Josefa Laynez Caba and her husband have always valued education, but their journey to support their children’s learning has not been easy. For years, Josefa faced chronic illness, and with three children and limited resources, affording school fees felt nearly impossible. When their daughter Olga became desperate to find a scholarship, the family encouraged her to apply to Limitless Horizons Ixil’s Youth Development Program. It felt like a dream come true when she was accepted—especially because her older brother was already part of the program. Josefa never imagined that two of her children would receive such an incredible opportunity.
With the support of Limitless Horizons Ixil, Olga has flourished in ways Josefa never anticipated. Olga discovered her voice, gaining the confidence to speak publicly and express herself both in and out of the home. Participating in the organization’s programs, such as community service projects and hygiene workshops, also brought new lessons that the family continues to practice daily. “Limitless Horizons Ixil also showed us that women and men are equal,” says Josefa.
Beyond her academic success, Olga has become a leader in the community. She worked in the Limitless Horizons Ixil library, helping foster a love of reading and learning among local children. For the past three years, she has served as a mentor at Colegio Horizontes, guiding and supporting students through their educational and socioemotional journeys. Josefa beams with pride knowing that Olga is now giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation of learners.
Limitless Horizons Ixil’s influence has taken many forms. Hosting visitors through the organization’s community engagement trips left a profound impact on Josefa, who reflects: “The kindness and encouragement of these guests reminded me of the importance of humility and investing in my children’s futures.” When her son Otoniel broke his arm and was ready to drop out of middle school, LHI stepped in to find and coordinate medical treatment and emotional support for the family, ensuring he received the services he needed—both in and out of school—to stay on track for graduation.
Today, Josefa takes pride in seeing Olga thrive as a professional in Chajul, alongside her older brother, Otoniel, who runs a business bringing much-needed internet services to the community.
“Both of my children are proof that education can transform lives and create new opportunities,” she shares. As a mother, Josefa expresses deep gratitude to everyone who supports Limitless Horizons Ixil and the families of Chajul: “Thank you on behalf of our community. We want to see more development and progress in Chajul, and we believe that Limitless Horizons is achieving this by empowering young men and women who are driving change in Chajul today.”