Webmaster, Author at MAIA

The transformative power of literacy: MAIA’s approach

Webmaster — Thu, 14 Sep 2023 15:31:34 +0000

The transformative power of literacy: MAIA’s approach

CELEBRATING INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY

“One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.”

— Malala Yousafzai

Education is a human right, but one that’s impossible to embrace without literacy. For this, the world comes together every year on September 8th to celebrate International Literacy Day. Literacy is fundamental to providing individuals with relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies, transforming education, and shaping more sustainable and peaceful societies.
Approximately 496 million women worldwide cannot read and write – making up 2/3 of the illiterate population. This is especially true in Indigenous communities. Barriers such as geographic isolation, cultural differences, and economic hardships have prevented countless Indigenous girls from attending school. This lack of access perpetuates poverty cycles and threatens the preservation of their rich cultural heritage.

BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS – PROJECT IMPULSO
The advent of COVID-19 has further impacted girls’ literacy development and has exacerbated the challenges girls in rural Guatemala already face.
For this, MAIA designed Project Impulso. After elementary school and before entering the Impact School, Girl Pioneers complete a yearlong full-time academic preparatory program to reinforce key areas like English, technology, math, reading and language arts, vocal empowerment, and mentorship. In 2023, 36 girls entered Project Impulso.

PRESERVING CULTURAL HERITAGE
At MAIA, we believe in the importance of cultural identity, and education is a tool for preserving and celebrating the rich heritage of Indigenous communities. By integrating the Maya Kaqchikel language and traditional knowledge into the curriculum, we ensure that Girl Pioneers grow up with a strong sense of self and an appreciation for their cultural roots.

EVIDENCE FROM THE MAIA IMPACT SCHOOL
The long-term impacts of investing in girls’ education and literacy are staggering. They gain the skills and knowledge to advocate for their rights, contribute to their communities, and access better economic opportunities. Literacy also gives girls more control over their own futures – including when, whether, and whom they marry.

MAIA’s intellectual property

Webmaster — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 14:33:00 +0000

MAIA’s intellectual property

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At MAIA, we have become aware of the unauthorized use, reproduction, and appropriation of images, videos, audio, and audiovisual content in advertisements, platforms, job boards, and other such companies. These images are the intellectual property of MAIA and have been used without authorization.

In light of this, MAIA would like to make it known that:

MAIA demands and requires that any individual or organization wishing to use the image of the Girl Pioneers (MAIA students), collaborators, logo, or brand must submit a written request to MAIA addressed to the Executive Directors. Only the Executive Directors of MAIA will confirm in writing the authorization or rejection of the corresponding request. Additionally, MAIA must be given all intellectual credits in the publication.
MAIA does NOT authorize the use of images of Girl Pioneers, collaborators, or any element of the MAIA brand for advertising and/or profit-making purposes.
MAIA is committed to protecting the image, identity, and dignity of its team and every member of MAIA, especially Girl Pioneers, who are additionally protected by the Child Protection Policy. From the outset, Girl Pioneers (through their parents) grant written authorization to MAIA to use their image, voice, and name. However, this authorization is solely for MAIA and does not extend to third parties. For this reason, MAIA has established policies and guidelines for using its brand, team, and students by third parties, aiming to safeguard the dignity of Girl Pioneers, their families, collaborators, and the organization.
All images, videos, audio, and materials published on MAIA’s official digital and non-digital platforms are the property of MAIA and have the authorization of the authors for their use and dissemination. This intellectual property policy or permission DOES NOT extend to third parties without formal written consent from MAIA.
MAIA enforces the Copyright or Intellectual Property policy and rejects any use of images without MAIA’s authorization infringing upon the rights of the Girl Pioneers, their families, and collaborators. Any unauthorized use is deemed a violation of intellectual property and a breach of individuals’ rights by using their images without authorization.
Taking into consideration that intellectual property laws immediately protect authors’ creations, even if they are published on digital platforms, we assert this information as our Intellectual Property policy and demand that it be respected.

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Girl Pioneers during Election Times in Guatemala

Webmaster — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 22:51:00 +0000

Girl Pioneers during Election Times in Guatemala

On June 25, Guatemala will hold its General Elections, and all citizens with voting rights will vote for the next president, vice president, mayors, congressmen and congresswomen, and more.

However, Guatemala has the lowest level of female political participation in the hemisphere. In fact, to date, no woman has ever been elected as president, and only 19% of congresspeople are women.

A PANEL DISCUSSION FROM THE MAIA STUDENT BODY AND MAIA’S COMMITTEE OF CIVIC PARTICIPATION

On May 31, MAIA’s student body and MAIA’s Committee of Civic Participation hosted a panel discussion at the MAIA Impact School with all staff, Girl Pioneers, their families, and candidates for the government of the local municipality of Sololá.

Five Girl Pioneers conducted and moderated the event. They used their empowered voices and critical thinking skills to discuss the political agenda of the candidates on education, family and health, leadership, economy, and youth.

Through their action and leadership, Girl Pioneers are helping to create a more just and fair Guatemala. They are listening, using their empowered voices, and creating educational spaces to ensure that all the population votes based on evidence and information.

“We will be attentive to all the commitments made in this panel. We hope that with this we can create a more just and fair Guatemala for all,” concludes Adela, one of the moderators of the panel.”

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We are the solution; we are not the problem

Webmaster — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 16:53:00 +0000

We are the solution; we are not the problem

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With this premise, during Women’s History Month, Girl Pioneers and women leaders of MAIA aim to emphasize that women have the ability to solve and transform those problems that affect us as Guatemalans, as well as the rejection of the recently discarded bill 5272, which sought to undermine the rights of women and diverse populations.

MAIA is an organization that seeks to generate systemic change by empowering Indigenous women and youth in Guatemala. We emphasize our commitment to empowering women and girls through a unique educational model that goes beyond academics, promoting their talents to become a generation of leaders who impact their families, their communities, their country, and our world.

As women and girls, we are the solution; we are not the problem. Since 2020, we began to speak out in public about our rights, and in 2022, we continue to raise our voice:

Empowering women through empowerment
In addition, MAIA has four strategic goals:

Economic autonomy—allowing each graduate of the MAIA Impact School to access a job and a living wage.
Lifelong learning—MAIA’S Girls Pioneers have access to education for 15 years, and 100% of 18-year-olds from the Impact School stay in school, compared to a national dropout rate of 64% (Instituto Nacional de Estadística, 2018).
We promote a family on their own terms, which means that our graduates are on average 25 years old before they get married or become pregnant, so they can make informed decisions and have access to holistic educational support. In Guatemala, 57% of women become mothers before the age of 18.
Guatemala has the lowest level of women’s participation in politics in the hemisphere. MAIA is working to change this by increasing women’s leadership at all levels of society. Through our mentoring curriculum, peer-to-peer support network, and monthly family home visits, Girls Pioneers develop the internal strength, skills, and emotional intelligence they need to be leaders They are empowered to empower.

A law that undermines the rights of women

On March 8, the Congreso de la República de Guatemala approved the 5272 Bill (Decree 18-2022) “Law for the life and the family,” ironically on International Women’s Day. Although it was shelved by the Congreso de la República on March 16; under pressure from many civil society sectors, collectives, and organizations, as well as at the request of the president; we still deem it to be dangerous as it reflects a lack of respect and undermines the rights of women and diverse populations in Guatemala.

Therefore, MAIA—as an organization led by Indigenous women that works with young Indigenous women who are strong, courageous, and break stereotypes—stands up for the rights of women. To honor our ancestors and daughters, we demand respect for our rights, and we reject every law that undermines our rights.

Leave no woman or girl behind

Webmaster — Tue, 07 Mar 2023 14:13:18 +0000

Leave no woman or girl behind

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY AND WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month, all of the MAIA staff, Girl Pioneers, and their families stand together to celebrate the infinite power of ALL women and girls and their social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.

Decades of research leave no doubt about the direct and indirect benefits of educating girls and young women. Empowering girls with education, life skills, and sisterhood is vital for them to become thriving women.

This year, we are focusing mainly on the role of innovation and technology for gender equality. The digital age has generated unprecedented opportunities to empower women and girls. But advancing technology also introduces new forms of inequality and heightened threats to their rights and well-being.

Bringing women and other marginalized groups into technology results in more creative solutions and has greater potential for innovations that meet women’s needs and promote gender equality. Inclusive and transformative technology and digital education are crucial for a better and more sustainable future for all.

Ensuring that girls become educated is a multifaceted undertaking. It requires a solid network of support, a holistic educational model with a focus on culture and identity, family engagement, and the ability to empower girls with the knowledge and skills they need to keep themselves healthy and live choice-filled lives.

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MAIA’s new leadership: achieving a milestone in our organization

Webmaster — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 15:04:00 +0000

MAIA’s new leadership: achieving a milestone in our organization

Appropriate that my first blog in MAIA relates to my Director MAIA

Appropriate that my first blog in MAIA relates to my departure. This communication will hopefully help you understand the intricacies of MAIA’s most recent leadership transition.

— Travis Ning, Executive Director MAIA

Let’s start with this guiding premise that I have been hearing my whole professional life: “Our job is to work ourselves out of a job…” This cliché permeates the nonprofit sector, especially in the international sphere, where the leadership of activities & programs in the Global South is traditionally based in the Global North. The spirit of the comment is visible: people with more access to privilege and opportunity do have a responsibility to facilitate sustained access for others.

But the intent of the cliché is not always followed up by meaningful action. Too often, this statement becomes a permanent aspiration rather than an actual goal with a plan.

How international nonprofit organizations are often structured makes transitioning to local leadership difficult (or even impossible). The words “not” and “yet” are painfully familiar to many of our world’s marginalized populations. Why is this so hard? I outline some reasons below (MAIA knows them because we have wrestled with each one).

For starters, the leadership of organizations is usually based in the US: This makes strategic sense because it allows for proximity to donors, board members, and a talent pool of educated individuals who can plug into leadership roles. However, this also often creates an impossible barrier for local talent to assume key executive leadership positions.

And then there is the fundraising: Closeness to the donor is not just geographic. Cultural proximity and the importance of creating the essential click with donors create hurdles for people from other contexts. Good fundraisers work hard to create this rapport and use existing donors to widen support networks. For many organizations, messing with this dynamic is terrifying. It is far more convenient to operate under the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. And so the status quo prevails.

Governance is easier: Forming a board of directors with similar profiles and cultures makes for uncomplicated governance. Having executive leadership that meets that same profile makes this even easier. This keeps things firmly in the comfort zone for those involved.

In 2015, MAIA started to steer directly into these more traditional structures to forge a new model. That said, the process of navigating this path amid established dynamics and structures is a long journey. We have removed some, but not all, of the longstanding barriers. Progress is steady and often uncomfortable. Fortunately, several events give us needed inspiration (kick in the pants) to move more boldly towards a new model:

The events of 2020 (the COVID-19 pandemic) triggered a profound reflection on power, privilege, and steps toward new, more inclusive models. Those of us who thought we were fighting the good fight realized we could do far more. These efforts include questioning and retooling traditional organizational structures to more closely align our actions with our aspirations.
The pandemic evidenced the unique power of local leadership to respond, in real-time, to incredibly fluid challenges. MAIA’s Sololá team demonstrated incredible agility and deftness to devise and communicate innovative solutions swiftly. In a more uncertain world, this responsiveness is an invaluable asset.
Successful fundraising using the first-person voice. Evidence shows that MAIA’s donors lean into engaging in ways that stretch and challenge them. Many have been a part of our experimentation with new ways to engage donors. Rather than speak on behalf of Indigenous women, MAIA has begun to put donors in direct contact with Indigenous development staff and Girl Pioneers.
A hallmark of healthy organizations is leadership succession.
My seat is getting uncomfortably hot. The leaders who surround me in MAIA are incredibly capable and committed. I am inspired by wise changemakers who emphasize the importance of being “proximate to the pain” of the people we aim to serve. Local leadership is the best way to ensure MAIA’s continued commitment to empathy-driven design. This change (via my exit) aligns our actions with our belief that if she can see it, she can be it.

Moving forward under new leadership, MAIA will look and feel different. That is what learning and growth feel like. MAIA’s donors and partners embrace the idea of challenging the status quo. This new phase of MAIA, led by powerful women from rural Guatemala, represents a bold new precedent for all of our stakeholders. We invite you to explore and learn within this new model that brings us all closer together in this collaborative effort to unlock her infinite impact.

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Girl Pioneers stand out in Girls Opportunity Alliance event and campaign

Webmaster — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 14:52:00 +0000

Girl Pioneers stand out in Girls Opportunity Alliance event and campaign

María Florinda represents MAIA in an event with former First Lady of the United States and Founder of the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance, in New York on October 25. Ingrid is part of the global digital campaign called Get Her There. Both are Girl Pioneers of MAIA.

MARÍA FLORINDA MEETS MICHELLE OBAMA IN PERSON

María Florinda was chosen by the Obama Foundation to be part of an official event on October 25 in New York within the framework of the Get Her There campaign—a global call to action from the Obama Foundation’s Girls Opportunity Alliance to empower and educate girls around the world.

Girl Pioneer, Infinite Impact. Get Her There.
“I feel very excited because I did not think I would travel abroad one day. I also feel happy because I am an example of the work and trust that many of our allies have placed in us. I am proud to represent MAIA in front of other organizations, specifically in front of the Obama Foundation,” shares María Florinda.

The process and getting to New York was not easy, but it was worth it—it was Maria Florinda’s first time on an airplane! Maria Florinda had to write a letter speaking to her 25-year-old self. In this letter, she shares that her dream is to be a doctor and help her community and her family.

“By participating in this event, I would like to demonstrate that when girls have the resources to develop their skills, they can achieve what they want, transforming their family, community, or wherever they go. Despite living in a society where gender, culture, and language inequalities are very present, they will know how to face them and even challenge and change these ideologies,” continues María Florinda.

INGRID IS PART OF GET HER THERE AND HAS A CONVERSATION WITH MICHELLE OBAMA

Ingrid, another student in our program, appears in the launch video for the Get Her There campaign. Ingrid was asked to write a letter speaking to her 25-year-old self, and she wrote about her professional goals and her hopes for the future.

Ingrid’s dream is to be a tourism manager and a pioneer in her community to break gender gaps and stereotypes that limit young Indigenous women in Guatemala from achieving their goals.

In addition, Ingrid participated in a conversation with Michelle Obama and actress Marsai Martin published in Elle Magazine, where she shared her story and highlighted the importance of girls having access to education.

Believing in the potential, leadership, and empowerment of Girl Pioneers and young Indigenous women of Guatemala allows us to build a world where ALL girls and adolescent women have a voice, participation, and vote for a more just and equitable tomorrow.

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Today, 200 years later…Let’s rethink the future

Webmaster — Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:29:00 +0000

Today, 200 years later…Let’s rethink the future

IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FREE AND INDEPENDENT STATE, DOES INCLUSION FIT?

By: MAIA Girl Pioneers Marta, Mishell, and Rosangela

On September 15th, 2021, Guatemala will commemorate 200 years of independence. Rather than celebrating this date, we came together to reflect on Guatemala’s ancient and intertwined history. During the process, we found that Guatemala carries with it a great history that very few know of. Perhaps no one has the absolute truth. However, all of us must know it. It is important for us to take this critical step to analyze problems in Guatemala from multiple perspectives, exchange ideas with our peers, and discuss the history of Guatemala to identify the challenges that still lie ahead.

200 YEARS AGO…

The signing of independence was a symbol of the creation of a free nation. Independence occurred through the demands of the people, but there was no equitable representation. In 1821, only some people participated in the act of the Signature of Independence. Not all ethnicities were represented or taken into account. At that time, Indigenous peoples had no power to guarantee their representation. There was no democratic system that ensured that people with citizenship hold the universal right to vote. In the past, only well-educated people and those with an advantageous economic position could vote. This automatically excluded the poor and Indigenous populations. [Within the Declaration of Independence], some points stood out, but for the benefit of the people who signed it. At that time, independence did not ensure the participation of Indigenous peoples.

DIVERSITY IN GUATEMALA

Guatemala is a multicultural and multilingual state. Each town has its unique cultural richness. There is diversity of cultures, and there is also a diversity of ideologies, religions, sexual preferences, and more. For this reason, open and sincere dialogue is complex because we all always want to win from our position.

In Guatemala, there are several languages, which enrich people. In the case of the municipality of Sololá, where we are from, some of the languages spoken are Kaqchikel, Quiché, and Spanish. The customs and traditions are different in each region depending on their beliefs. From the Maya culture, we inherited a relationship with nature, and it is appreciated at all times. Clothing is also different. The customs, such as the fairs or activities to honor historical events, also make us diverse. The practices and values are lived.

In Guatemala, religions and beliefs are diverse. Each group has its ideology. The person and their way of acting in society are built from these beliefs. People have different lifestyles. Each person influences society and is not always accepted in it.

In the country, there are various economic activities such as agriculture and commerce. We tend to have high creativity, such as using natural elements for activities like handicrafts.

Regarding the diversity in education, the educational quality is different depending on the academic center, and some establishments are Christian, others Catholic, and others without religious orientation. Additionally, there is diversity depending on interests, economic capacity, and other factors in terms of professions

Diversity is everywhere. For example, there is also sexual diversity. Sexual diversity is taboo. It is respected in some cultures but not in others, depending on its principles.

No less important, in the political sphere, there are different leadership roles and positions.

COMMONALITIES IN GUATEMALA

In Guatemala, we are mainly united by the desire to see a better country where the law is respected, assuring equality despite diversity in gender, culture, and beliefs, among others. As citizens, we are entitled to the same effective and quality education.

Together we hope for no more corruption, especially a president who is not involved. We want the economy to improve, to be a country with opportunities where poverty is reduced.

OUR PROPOSAL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FREE, INDEPENDENT, AND INCLUSIVE STATE

Guatemala can change the state exclusion of Indigenous peoples from political matters established during the Independence process since it has the tools that allow their inclusion. For example, we see Mercedes Coroy standing out in the cinema and Thelma Cabrera reaching a high level in her political nomination. 200 years ago, when Independence occurred, there was no representation of all people. Still today, many entities are working on this, including the Development Councils System, a network of individuals who defend human rights. Now, we see people involved in decision-making spaces.

The proposal lies in the concept of democracy, where ALL people must be included and reflected in the different decisions that affect the country. Peoples’ needs must be met. A free and independent state must be inclusive. Freedom includes, for example, the liberty of expression of its population, which is legally allowed even if not respected in some places.

There is also the right to vote, which is when people decide on their representatives, and there is freedom in choosing the representatives they want for the country consciously. Voting reflects inclusion in a state, and voting is now a fundamental right of every citizen of Guatemala, not as it was in the past when only landowners or men had the right to vote. These principles and values play a crucial role in achieving a good coexistence between diverse ethnicities and ideologies.

To be an independent and free country for all, we must analyze some challenges. Currently, Guatemala is an independent country, but, in reality, it depends on other countries to meet its needs. Another significant obstacle to overcome is guaranteeing respect for those differences and consider diversity as a chance to learn from other people and expand knowledge. This approach allows us to understand the different points of view and find a more comprehensive solution. For this, we must promote respect within diversity inclusion, knowing that we fundamentally have the same rights.

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Educating For Change

Webmaster — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 15:47:00 +0000

Educating For Change

By Ingrid, Girl Pioneer in 10th grade at the MAIA Impact School

Inequality is present in several areas and affects the development of society. Many today work for the development of our country—Guatemala—especially in rural indigenous communities where this problem occurs more deeply. In this case, the best solution for inequality is education. Many organizations work against inequality, supporting young people to create positive change. The solution lies in each of us.

Education is a very powerful weapon to combat inequality and other problems that exist in our society. Inequality exists all around the world. A very clear example of inequality in my community is that women are not allowed to go to school and are prohibited from doing many things, but men have many more opportunities. Gender inequality is an ideology that has been passed from generation to generation, until today our father and even our mother herself hold onto that ideology. Parents believe that their sons are worth more than their daughters. Women have been instilled with the custom of serving men, and this practice continues today in many households. the solution.

Social inequality also has much to do with local and global problems. In general, people with more economic resources have more opportunities than poor people. In my community, most people, male or female, are not studying, mostly due to a lack of economic resources, but it is also due to the lack of knowledge about the importance of education. People see that only ladinos (people of mainly Spanish descent) have access to opportunities; that is why they think that studying is a waste of time. If an indigenous person studies and graduates, it is very difficult to find a job because of systemic discrimination. That is why most people in rural communities work at home or as day laborers; there are few formal jobs available.

Inequality will remain a problem as long as we do not seek a solution. For a society that seeks positive change and good development, it is very important to start with each person—our thoughts, knowledge, and the desire for a better future. Education starts with each of us. We cannot create this change if we do not include youth as part of the solution.

Ending the dilemma of inequality requires that we lift the barriers that prevent people from fulfilling their goals and dreams. Knowledge comes from high-quality education, from good educators who support learning. Let’s start ourselves and set the example for our communities to break this paradigm by being exemplary. It is true that there are many challenges and obstacles, but if we can access these opportunities, why not take advantage of them? We must not repeat the same story of our parents, so let’s start thinking! We have all gone through a very difficult situation or we are going through one now, but let’s think about our future, about the lack of opportunities we will have, and the inequality that continues to exist in our communities if we don’t push forward toward our goals.

Education can support indigenous communities to have good development and more opportunities for all. The actions we take today can change the world little by little and can replace inequality with a world with equal opportunities for all.

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Using My Voice to Achieve My Dreams

Webmaster — Sun, 15 Sep 2019 16:15:00 +0000

Using My Voice to Achieve My Dreams

by Milsa Sajvin

When I was seven years old, I began to work selling bracelets on the street with my older brother. Maybe we sold to you or someone you know in Panajachel?

My mother stayed in our home to cook, clean, and care for my younger brother and sister. During the night, she would stay awake to weave. My father had a problem: alcohol. He drank too much and didn’t support us.

My parents separated many times during my childhood because of my father’s drinking, but my mother always fought for us. She worked hard so that we would be able to study. A time came when my mother was desperate. She had nothing to give us, and my father still wasn’t supporting her or our family. She told me I would only be able to finish 6th grade because all of our resources needed to go towards supporting my oldest brother so that he could complete his studies. So that was that. I was going to drop out of school after 6th grade like so many girls do in my community. But then a miracle happened.

One afternoon, while my mom and I were selling goods on the street, my mom watched a car park and a woman get out. It was Norma. My mom knew Norma, and so we went to greet her. While she and my mom were talking, Norma told us about MAIA and the work she was doing to support young girls like me to stay in school, realize our potential, and become leaders.

A little while later, some mentors from MAIA came to visit me and my family at our home. For that reason, I am here today. MAIA changed my life and my family.

Through MAIA, I was able to continue studying past 6th grade, and every month MAIA mentors visited my family and me for a home visit. Mentors led conversations with my family to be sure that my parents were supporting me with my studies. With the support of my mentor, I gained the confidence I needed to use my voice in important spaces and within my family. MAIA taught us a lot about how to communicate well as a family, and thanks to all of the hard work and conversations that we had, my father stopped drinking.

In June of this year, I graduated from an international private school and started interning with MAIA to lead tours at the Impact School. My dream is to start studying tourism in university this January so that I can become a tour guide. I love to meet new people and share my culture, traditions, and community with them. With MAIA, I am developing cultural tours to showcase where Girl Pioneers come from and everything that we are achieving. I want to show my parents and my community that I am a woman, that I have dreams, and that I can achieve many things in my life. I want to create positive change in my community. I know it will be difficult, but I believe in myself, so I know that it is possible. I want to bring joy to my parents, especially to my mother, who has shown me what it means to be a strong woman.

For all of this, I want to thank MAIA and each one of you for supporting me and all the Girl Pioneers so that we have opportunities to continue studying and to find our voices.