Opportunities & Hope for 250 Guatemalan Maya Women

In women's wellness circles, preventative health has been prioritized. For this reason, In May and June, took place a glucose testing campaign, was conducted in the communities of Tazanjuyub and Pasacuash, Santa Catarina Ixtahuacán, Sololá, and Quetzaltenango.

Over the years, we have worked together to create a profound respect and commitment to the development of women, who exercise significant agency in their decisions; with this, punctuality has been valued as a mutual act of responsibility by both organizers and participants. 

To promote the campaign, the community leaders were invited with anticipation to encourage women to attend a training session on diabetes, its importance, and its consequences, which was well-received.

In May, the tests were conducted in Tazanjuyub starting at 7 AM, with notable punctual attendance from women, men, and children. 37 tests were performed, revealing varied results; some individuals showed elevated glucose levels.

In Pasacuash, 42 tests were conducted with similar results and a large community participation. In June, another event took place in Twininwitz, La Esperanza, San Juan Ostuncalco, and Quetzaltenango, where 22 women and 6 girls participated. Some individuals also showed elevated glucose levels.

After the tests, it was found that many women were unaware of the basic concepts of diabetes and its effects. The Highland Women’s Association provided training to promote healthy eating as a preventive measure for a full life and suggests avoiding foods with high sugar levels. The importance of body care through a nutritious diet, and the reduction of chemical products and sugary drinks, which can negatively affect metabolic health and insulin production, was emphasized.

We are grateful for your generous support! Your donations make a significant difference in promoting the health and well-being of women in these communities. By supporting our initiatives, you help provide essential health education and testing, enabling women to take control of their health and make informed decisions.

We invite you to continue supporting our cause. Every contribution helps us reach more women and expand our efforts. Thank you for being a part of this important mission.

Over the past few months, our GlobalGiving project has seen remarkable progress and achievements, thanks to the collective efforts of AMA and HSP, along with invaluable support from our global community.

In January, we celebrated more successful entrepreneurial workshops. The “Electronic Commerce” workshop introduced female entrepreneurs to critical business strategies and fostered connections among participants, expanding their horizons in the world of online commerce. This initiative is a testament to AMA’s commitment to networking and empowerment through digital literacy.

February was marked by an inspiring collaboration with Pink Sistas, an organization of women cancer survivors. Their visit to the AMA headquarters offered an opportunity for knowledge exchange on breast cancer prevention. The Pink Sistas' participation in meditation and collective healing activities further enriched our community's well-being, demonstrating the power of solidarity and shared experiences in fostering resilience and hope.

Early March marked a new chapter for AMA with the introduction of the new Board of Directors for the 2024 - 2026 period. This milestone represents our continued evolution and commitment to leadership and community-driven development. The new board's vision and dedication will undoubtedly guide AMA towards achieving greater impact and fostering sustainable growth in our communities.

We are deeply grateful for the ongoing support from our donors and partners, which has been instrumental in our achievements. Looking forward, we remain dedicated to advancing our mission of mentoring young women for success through our women's circle program, improving health outcomes through quality stove systems, and fostering economic and educational opportunities.