Chapter 2:
What are we doing?
Women’s empowerment.
'Our goal is to extend a helping hand to single mothers, enabling them to take the step towards independence and self-sufficiency. Only by doing so can we create a more inclusive and equitable society for women and children.'
- Michelle, Founder
We place our primary focus on Women’s Empowerment. All our activities are carried out by women for women. Through our work, we aim to advance independence and equal opportunities for women in Guatemala. Women in Guatemala are the driving force of their families. By supporting them, we support an entire nation.
Child daycare center Maison Michelle
Women in Guatemala face significant disadvantages in the workforce, with 70% of mothers being single parents. By opening the first daycare center in Jocotenango, Guatemala, we aim to create a fairer and more inclusive society, enabling single mothers to integrate into the workforce while providing a safe haven for their children. As bridge builders, we strive to promote individual growth and sustainable progress.
Evening school & counseling
Maison Michelle is designed not only as a daycare center but also as a safe space for education and culture. While all childcare facilities are located on the ground floor, the upper floor is designated for developmental and enrichment programs. In the future, various evening courses on topics such as sustainability, recycling, and family planning are planned. Workshops on new work processes will also be offered, with a focus on the psychological aspect. Unfortunately, domestic violence and sexual abuse are widespread and often go unreported in Guatemala. Maison Michelle aims to provide a space to address these issues through professional counseling sessions. Additionally, the daycare center will serve as an educational institution offering English classes for children and financially constrained mothers.
Our other heart projects
We assist where it is most needed and therefore always adapt to the current needs. This approach allows for the best possible development and optimization. Progress in education is one of our fundamental principles, which is covered by various projects aimed at addressing basic needs.
Food supply
In 2020, we were able to support a total of 2,2000 families with food deliveries. Since then, occasional deliveries for needy families have been carried out.
Vuelta Grande: Following a severe landslide in October 2022, people in the remote mountainous area had no access to food or clean drinking water. We provided assistance to a total of 100 families during the heavy rains.
School enrollment
In February 2022, we launched the support program in the Santa Bárbara district, Suchitepéquez, and initially enrolled 50 children. At that time, families were unable to afford the costs of school materials.
Thanks to donations, these costs were finally covered. Now, there are already 75 children who are part of a growing education system in Suchitepéquez. Starting next semester, even more children will have the opportunity to participate in the educational project, which will continue to be upheld with the help of the Guardian Angel program.
Healthcare provision
In Guatemala, any treatment beyond basic first aid is fee-based, making it inaccessible for many families. Therefore, we support families and children in emergency situations, ensuring not only basic needs are met but also providing healthcare treatments.
This support is intended to benefit the children enrolled in the Guardian Angel program, ensuring access not only to education and balanced nutrition but also to healthcare in cases of emergencies.