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Si se puede/ Yes we can!

Our last newsletter highlighted our educational successes in Vietnam. Now we turn to the two programs CCI supports in Guatemala, one benefitting young Mayan women in their university studies, quite a hard-working, dedicated group -- especially during the pandemic! Read on to be inspired by their stories...

Sponsorships provided by CCI to these young women through our program partner Amigos de Santa Cruz (located on Lake Atitlan) make it possible for indigenous girls to reach their potential by attending university. Most are the first in their family to be able to realize this dream. Indeed, many of their mothers are illiterate, having never attended school at all. This year, 16 students in Santa Cruz attended university, a record number in the organization's 20 year history! 

Despite the difficulties imposed by COVID-19 restrictions this year, these young women continued their studies. This achievement is significant in a community where girls’ education is valued far less boys', early marriage and pregnancy are still all too common, and few women work outside of the home. These young women are paving the way toward a different future for the girls and women of Santa Cruz, one in which they can aim far and dream big, growing up with more confidence and amplifying their voice in the local community. 
Three Amigos students with Judi and Larry in Santa Cruz, just days before COVID-19 shut down the country.

Estefany went from a baby on her mother's back to a shining high school graduate to a determined university student! She is an incredibly talented and driven young woman, eager to pave the way toward a better future for herself and other young women from Santa Cruz. 

"In Santa Cruz, we are very behind in education and not many people are able to achieve what I did. But we need more graduates in order to help improve our community. I want to be that example for other young women!"

With our help, this year PROGRESA (another CCI program partner) supported a record 87 students, including 77 in university and 10 in high school. Despite the pandemic, PROGRESA achieved even more this year than before, a credit to the determination, courage, creativity and drive of their students and staff.

In addition to continuing their own studies, PROGRESA students supported dozens of communities in addressing COVID-19 through community service. Some students spearheaded public health campaigns in different Mayan languages, providing materials and demonstrating how to make masks for their neighbors. Other students taught lessons to younger children in their communities whose teachers were unable to reach them due to travel restrictions and lack of internet access for remote learning.

“Progresa has helped me to be capable of bringing positive change to my family and community. I had the opportunity to meet and help people through my community service. Without a doubt, the financial support provided has been fundamental because without the help of PROGRESA and CCI I could not move forward. With your continued support I know I can do it.”

Consuelo Carrillo Sánchez, social work student

We are so proud of the sheer determination of our program partners' students and staff, and salute Amigos de Santa Cruz and PROGRESA for their innovative and courageous programming during such incredibly difficult times.

How can you have a positive impact for 2020?

PLEASE DONATE NOW! A brighter future for these young women is in your hands. 100% of your donations go directly to the programs. We fund all administrative costs. We guarantee it!
DONATE HERE!
Please share this with your friends and family, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For videos of the children and their stories, visit our YouTube Channel.

From our hearts to yours,

Judi, Larry, Ariel and the CCI Team
Chances for Children International
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Copyright © 2020 Chances for Children International, All rights reserved.


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