In the highlands of Chimaltenango sits the town of San Martín Jilotepeque. More than 500 years ago, this region was the center of the Chajoma Kaqchikel kingdom. Many Kaqchikel families remained on their ancestral land after the Spanish colonization, and today most residents identify as Kaqchikel Maya.  

On 4 February 1976, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake struck Guatemala, destroying San Martín Jilotepeque; only the colonial fountain in the town square remained standing. Yet the people of San Martín Jilotepeque rebuilt. That resilience still shapes the town today. 

San Martín Jilotepeque is home to Melány and her parents. Melány loves to learn, and her parents work hard to give her every opportunity they can. But in their community, access to schooling is limited. When Melány heard about the Luminarias program, she was eager to apply.   

Now, through Luminarias, Melány is continuing her education and building toward a brighter future. “Luminarias means a lot to me because they have supported me in my life,” she says. “What I didn’t know at home, I came to know here, and I can achieve my dreams.” 

Melány reflects the strength and courage that have long defined San Martín Jilotepeque. Even when her future seemed set, she dared to hope for something more. Now Melány is a middle school student growing into a confident young woman, ready for what comes next.