Walking Together: Partnership with the School Sisters of St. Francis in Guatemala
At Adelante Mujer, we believe in the power of partnership—and in the beautiful things that happen when we join hands with others who share our mission of empowering women and transforming communities.
In 2024, Adelante Mujer expanded its reach beyond Nicaragua and began working in Santa Apolonia, Guatemala, where we are honored to partner with The Center, operated by the School Sisters of St. Francis (SSSF). The Center has a long and respected history of supporting education, leadership development, and holistic well-being among the Indigenous Maya communities of Guatemala’s western highlands.
The need for accessible healthcare in these rural areas is great—and the barriers to higher education for young women remain significant. In Guatemala, as in Nicaragua, pursuing a career in healthcare is often out of reach for Indigenous women because of poverty, lack of educational opportunity, and systemic inequality. Yet, these are the women whose leadership and service could have the greatest impact on improving the health of their families and neighbors.
Supporting Future Nurses, Strengthening Communities
Our partnership with the School Sisters of St. Francis allows us to identify and support young Indigenous women from rural communities who are studying to become nurses. These women are determined, capable, and passionate about serving their communities—but without financial assistance, many would be unable to continue their education.
Through this partnership, Adelante Mujer provides scholarship funding that helps cover the costs of tuition, supplies, and essential living expenses for these nursing students. Meanwhile, The Center offers critical local support, mentorship, and relationship-building, walking alongside the students throughout their educational journey. Together, we ensure that financial support is not just transactional—it is personal, relational, and grounded in the realities of the communities we serve.
The nursing students we support are not simply learning technical skills. They are being equipped to provide culturally competent care—care that respects and incorporates the traditional healing practices and beliefs of their communities while also offering modern medical knowledge. These future nurses are bridging gaps that have long existed between rural Indigenous families and the healthcare system.
A Partnership Rooted in Shared Values
The School Sisters of St. Francis and Adelante Mujer share a deep commitment to the empowerment of women, to justice, and to the belief that education is a powerful tool for healing and hope. Together, we are helping to build a future where women are not only healthcare providers—but also respected leaders, advocates, and agents of change within their communities.
This partnership in Guatemala represents the next chapter of Adelante Mujer’s mission. It reflects our belief that the work of empowerment does not happen in isolation. It happens when we walk together—caminamos juntas—sharing resources, wisdom, and commitment to a common goal.
We are honored to walk this journey with the School Sisters of St. Francis, with The Center, and with the incredible women who are answering the call to become nurses and bring healing where it is needed most.