In Guatemala, there are high rates of both violence against women and child malnutrition, particularly among rural, indigenous populations. Currently, over a tenth of Guatemala’s population struggles to survive on less than $1.25 per day.
W4’s field partner, Friendship Bridge, has created monthly non-formal and participatory education lessons on topics clients identified as most important—such as business, money management, self-esteem, women’s rights, health, and children’s education. Lessons are interactive and are delivered through participatory activities, as well as flipcharts that have illustrations and pictures to accompany any text so pre-literate clients can follow along.
Through this education, women acquire vocational skills, obtain knowledge about their rights, and develop self-confidence. After the education sessions, women have also shown greater commitment to sending their children to school. Additionally, after being a part of the Microcredit Plus program, women are empowered to stand up against domestic abuse and become leaders in their families and communities.