As we celebrate mothers this month we honor Raquel, a dedicated mother who is investing in a brighter future for her family. Raquel's experience is an example of how Amigos can transform the lives of an entire family in a holistic way. She is an inspiration and a reminder of why we do what we do.
Raquel is currently a member of the Steering Committee of our Vocational Training Center CECAP, a participant in the center's Homestay Course, and runs her own sewing business as a result of two years of training in CECAP in 2018 and 2019. Raquel's oldest daughter, Irma, is currently enrolled in CECAP's Culinary Program, and her two youngest children, Gladys and Pablo ('Pablito') are participants in Amigos' Early Education Reading Program.
Although Raquel has already accomplished several personal and professional goals, she has a more ambitious idea for the future, and one that her whole family is on board with. Raquel plans to open a restaurant in the near future, a factor that motivated her to enroll in the culinary course specializing in Guatemalan food, a course that she completed with great success!
At Amigos we believe that economic empowerment and education will be more sustainable when entire families can participate. Raquel, is a mother who has fought for her dreams and has looked for ways for her 3 children to have the best.
"We all have the opportunity to improve our lives, there are many sacrifices to face in order to achieve that, but if you think long term the benefit is great. I will continue to be committed to myself, my family and also to the rest of the women of Santa Cruz. I want to tell them that they can also become independent and overcome poverty with new opportunities that they create for themselves". - Raquel Santo Ujpán
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