Factor+Suma
Movilizando Recursos y Generando Alianzas en LAC
sdfsdfsdfsdfsdfsdfsdf
XESACMALJA, Guatemala - The tiny town of Xesacmalja, four hours west of the capital, Guatemala City, is nestled between pine forests and surrounded by streams. The streets are usually quiet in this poor Mayan village, but last november[when?] they were bustling with activity as elders and dignitaries arrived to attend an event held by the community’s girls. The celebration, hosted at a local civic centre, showcased all that the girls had achieved through the Abriendo Oportunidades – ‘Opening Opportunities’ – Programme.
Nearly half of the Guatemalan population is indigenous, and more than 20 Mayan groups live in isolated rural areas with limited access to basic services. Seventy-five per cent of Mayans live in poverty. Girls are particularly disadvantaged by these conditions. By age 15, six out of 10 indigenous girls are out of school. By age 18, almost 40 per cent of Mayan girls are married – nearly twice the percentage of non-indigenous girls.