Empower a Girl in Guatemala: Education after COVID

Kimberly is a 14-year-old girl who lives in a small village of San Martin Zapotitlan (Retalhuleu), called Aldea Ajaxa. She studies the 2nd grade in the Institute of her community. She is a cheerful, intelligent, enthusiastic, young, responsible and very cooperative young girl, she loves to help her younger brother with school work, especially in this time of pandemic that has affected her ability to attend classes. She has taken the project of helping him with his homework and explaining the subjects he has trouble understanding.

As a family, this time has been difficult because the fear of catching the disease and making others sick is a worrying situation, especially since the father of the family has resumed his work. However, the family have not lowered their guard, they continue to comply with the safety protocols they have established since the beginning of the pandemic: they use masks when they have to leave home for any reason, they always carry antibacterial gel, and when they return home they change their clothes and shoes. These habits have allowed them to protect themselves from the virus to date.

Kimberly says she is worried because she has to leave the house twice a week to pick up and turn in homework, but these months at home have prepared her to create habits that will help her stay healthy. The girl's parents say they are reassured that she will be able to go out and continue with her education, because they are certain that she will comply with the rules of hygiene and safety, they trust that God will take care of their children in this difficult time that they are living.

Kimberly says that the pandemic came to teach us the value of being united and above all that, even though it is a very difficult time, we must fight to achieve what we really want.