In a quiet Guatemalan valley lies Santo Domingo Xenacoj, a town where more than 80% of families live in extreme poverty. It’s also home to Brenda, a gifted young woman who spent her life dreaming of a future beyond her reach.  

Brenda has a passion for learning, and her parents did everything they could to support that, but no amount of effort could stretch their income far enough to cover a full education. Determined to find another way, they searched until they found Luminarias. 

Brenda has been at Luminarias for a year, and already her life is changing. She’s studying hard, building deep friendships, and growing in confidence. “Luminarias has helped me a lot,” she shares. “It has changed my way of thinking. I help others more now; I care about helping people more so they can be okay.” 

Now a middle school student, Brenda is on a path toward a new life and has a new hope for her future. Her story is an encouragement to every girl in Santo Domingo Xenacoj who dares to dream of something more.