Hijas™ takes its name from the Spanish word for "daughters," the demographic we seek to empower through a series of programs designed to provide both immediate and long-term relief.  The residents of the Marta and Maria Orphanage in Jalapa, Guatemala (click for map) come from various family situations, from girls who have lost both of their parents, to girls whose families can no longer financially support them, to girls who have been removed from abusive and potentially dangerous homes.

These girls, who can no longer depend on their families, must learn to depend on themselves.  Our goal is to provide an education that allows them to develop the skills necessary to gain confidence, sustain an income and -- most importantly -- achieve independence.  The approach that Hijas™ takes is twofold:  first, to teach the girls the hands-on skills of sewing and jewelry making; second, to work with them to create and implement successful business models for selling their own products.

By educating these young women at Marta and Maria, we intend to both give them the possibility of providing for their immediate needs of food and clean water, and help break the cycle of poverty and neglect into which they were born, providing for their futures.

PHOTO GALLERY

Click here for a closer look at our Guatemalan Hijas™ during some of our recent trips.