Current 2013 Kateri Tekakwitha Fund scholarship recipients

Empowering Indigenous Guatemalan Women and Girls Through Education

Our Mission

The main mission of the Kateri Tekakwitha Fund is to empower Guatemalan women to break the cycle of poverty by having a positive impact on their lives, families and communities through collaboration, educational scholarship and support so that the next generation will be transformed.

Our Values

• Education is the key to the personal growth and social change.
• Empowered women are the foundation for building strong families and communities.
• Listening to local voices will promote collaboration and mutual respect.
• Honor personal identity, ideas, tradition and culture.

Staff member Candelaria Sut presenting a theme with scholarship students

The Kateri Education Fund's goal is to annually sponsor the education of twenty young Indigenous women, so that they can continue their studies beyond elementary school. This program gives the students an opportunity to further their education successfully with the help of its scholarship, writing, and internship components.

Santa Clara sewing group with Juana Tuj

Mission: Guatemala provides leadership opportunities, skills training, support services and microfinance loans to the women in two groups - one in Santa Clara la Laguna, Solola and one in Chumanzana, Chichicastenago, Quiche. It facilitates self-initiated projects developed from needs assessment conducted by the Kateri Tekakwitha Fund staff.

Guatamalen Adventure Tour participant, Mar Kaden, talks to Kay Sweeney about her exciting experience! (on YouTube) »

Mar Kaden making tortillas during her Guatemalan Adventure Tour