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

Malala, Nobel Peace Prize  

Education is a fundamental right that opens the door to opportunities and helps break the cycle of poverty. Unfortunately, in many parts of the world, girls are still deprived of this right, resulting in long-term costs to society. Guatemala is one such country where girls face numerous barriers to education, including violence, abuse, teenagers marriages, and societal attitudes. Konojel’s Young Leaders program is addressing this issue by investing in the education of girls.

In San Marcos La Laguna, girls face gender inequality and limited opportunities due to traditional societal norms that confine them to household chores and child-rearing. This results in a high rate of school dropouts, particularly among girls who face violence, early pregnancies, and lack of resources. Save the Children, an international organization, ranks Guatemala second-to-last in the Latin American countries in terms of opportunities for girls.

The Young Leaders Program

Konojel’s Young Leaders Program aims to empower girls in San Marcos La Laguna by providing them with a safe space to complete their secondary education and offering complementary education that broadens their career prospects. Currently, 12 girls are enrolled in the program, which provides them with grants, mentoring, and emotional support to pursue their dreams.

Meet Fabiola: A Young Leader Making a Difference

Fabiola is one of the participants of the Young Leaders program. She joined Konojel’s education projects when she was just a child, she grew up in a household where her parents separated when she was 12 years old, leaving her and her brother to be raised by her grandmother while her mother worked long hours at a local restaurant. Despite the difficult circumstances, Fabiola has a strong desire to pursue her dreams and achieve her goals. She is determined to finish her education and become a professional stylist, while also supporting her family financially.

Luckily, Fabiola was introduced to the Young Leaders program of Konojel, which provides her with a safe space to continue her education and access to additional learning opportunities. With the support of the program, Fabiola is able to overcome the financial obstacles to complete her studies in Secretarial work. Fabiola’s passion for soccer also helped her find joy and freedom outside of the classroom. She aspires to become a professional soccer player and compete in international tournaments