Limitless Horizons Ixil strives to build effective and sustainable programs to advance our mission and drive change in Chajul. We set goals and measure results on an ongoing basis, using data to make evidence-based decisions to improve our programs. Our transformative results include:
At last count, 58% were working or studying and 36% were earning professional salaries, rates much higher than those not in our programs.
78% of graduates waited until at least 23 years old before having their first child, compared to just 16% of their mothers.
Our middle schoolers had an average 84% GPA and 99.6% attendance rate, far outpacing their peers at other schools.
94% of girls at Colegio Horizontes reported feeling empowered and that they have agency over their futures.
Our graduates break barriers and inspire future generations. These leaders are now giving back to their community, helping others achieve their dreams.
As a little girl, Eymi dreamed of working in a bank—a symbol of stability and opportunity in Chajul. The support Eymi received from Limitless Horizons Ixil helped her excel in school, transforming her from a dreamer into a trailblazer. As she graduated from middle school, then high school, and finally college, she joined a progressively smaller group of Indigenous women achieving these milestones in Chajul. In 2024, Eymi became the second known woman in Chajul and the first of our graduates to earn a master’s degree. Eymi completed her university degrees while leading operations and outreach work for Limitless Horizons Ixil, adding to her accomplishments. “What inspired me to pursue a master’s degree in business administration with a focus on finance was my desire to be a role model for my children and others in Chajul,” she says. “I wanted to show them that no obstacle is insurmountable—and to feed my own deep desire to keep learning.”
In the aftermath of the civil war, Mati’s family of six, like many in Chajul, struggled to make ends meet, and she faced significant economic barriers to continuing her education. With the support of Limitless Horizons Ixil, Mati received scholarships for middle school, high school, and college, as well as mentorship, tutoring, and life skills workshops that helped her navigate academic and personal challenges. Through this comprehensive support, Mati was able to excel academically and pursue a career in the sciences. Today, she works as a health laboratory technician and serves as a powerful role model for girls in her community. Not only does her presence help to make female patients more comfortable, she’s also proving that with opportunity and determination, Indigenous women can overcome obstacles and succeed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and other traditionally male-dominated fields.
Josefina, one of Limitless Horizons Ixil’s first students, grew up in a one-room home with no path to stay in school—until she joined the Youth Development Program which included a scholarship to continue her education. Despite financial pressure from her family to drop out, she persevered, earning her high school diploma in 2011 and going on to study social work and become one of Chajul’s first female college graduates.
Now, she works for Guatemala’s Ministry of Agriculture, training women across 17 villages—a job once held only by men. “Limitless Horizons Ixil gave me access to education and taught me to lead with empathy—a lesson I carry into my work to this day,” Josefina shares. “Most importantly, my financial freedom has allowed me to support myself and my family without relying on a husband—economic independence unheard of among my peers.” Josefina’s story reflects the power of education to transform lives and uplift communities.
Elicia once found math intimidating and frustrating, but instead of giving up, she decided to become the teacher she never had. In 2019, she became the second person and first woman from Chajul to earn a bachelor’s degree in math. Now, with 10 years of experience teaching middle school math, she is making a lasting impact in her community. “Math education was based on memorization, and teachers lacked training,” Elicia explains. She focuses on teaching math logically and involves parents to provide hands-on learning experiences. “I realized each teacher needs to keep improving to make classes better for students.” Her innovative methods are working—students say she helped them understand math much better than other teachers. Thanks to Limitless Horizons Ixil’s support, Elicia is inspiring a new generation to see math as a tool for success.
Growing up as the eldest of five siblings, Gaspar faced a choice many in Chajul confront: family responsibility or education. “When I graduated elementary school, my parents told me there were two paths: to be a farmer or to go to school,” he recalls. “They didn’t see the value in education.” Limitless Horizons Ixil’s support helped Gaspar stay in school, and he graduated high school in 2012. After working in Guatemala City for several years to send home as much money as possible for his family, Gaspar chose to build his future in Chajul. “There was a time when leaving Chajul was the only way to earn good money, but now there are more professional opportunities here than ever before.” Gaspar worked with our partner Building Goodness Foundation contributing to the build of the Colegio Horizontes high school and now is Limitless Horizons Ixil’s Maintenance & Facilities Technician, ensuring that everything runs smoothly at Colegio Horizontes. “This new school is a game changer for their futures and the future of Chajul.” He says, “The future of these students is bright… There’s no need to migrate. Everything is possible right here at home.”
Limitless Horizons Ixil is a US-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with EIN/Tax ID 26-4296182 and is also a registered NGO in Guatemala.
Our work has received praise from local leaders, and international supporters and organizations.
Ixil-region experts; guidebook authors; long-term Limitless Horizons Ixil supporters
Mother of Olga Laynez (Colegio Horizontes Mentor and emerging leader)
Limitless Horizons Ixil’s programs align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Transforming a Community Through Education
Get the latest updates on our work in Chajul and see how your support is making a difference.
Limitless Horizons Ixil is a US-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with EIN/Tax ID #26-4296182.
