Life in El Oreganal had always been challenging, with few opportunities especially for the women of the community to earn a stable income. In 2023, Children’s HopeChest started a new economic empowerment initiative by offering a training program in sewing and garment making. This initiative is giving the women a sparkle of hope. Maritza one of the leaders in the community is passionate about loving and teaching the new generations. She had a childhood where education for women was discouraged. Unfortunately, this is common in Guatemala which does not encourage women’s self-sufficiency. For that reason, since the age of 14, she learned to make women’s clothing and discovered that it was not only a means to support herself economically but could also be her hobby.
Over the years she continued her studies until she became certified as a garment maker. She is teaching sewing techniques in the community to a group of 17 mothers and the group learned to transform scraps of fabric into dresses, blankets, and accessories. They spent countless hours sharpening their skills, stitching together more than just garments—they were weaving a future.
What started as a humble effort to make ends meet turned into a thriving business shortly with your support. The women of El Oreganal will not only improve their families’ lives but also uplift their entire community. Through their sewing group, they foster a sense of solidarity, confidence, and purpose that transcends the limitations of their circumstances. This initiative proves that even in the most challenging of environments, hope, resilience and collective action could transform lives.
My name is Magnolia Arcely Galdámez Geniz. I am 33 years old and have three daughters who attend El Oreganal CarePoint. I am deeply grateful to the CarePoint for giving me the opportunity to fulfill one of my dreams: learning how to sew and create garments. Through a savings plan in our group, I was able to buy a sewing machine, allowing me to continue practicing the skills I gained in the classes. I now sew for my daughters and occasionally for others in the community.
Thanks to your support, I was also part of a project to make traditional bags, which has helped me generate additional income for my family.
My name is Carla Migdalia Quintanilla Hernandez. I have three children, two of whom are part of the programming at Children’s HopeChest. This program has been a great blessing for them, as they have learned principles and values that will benefit them greatly.
For a long time, one of my dreams was to learn the beautiful craft of sewing, but due to financial constraints, I was unable to pursue it. Thanks to the HopeChest program in our community, I had the opportunity to learn, and it has been a tremendous blessing for me. With your support, you are also part of this program for enterprising women, which blesses our families and provides opportunities for women in our community.
