Send Maya Ixil Youth to University in Guatemala

Thank you for supporting the work of Filantropis ONG in Guatemala! Did you know that the association is 100% led by local changemakers? The entire team of Filantropis is a graduate of the Scholars program, or is currently pursuing their goal of earning a university degree. This is an important factor in transforming their lives, and those of their family members and neighbors. Juana is one of these leaders. Juana started as a Scholarship student and now is an integral part of the Filantropis team, serving as the organization's Accountant and managing its general administration. And, just a few months ago - with support of champions like you - she completed her goal of earning her degree. Here's Juana's story in her own words...and please view the accompanying video to get a glimpse into Juana's life and work. 

“I am Juana, I am going to tell you a little story about my life and how Filantropis came into it to motivate me. I am originally from Xochoy, a village about 90 kilometers from the Chajul city center. I am an outstanding woman who comes from a very united family that has helped and motivated me to continue forward. Despite challenges that I have had, I have been able to achieve a lot. In 2015 I graduated from high school; in 2017 I was able to get a job as a receptionist in a hotel. I spent a year saving up to be able to pursue my dreams. 

In 2018, I began to study to be a great administrator. However, at the end of that year, I realized that I would not be able to continue to cover my educational expenses. I had decided to travel abroad, becoming an immigrant. But at this moment when I had considered traveling, someone spoke to me about university scholarships that were offered by Filantropis. I got really excited and I said to myself, ‘If I could earn a scholarship, I wouldn’t have to abandon my dreams and I could continue to study.’

And thus, I turned in my application…and had good luck! I passed the entrance exams and they (Filantropis) gave me the opportunity to continue pursuing my dreams. In 2019 I began my journey as another Becaria of Filantropis. The greatest part of all is that Filantropis didn’t only support us economically, but also with professional development. This helped me so much; it helped me to open up, to establish my personal and professional goals, to gain training in entrepreneurship. I started a business and began to earn profits. 

In 2020, in addition to my scholarship, Filantropis offered me a job opportunity to join the association’s team. This was like a dream coming to reality. This helped me to grow professionally, and this year (2021) I was able to complete my university classes. I am so happy…it’s one more great accomplishment in my life. Thanks to Philanthropiece Colorado for giving me this great opportunity, so that I could complete my dreams by financing three years of my university. And thanks to Filantropis Guatemala for the training, dedication, support, and for all of the time that you give to all of the Scholars. Thank you so much for all of it!”

This year, Filantropis will continue to support Scholars like Juana to 

Links:

• Juana's Story

We are excited to share that, with your support, we are coming to the close of 2021 with 19 active students in the Filantropis Scholars program. One of them is Fabiola, a Scholar since 2020, who is enrolled at the Rural University of Guatemala. Fabiola is the first Mayan Ixil woman to study Civil Engineering. Fabiola recently shared with us why she decided to study civil engineering: “I am interested in my community having access to a quality of life whether in the urban or rural area of my municipality. Civil engineering is a career that covers all the basic needs of a community, such as drinking water supply, housing, building and maintaining roads, among others. I hope to help in some way to transform my community through design and construction of innovative works. I love my profession very much, not only because there are so many areas where my skills can be of benefit, but because it presents me with daily challenges that I love to face.”

For Scholars like Fabiola, Filantropis provides financial support for university studies as well as complimentary training in personal and professional skills. Fabiola told us that when she entered the Scholars program she was a shy person who was afraid of speaking in public. As a result of her experience with Filantropis, she now feels more prepared and capable of making the positive changes she seeks in herself and her community. Along with her cohort, she receives regular mentoring and workshops, focusing on setting goals and designing a purposeful life. Fabiola has been exemplary in putting what she learns into action. Filantropis recently sought a designer to re-design and manage the association’s website. In their home community of Chajul, there are no professionals dedicated to this service. Fabiola, together with another Scholar, proactively gained training in website design, earned the contract from Filantropis, and are en route to creating their first website for the organization (stay tuned for the premiere of it!).

We know that Fabiola is just one example of the incredible abilities and skills that exist within the people of the Mayan Ixil community in Chajul, and we will continue to share their inspiring stories. Until our next report, we share these words of gratitude from Fabiola: "I am thankful for Filantropis because it feels like a family. Thank you very much for the financial, personal, and professional support!”