Empower Maya Weavers' Children through Education

"Dulce came to Cojolya as a quiet child with big dreams. Today she is a determined young woman with a confident smile and a great desire to learn beyond books."

Dulce has been part of our education program since sixth grade. Since then, we have seen her grow, not only in her studies, but also in the way she expresses herself, losing her fear and believing more in herself. Today she is 17 years old and is about to finish her fifth year in Business Administration, one of the most important stages of her life.

Her mother is a warping and sewing artisan at the Association. She herself sought to learn more in order to contribute to her family, and today she is enthusiastically dedicated to making new products. For Dulce, this environment has become a safe place: when she comes - from time to time - to use the computer or print work, she always stops by to say hello to her mother, share some time with the other artisans, joke around and feel at ease.

"I like coming here because I feel at ease here. If I have a question I know I can ask. And I like to watch my mom work, it gives me encouragement."

Over the years, Dulce has seen other students from the program graduate. Today, she is the one who inspires the younger ones. Her path has not been easy, but each challenge teaches her something new. Now her homework is no longer on paper: with her career, she has to put theory into practice.

One of her biggest challenges has been the entrepreneurship fair. For her, it's not just about writing papers or researching on the internet: it's about creating something real and facing all the challenges that entails.

"The most complicated thing is to think well about the product, how it will be liked, the name, the investment, the advertising... All that is not just in a notebook, you have to do it for real. Sometimes it's hard to understand everything, to talk well with my team, but I know that this will help me later to put something of my own."

If anything defines her, it is her friendliness and her way of talking to everyone without fear: she has the ease of approaching people, telling her ideas and convincing them with a smile. That makes her special and fills us with pride to see her apply every step of what she learns.

Her mother works calmly, knowing that her daughter has a place to study, ask questions and dream. Cojolya is part of this network that takes care of Dulce while she moves forward.

Each donation becomes an open door for her future. Each support allows Dulce to grow in a safe environment, continue to believe in her voice and turn her ideas into something real.

"Thank you for supporting me all these years. I know that without you I would not be here. I am learning a lot to fulfill my dreams."

Thank you for being part of this journey. Dulce's every accomplishment is yours too.