The Mission – Empowering Women & Keeping Girls in School

📍 San Andres Itzapa, Chimaltenango, Guatemala | January 2025

A team of dedicated Rotarians from Colorado and Montana traveled to Guatemala for a 9-day mission to tackle an urgent issue: the lack of menstrual products preventing girls from attending school.

Led by Dr. Linda Carlson and Kathleen Kennedy of Canyon City, CO, alongside Certified WASH instructors and local WASH Champions, the project aimed to equip women with skills to create reusable menstrual pad kits—a sustainable solution to keep young girls in school.

Project Highlights – Education, Empowerment & Sustainability

🌟 Key Accomplishments from the Training 🌟

✔ 60+ women trained in sewing sustainable menstrual kits
✔ Empowered conversations breaking taboos and fostering a supportive learning space
✔ Long-term sustainability with funding for fabric and supplies
✔ Future impact: The program will expand to 1,400 more women over the next two years!

The Rotary District Grants from Columbia Falls & Canyon City, alongside the support of Los Buenos Vecinos (The Good Neighbors) in Guatemala, made this project possible.

A Movement for Change – The Road Ahead

🚀 Beyond This Project: What’s Next?

This initiative is more than just a training—it’s the start of a movement. By equipping local women with knowledge, skills, and resources, we are ensuring that the impact continues long after the training ends.

💡 Next steps: Another district-wide project is already planned for 2026!
💙 Want to support this life-changing initiative?

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