By Patricia Suriel | Executive Director
When a girl grows up in extreme poverty, many childhood norms, resources, and protections simply do not exist. Not only do girls take on overwhelming household responsibilities, they are also not given access to safe spaces or the opportunities to participate in sports or cultural activities. Often, these girls mature at a young age without parental oversight and guidance. In fact, girls are seen as fully developed women who are ready for marriage and child birth at the age of 12.
At Mariposa, we aim to nurture and empower girls and young women so they can break these cycles of poverty and instill everlasting change in their families and communities; Beatrice, is a perfect example of the change we are working to create.
Beatrice grew up in a household with 9 other siblings, where her family had little money for food and shelter. For many years, Beatrice’s bed was composed of a sheet spread over a cardboard box on the floor. When Beatrice entered Mariposa at 9 years old, she could not recognize numbers or letters.
Beatrice is now almost 15 years old and has spent nearly half of her life at Mariposa. With your support, Mariposa was able to assistant in the construction of a new house for Beatrice and her many siblings where they all have comfortable beds to sleep.
Academically, Beatrice has risen to the challenge every day. After what felt like years of baby steps, just last week, Beatrice completed a math evaluation well ahead of her classmates and earned a 100% score.
Beatrice has grown into a confident adolescent who loves surfing and the theatre…and math!
Thank you for supporting our work at Mariposa. You are making big changes in the lives of many girls every day.
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