Remember when you were young and knew you could change the world? The young people of Chajul know they can too, and we agree! Join us to help them create a ripple effect of change for generations to come.
One of my favorite things about working at Limitless Horizons Ixil is the incredible staff that I get to work with each day, each with their own inspiring story. Today, I’ll introduce you to Marina, one of the most positive people I know. Marina is one of our librarians, working with our hundreds of young library members. She was previously in our Youth Development Program and was one of our first to graduate high school. Your gift today will help other youth like Marina have the opportunity to go to school and receive the support they need to succeed.
Be a part of the change today.
Marina is the 2nd oldest of 8. Like most families we work with, her parents cannot find jobs and struggle to support themselves. Marina’s father, who suffers from PTSD from the Guatemalan Civil War, didn’t want his daughters to go to school. When she and her sister finished 6th grade, their parents told them that they could not afford to send the girls to middle school — Marina would have to find work at the age of 13.
Marina’s mother heard about Limitless Horizons Ixil at an outreach event. Both she and her sister applied and were accepted, allowing them to continue studying. Marina’smother helped further support her girls as the top weaver in our Artisan Program. Marina earned her high school diploma focusing on early childhood education, and today, is a librarian at our Saber Sin Límites (Limitless Knowledge) Community Library — the first public library in Chajul. On the weekends, she studies on a scholarship to earn her bachelor’s degree in psychology and learn how to break the cycle of domestic violence.
Marina is the primary breadwinner in her family, helping her younger siblings pay for their studies, all while supporting hundreds of students to learn to read in the library. Please give today to invest in educational opportunities today for youth like Marina, who will become the future leaders of tomorrow.
Give the gift of learning today. Help our youth transform the world.
With sincere gratitude, from my family to yours,
Zuli Lopez, in collaboration with Katie Morrow
Assistant Director, Executive Director