My Nonprofit Reviews

I am we went to a currently in Guatemala for my second volunteer experience with the nonprofit Women Work Together Last week we went to a small village where the young girls ( ages 11-15) are working on a project called " The Life of My Mother". The girls were asked to spend an hour a week talking to their mothers to learn more about their mother's experiences growing up, marrying, having children and then to write those interviews in a journal. Many of the mothers had never had the opportunity to reflect or discuss their lifehistory with their daughters before.

Our time in El Cedro was a very emotional and fun experience for all. After discussing the challenges and obstacles to completing the journals we spent time on a group art project where groups of mothers and daughters worked together to replicate a picture that they had seen only briefly. There was much laughter, team work and drawing as the groups completed their projects. It was wonderful to see everyone taking a break from school and work to have fun, spend time together and work as a team to complete their drawings.

After the whole group had time to see everyone's drawings, we returned to the journals and the girls presented their journals to their mothers, many of whom cannot read or write. The presentations brought tears to all of us and many of the mothers and girls as well. Girls told their mothers of their appreciation of the hardships they have been through and of the support they have provided for their daughters. One girl said she would read this journal to her daughters so that they would know about their grandmother's life. Several girls said they would read their journal to their mother. We concluded this part of the day by acknowledging the value of each person, especially the mothers in the room, since education begins in the home and it is only through their support and efforts that their daughters have the opportunity to go to school today.

Touching the lives of women and girls one at a time!

More Feedback