group of indigenous Maya mothers from the community of Tzanchaj, Guatemala. This program focuses on topics such as nutrition, hygiene, sexual health and reproduction, and women's empowerment to improve the health of their families and community.

$6,500
total goal

$1,200
remaining

14
donors

2
monthly donors

3
years

Challenge

Due to a chronic lack of government investment in infrastructure, health and education, the indigenous Maya communities of Guatemala face a number of poor health indicators related to malnutrition and maternal health outcomes as well as a very high birth rate. These factors coupled with an average 2nd grade education level pose significant barriers to improved health for the next generation of Guatemalans.

Solution

This project is focused on education and empowerment of women in Santiago Atitlan, Guatemala. Weekly educational topics include: hygiene, safe cooking practices, nutrition, growing vegetables, exercise, mental health and control of stress, sexual health and reproduction, and women's empowerment. This curriculum includes real world education and support for one another - women spend time in the classroom learning, and outside the classroom cooking, exercising and maintaining a garden together.

Long-Term Impact

Our long terms goals are to help children and the families of this community lead healthier lives and attain an education to provide options for their futures. In 2022, we plan to enroll ~40 women in this program and the impact of this education will extend into their families and the communities impacting hundreds of people.