Recent Snapshots from Chajul
Top left to bottom right: High schoolers during a career fair in their Career Pathways Class, our 2025 student body of 95 7th-10th graders, incoming 7th graders with teacher Susana Cedillo (in yellow), high schoolers in our new science lab, the full Colegio Horizontes campus with our newly completed high school buildings (blue & green).
Limitless Horizons Ixil Quarterly Highlight
On March 6th, we celebrated a momentous occasion—the grand opening of our high school in Chajul! Nearly 500 people gathered to mark this historic day, including students and their families, a group of 25 visitors on our Community Engagement Trip, and many of the funders and donors who helped make this dream a reality.
The celebration featured inspiring speeches from Country Codirectors Odilia Cedillo and Zuliana Lopez, as well as Executive Director Katie Morrow. We enjoyed a heartfelt song from our 9th graders, a powerful skit by our high school students about their journey at Colegio Horizontes, and a vibrant traditional folk dance performed by 7th and 8th graders.
Some of the most moving moments came from Karelyn and Analinda, two students from our very first high school class. They shared what this new school means to them, their peers, and the generations of local girls who will follow in their footsteps.
This grand opening wasn’t just a celebration for our students and families—it was our way of honoring and celebrating every single person who believed in this dream, invested in our mission, and walked this journey with us to make this day possible.
For those who couldn’t join us in person, you can watch the full Zoom event here. And you can find our event highlights reel here.
Updates from Colegio Horizontes
In January, classes started at Colegio Horizontes and we welcomed our very first high school class! Colegio Horizontes now has 95 students in 7th-10th grades!
Teachers are actively implementing the curricula developed last year in collaboration with 13 specialized curriculum experts for our new high school classes, including philosophy, chemistry, physics, and career pathways exploration. While we have a plan in place to measure effectiveness and identify any gaps, we are already witnessing the success of the new curriculum!
In February, three 10th graders (Karelyn, Evelyn, and Analinda) had the opportunity to attend a networking and educational event in Antigua (where they had never been before) with María Elena Gómez (Mentorship Coordinator) and Ilaria Itzep (Career Pathways Specialist). All three spoke at the event and learned about topics related to women’s empowerment. Upon their return, they were so inspired that they gave a presentation recapping the event to all teachers and mentors at one of our regular Wednesday team development sessions.
We’re proud to welcome two emerging leaders (alumni) into new staff roles this year! Gaspar Canay, a 2012 graduate and former construction supply manager at our partner organization, Building Goodness Foundation, has been hired as our first official Maintenance and Routine Technician, taking on a much-needed facilities maintenance role.
Additionally, 2023 graduate and last year’s administrative fellow, Adelaida Laynez (pictured here), was hired as our Technology and Administrative Assistant. She’ll support technology teacher Cecilia Xinic in maintaining our 60+ school computers and the administrative team in day-to-day operations.
Colegio Horizontes Student Spotlight
- Name: Analinda Caba
- Grade: 10th
- Age: 16
- Years in Program: 3.75
- Favorite Subject: Philosophy
- Career Interest: TV Host
- Current hobby: Meditation
Analinda Caba, a 16-year-old 10th grader in our first-ever high school class, joined Colegio Horizontes nearly four years ago as a quiet and introverted rising 7th grader. In the safe and nurturing environment provided by the school and her mentor, Olga, she soon blossomed into a confident young woman with dreams of becoming a TV host—someone who now never shies away from a public speaking opportunity. At our recent grand opening celebration, Analinda delivered a heartfelt speech and starred in the 10th grade skit, portraying her future self as a successful television presenter inspiring the next generation of young girls from her community.
“In my mentorship classes and one-on-one sessions, I’ve learned to better express myself, I’ve become less afraid, and I feel more empowered as a young woman.”
Updates From the
Saber Sin Límites Community Library & Emerging Leaders
At our Saber Sin Límites (Limitless Knowledge) Community Library we completed a much-needed renovation to create a more welcoming and functional space, including a fresh coat of paint, carpentry repairs, and a thorough spring cleaning. In the classroom, we installed a new tile floor and a Smart TV to enhance the learning environment. We also repaired existing bookshelves and windows—and added new ones that open!—to allow better air circulation during warm months.
We also made a significant investment in expanding our collection, purchasing high-quality textbooks on math, science, and psychology to support student research. These new additions are already being put to use by our growing number of student readers.
This quarter, Zuliana Lopez (Country Co-Director) has been busy updating our database of Emerging Leaders and supporting our final two Youth Development Program graduates, Mariela and Cecilia, as they transitioned into the Emerging Leaders program. Mariela has already enrolled and started to study her bachelor’s in Business Administration!
In March, we officially brought on both recent graduates as our 2025-2026 fellows! Cecilia (pictured above) is our 2025-2026 library fellow and Mariela is our 2025-2026 administrative fellow. Limitless Horizons Ixil fellowships offer recent graduates meaningful professional development sessions, hands-on learning experience, and valuable skills that strengthen their resumes and prepare them for future career success.