As Women’s Literacy Facilitator for CAUSE Canada, my work in Guatemala has been focused on evaluating and ameliorating both the literacy and leadership components of the Women’s Integral Empowerment Program. I have worked on providing support to local staff in adapting the leadership curriculum so that it is appropriate for illiterate indigenous women, including networking with other Guatemalan organizations working with illiterate populations. I have also worked on training the local teachers in adult education techniques, including theatre-based education.

In my time in Guatemala, the relationship between the wealth of the global North and the poverty of the global South has become increasingly clear and my motivation to continue working to eliminate these inequalities has strengthened. But while I anticipated the poverty of Guatemala would overwhelm me, instead of suffering, I have found perseverance, love and compassion. The greatest lessons I have learned in Guatemala have come from the smiles of strangers, from long bus ride conversations between communities, from the teachings of CAUSE Canada leadership teachers, the remarks of their students and from the simple and beautiful Guatemalan way of life.

In my relationships with people in Guatemala, I have learned about the beauty of rural living and of slowing down, being present and appreciating the simple things. I have been reminded of the importance of laughter and thank all the Guatemalan staff for having provided me with such a joyful and positive work environment. I know I will continue learning from this experience for the rest of my life and give my thanks to CAUSE Canada, CAUSE Guatemala and the Canadian International Development Agency for that. Chejontechey.