My Nonprofit Reviews

I’ve heard and read a lot lately about the global impact that empowering women and girls can have on poverty and climate change, but the arguments have been abstract. I recently visited the MAIA Impact School and witnessed this promise in real time.

It was obvious to me - and staff and families I spoke with confirmed - the change these girls have undergone in a short time. I talked with several girls completing their third year at the school. Instead of being on the receiving end of a system that believes that girls aren’t worth educating because their future is to marry and have children, MAIA is helping these girls and their families break that cycle. Through their commitment to the 4 goals that MAIA has for these girls and their families (which everyone signs up for) the girls talked about possible future careers including intentions to become leaders - leading by example in their families and communities. In this process they’re creating a virtuous cycle of change through their siblings, parents and communities.

Also as part of this process, MAIA is testing and proving a wrap-around educational model which can become a platform for leveraging and extending this impact in other departments in Guatemala.