Starfish One by One pairs local Mayan mentors with girls to expand upon traditional education.
We’d like to officially welcome a new organization to our network of partners! Starfish One by One awards scholarships to Mayan girls living in rural parts of Guatemala; they’re one of the few organizations working directly with that population. Like She’s the First, Starfish One by One focuses heavily on girls’ education as a solution to poverty. And they share one of our favorite mottoes: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” (Margaret Mead)
Girls in the Starfish program group together with 15 peers and one local mentor to extend their education beyond the classroom. The mentors teach the girls about reproductive education, personal finance, IT literacy, environmental stewardship, women’s rights and leadership. They also interfere on behalf of the girls whenever a dispute over education might occur. Imagine it this way: If a girl’s family wished to marry her off at 14 for the dowry money, or even the reduced financial burden, the mentor can step in and negotiate with the family to allow the girl to finish her education.We love their multi-layered efforts to ensure education for their girls!
But of course, early marriage isn’t the only factor preventing Mayan girls from receiving quality education. When Tropical Storm Agatha hit Guatemala in May, it caused widespread destruction. Some of the girls of Starfish One by One lost their homes and all of their possessions, while all the girls will be facing the food shortages and general lack of resources that will result from the storm. To combat these hardships, Starfish One by One is raising money to help ease the aftermath of Tropical Storm Agatha. You can see pictures and updates on their blog and if you’d like, donate to the cause though their Giving First page (just indicate that your donation is for the relief fund).
She’s the First is thrilled to partner with an organization so keen on ensuring girls’ education, and we know you love the cause, too! So check out Starfish One by One’s site, and see their listing in our directory. And if you’re inspired, you can help sponsor a Mayan girl’s mentorship!
