NEWS AND UPDATES
On Saturday, March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day, a global tribute to the strength, resilience, and limitless potential of women and girls. This year, we invite you to turn your hearts toward a group of young women who often go unseen: Indigenous teenage girls in Guatemala—bright, determined, and full of dreams, yet too often held back by systemic poverty and cultural barriers. In many Indigenous communities, opportunities for girls are scarce. Education is often out of reach, early marriage is common, and economic independence feels like an impossible dream. Click here to read more…
The past week has been a time of joy and celebration as we warmly welcome the 2025 Luminarias scholarship recipients to Casa Luminarias in San Lucas Sacatepéquez. This remarkable group of young ladies, a mix of returning scholars and new participants, are joining the ever-growing Luminarias family. Together, these 16 girls bring renewed energy, talent, and determination to our shared mission of transforming lives through education. Click here to read more…
On November 8th, three Luminarias graduated from Colegio Valle Americano, a private college-preparatory academy that is within walking distance of Casa Luminarias. In January, Leydi, Joselyn and Keytlin will move into our rental home in Guatemala City and begin their studies at San Carlos University. Parents, school staff, house staff and the younger girls all celebrated the accomplishments of these students at a party and ceremony. Click here to read all about it in our 2024 Newsletter!
The high cost of basic food products, particularly fruits and vegetables, has caused a significant economic crisis in Guatemala. Prices of essential items, such as potatoes, tomatoes, onions and carrots, increased by THREE OR FOUR TIMES in recent months. Families that traditionally depend on these products for their daily nutrition now face challenges in terms of the family budget and financial uncertainty. Click here to read more…
One of our hallmarks is the provision of an extensive array of extra-curricular activities and services. Many of these disciplines demand focus, self-confidence, and creativity, as participants engage in activities that stimulate imagination and problem-solving abilities. Others contribute to academic achievement, social development, and leadership skills. Click here to read more…
MEET THE NEW LUMINARIAS: It was too far for Mariana to travel to go to school in 2022 so she sold desserts on the street for her grandma. She got used to being alone. Then the people at World Vision told her mother about a scholarship program at Luminarias and her mother encouraged her to apply because she wanted a better life for her daughter. Marianna left her mother and father, four sisters and one brother back home in San Pedro Yepocapa when she left for Casa Luminarias in January. Click here to read more…
I am delighted to share some significant updates about the Luminarias University Program, which places most of the girls who have completed our program at the University of San Carlos de Guatemala (USAC). It is the largest and oldest university in Guatemala and holds distinction as the only public university in the entire country. Since its inception in 2021, our university program has made substantial strides in supporting young women who previously faced economic and technological barriers to continuing their education. Click here to read more…
Luminarias in Spanish means illumination; supplying or brightening with light; to enlighten spiritually or intellectually. I made my first trip to Guatemala in 2001. Over the years of working with youth in Guatemala, I realized the dire poverty in which many of them live. In addition to lack of education, food, clothing – and often safe shelter with water and electricity – there is a great need for children to build relationships with role models who are willing to listen to their stories, support them during hard times, and encourage their holistic development. Click here to read more…
Poverty is a persistent and severe issue for Guatemala's indigenous population, who face deep socioeconomic disparities compared to the rest of the country. They make up about 40% of the population and are disproportionately affected by poverty. Many live in rural areas where access to basic services such as education, healthcare, and clean water is limited. Sadly, the poverty rate among indigenous communities is estimated to be over 70%, far higher than the national average. Click here to read more…
Luminarias is a small nonprofit with a big dream – to make a deep impact on women’s lives in Guatemala. Your gifts and prayers allow us to empower Guatemalan girls to re-imagine their futures and become the women they aspire to be. In 2024 our budget has been impacted by the dire food shortage in Guatemala, expansion of our University program, wear and tear on the building and equipment. Please consider a gift to help us raise the needed $20,000 to meet our 2024 budget. Click here to read more…
