Give a brighter future to women in Latin America

Francisca is studying Beauty and Cosmetology at Fundación Siramá.

She has always had the desire to study something related to cosmetology, but it has been a challenge for her to attend.

“When I come from my house, it takes me 2 hours to get to Siramá and 2 more to get back home,” she says.

Francisca is able to stay with her aunt, which makes commuting to the foundation easier as she loves closer.

She has learned many skills since being at Siramá, such as hair care. She is able to teach her family, friends and clients about these new skills. Beyond skills development, Francisca says that she has learned “how to treat other people with love”. 

She is proud of herself for not giving up despite the distance and challenges she has encountered. She credits one of her teachers, Mujer Artesana de Paz, for helping her realise:

“what my problems are and how they affect me”

and is grateful for the emotional support she has received. 

She hopes to work in a salon to gain experience for her future business after finishing her studies. 

Thank you for your support to women like Francisca!

“I think the most important thing that I’ve learned is to have order in the kitchen and also new cooking techniques.”

Camila is an 18-year-old studying the cooking programme at Fundacion Sirama in San Salvador. She lives with her mum and sister and, after she finished high school, they couldn’t afford her continuing her studies.

At Sirama, Camila was granted a scholarship; she chose this particular course because she really liked the programme and wanted to make different recipes. About her love of cooking, she tells us:

“I realised that I loved cooking when I used to help my grandmother cook. I’ve actually been teaching my mum at home: she even wants to buy the food I cook. Also, my little sister, who is 12, is hoping to join Siramá when she gets older.”

Her experience at Sirama has taught her more than skills, her classmates and teachers have also inspired her to become a better person:

“I’m inspired by two people at Siramá. One of them is called Jackie, who is in my course and had an accident and I am quite surprised that she, despite not having good support from her family, continues to persevere. My teacher Fatima is very patient with us, I’ve learned a lot from her in that sense.”

Mentoring is an integral component of all programmes at WONDER. It increases women’s capacity to address the serious issues faced by them and helps them to become more confident, independent, and resilient. In Camila’s experience:

“I think I’ve grown as a person. I consider myself more supportive and patient. Apart from cooking, the mentoring has helped me a lot to see for myself, to have better self-esteem, and how to help other people. There are always challenges, but I won’t let them stop me. I want to have a restaurant one day, but one that has a charitable aspect through which I can help other people.”

“Thank you for giving us the opportunity to believe in us and fight for our dreams. To give us opportunities to find a job after we finish our studies.”