By Kay Sweeney | Kateri Fund Managing Director
Karyn, working fulltime with Maya Allliance, a non-profit providing outstanding healthcare in the Guatemala Highlands, is, in addition to her work there, giving back to her community as a mentor to the students receiving scholarships from the Kateri Fund in the healthcare fields. She tells you a bit about her program below.
“For several years, the Kateri Tekakwitha Fund’s scholarship program has helped improve the living conditions of Guatemalan women by giving them the opportunity to continue their education at the secondary and university levels in careers in healthcare.
The program provides more than financial aid. It includes four components: economic support, mentoring, accompaniment, and training. Together, these elements offer comprehensive support to help students succeed both academically and personally.
Under the economic support component, students receive a monthly scholarship to help cover expenses such as tuition, equipment, uniforms, shoes, public transportation, and other essential needs.
Under the mentoring component, they participate in monthly one-on-one sessions that reinforce topics from their school curriculum, especially those they find difficult.
Through the accompaniment component, students receive support as they navigate difficult situations in their personal, family, and community lives.
The training component covers topics such as self-care, resume development, job interviews, and mental health. These workshops are offered both virtually and in person.
Through in-person and virtual sessions, the program has built strong bonds of trust and mutual support among scholarship recipients, which is one of its greatest strengths. Students have shared that the program has helped them achieve dreams they once thought were out of reach.
In response to students who have asked how they can contribute to the Kateri Fund after completing their studies, the Fund plans to prepare some of them to become mentors to future participants. This will not only give the young women a way to give back to those who have supported them but will ensure the sustainability of the program as it grows.”
The Kateri Fund is all of us together, the staff, the U.S. Board, the Guatemalan directiva, our loyal donors, and volunteers, working to build a world where everyone can live full lives.
Thank you for your part in supporting Karyn's work!
By Kay Sweeney | Kateri Fund Managing Director
By Kay Sweeney | Kateri Fund Managing Director
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