The MAIA and Girl Pioneers’ story
Back on March 13th, Guatemala confirmed its first case of coronavirus, and seemingly overnight there was a transformation of normalcy. Schools were closed indefinitely, so MAIA took quick action to ensure Girl Pioneers could continue their education with take-home study kits and phone support from their educators and mentors. In the second set of study kits, MAIA is piloting a technology access program—a group of students received tablets with internet capabilities with their reading material and homework, facilitating communication and productivity.
My name is Ingrid Estefany, and I am a high school student at the MAIA Impact School. I am proud to be a Girl Pioneer because I have the opportunity to learn new ideas and to develop my empowered voice.
My name is Yessica Mariam. I am 15 years old and I study at the MAIA Impact School, a school that works towards the empowerment of Indigenous girls.
Ingrid
Today I woke up early because I had a lot of work to do. Mid-mornings we usually have a morning snack as a family. Today at 9:30 my mom made atol, a thick, warm corn-based beverage, and then we bought some bread at the store closest to my house. Every day I work on my weaving; today I wove the sleeve of a guipil (traditional clothing in Guatemala). I learned how to weave when I was 10 years old by observing my mother. I love to weave because each garment is specific to a region, and when I see my culture and its richness represented in my work, I feel very proud to be a weaver and use my creativity. My whole family works with weaving and embroidery. We sell our handmade garments, and this income sustains my entire family.
Yessica
I woke up at 6:30 am, and every morning I feel grateful to wake up healthy and surrounded by family. My mom and I then collected firewood to prepare breakfast. Today’s breakfast was eggs and beans with tortilla, a staple breakfast in Guatemala. On mornings, I usually have breakfast with my mom since my brothers and my dad leave the house early to work.
At 8:45 am, I organize my study material to start classes. To have all my tasks in order, I have created a schedule to make the best use of my time and to reach all my goals. I enjoy my
schoolwork because I get to learn about new themes, apply my competencies, and develop my critical thinking.
At 11:00 am, I help my mom prepare lunch. In my culture, we use a grinding rock to prepare our spices and ingredients for soups and sauces. This is really valuable for us because it forms part of our Maya identity. I usually have lunch with my family at 1 pm.
Ingrid
Lately, I have really enjoyed staying home with my family. We usually go to a nearby forest to collect firewood, not just because we need to but to have fun and unwind from all the time spent weaving. I love going to the forest because I feel at peace with myself and I am able to take a break and reflect. I love to take photos when I’m in the forest because the trees and the fresh air are an important part of my identity. The forest is my safe space, where I get to listen to the birds and the sound of the trees and leaves moving with the wind and the fresh air. When we get meditation time at the MAIA Impact School, the first thing I think about is a forest with a beautiful river. Now that I have more time with my family, I plan on enjoying every second of it and not take it for granted.
These pictures are from this afternoon, after a long walk to collect firewood. We brought back a pretty heavy load that was difficult to carry, but it was also an important lesson on hard work. I always bring my backpack and an extra sweater just in case the weather gets cold. When I got back home, my family had prepared us warm coffee to reward our hard work.
Ingrid
Being at home is very special, but I miss the MAIA Impact School and I miss my classmates, friends, and educators. Studying from home has been challenging because sometimes I feel stuck with some exercises, and studying independently is not the same as being at school. I usually start my schoolwork after I am done weaving for the day. I believe that with great will and perseverance, I will overcome these challenges.
Most days, I complete my schoolwork in the evening. It has been very helpful to organize my time this way so I am able to study and also work to support my family with my weaving. It’s a great idea that MAIA has provided us with take-home study kits. This way we don’t forget what we have learned and also continue to learn new things. As my educators say, “Every minute is important,” and we don’t have time to waste. I make sure to complete my homework, but I also think it is really important to support my family. My dad passed away when I was young, so my siblings and I have always worked to support our family, and we know how to balance school and work.
I miss my peers and the Impact School, but it is important to be thankful for our health and to have a united family. We are taking all possible precautions against the coronavirus. I hope we are able to go back to school soon. I am eager to learn many new things!
At MAIA we celebrate the journeys of Lidia Oxí and Andrea Coché—two remarkable Indigenous women whose leadership is driving impact across Guatemala and beyond. As Lidia transitions to a
Today, October 11th, we join the global celebration of the International Day of the Girl, honoring the potential and vision of girls everywhere.
As we celebrate this day, we are proud
At MAIA, education goes beyond the confines of traditional academics. The Socioemotional Mentorship and Family Engagement Program is central to MAIA’s educational model. It is a unique initiative designed to
MAIA USA
Tax Identification Number (EIN) 68-0652444
Asociación MAIA
Tax Identification Number (NIT) 6896913-9.
Guatemala Office:
Km. 137, Caserío Xolbé,
Cantón El Tablón, Sololá, Guatemala
US Office:
1031 33rd Street, Denver, CO 80205
Every year at the MAIA Impact School, we welcome a new generation of Girl Pioneers. It is a transformative journey that changes the trajectory of the future of their lives, families, and the broader community.
With your investment, these remarkable young women will break cycles of poverty and build a brighter future.
