A 15-Year Legacy of Empowerment: A Return to Guatemala Shows Girls Taking Action's Lasting Impact
GUATEMALA CITY — Fifteen years ago, a journey began. In a small, enclosed community of Guatemala City, an innovative program was launched to provide a lifeline for single mothers and girls facing poverty and domestic violence. A recent return trip showed that this mission, fueled by a powerful curriculum and unwavering commitment, has created a legacy of empowerment that continues to thrive.
The story began when Lucrecia, the founder of Asociación de Superación Educativa, sought a structured and sustainable curriculum to enhance her women and girls' program. Her search led her to Dr. Verna Cornelia Price. Dr. Verna flew to Guatemala with the Girls Taking Action curriculum, which was translated into Spanish. She taught mothers and daughters through a translator and, crucially, trained local program staff as lead mentors.The rest, as they say, is history—Asociación de Superación Educativa has been empowering its members with the Girls Taking Action teachings ever since.
Asociación de Superación Educativa is a nonprofit that supports families through a unique dual mother-daughter approach. The program offers resources, education, and stipends for the women, while their daughters are encouraged to stay in school and pursue higher education. The foundation of this work is the Girls Taking Action curriculum.
Brother Shane, Lucrecia, and Dr. Verna
From Little Girls to Mentors: A Testament to Change
Girls Taking Action Guatemala Chapter!
A powerful example of the program's success came from its alumni. Three young women, who were just girls when the program began, are now thriving. One is pursuing a master's degree, another is in college, and a third, now a mother herself, is a wife. Remarkably, all three remain connected to the program, serving as mentors to the next generation of participants. This full-circle story shows that the curriculum's teachings have not only changed individual lives but have created a sustainable chain of empowerment.
Girls Taking Action Students Presenting about their Birthright
The girls themselves are now leaders. In one of the workshops, they were challenged to imagine themselves as "Queen for a Day." While some might expect a whimsical answer, one young girl, who has a physical disability, declared with conviction that she would "get rid of the government and take care of her people." It was a profound moment that demonstrated the girls' critical thinking and their understanding of their own power.
Community's Heart of Gold
The team's most humbling experience came when they made an unscheduled trip to the communities. They were welcomed into family homes and were met with overwhelming hospitality, being offered homemade food and gifts despite the families' limited resources.
Generous hospitality from Girls Taking Action families
This deep connection was most evident in a visit to a mother and daughter who had been in the program for 15 years. The mother, who once lived in a home with a dirt floor, now lives in a house with a concrete floor and multiple rooms, a testament to her perseverance and the tangible support the program provides.
A mother-daughter's growth over the past 15 years
The trip concluded with the families giving a touching award to Dr. Verna, which they had prepared in 2017, waiting for the day she would return. This gesture perfectly encapsulated the feeling of the trip—one of deep connection, gratitude, and lasting impact.
Dr. Verna receiving an award for the impact Girls Taking Action has had in Guatemala
The program has created a powerful blueprint for change, and while the spirit is strong, the need for support is real. The organization is now seeking to create a scholarship fund for graduating girls, and is collecting hygiene products like toothbrushes and shoes to ensure these basic needs are met. This will help them continue their vital work in empowering the next generation.
How You Can Help
Our recent trip to Guatemala showed us firsthand the incredible impact of the program, but also highlighted the ongoing needs of the women and girls it serves. While the program’s dual approach is powerful, many of these families still lack basic resources that can make a huge difference in their daily lives. We are collecting hygiene products like toothbrushes and new shoes to help these young girls feel confident and cared for.
Beyond these immediate needs, we are also establishing a scholarship fund to provide a direct path for the girls who are graduating from high school to continue their education in college or a trade program. This investment will help them become financially independent leaders in their community.
If you would like to help us make a difference in the lives of these incredible women and girls, please consider making a donation today.
