This article was originally published on The Lutheran World Federation's Facebook page, September 24, 2021.

At the Milagro Women’s Education in Guatemala City, the Augustinian Lutheran Church of Guatemala (ILAG) is empowering young women with education and life skills, and with awareness about their rights.

The center is growing, with 13 girls today, up from six three years ago, said ILAG President Rev. Karen Castillo Echeverría, when she participated in a recent training on women’s human rights organized by LWF and partner faith-based organizations. Milagro, which means miracle, offers formal education, skills in baking, sewing and masonry, and music lessons. The young women, all from marginalized rural communities, also learn to plan finances, about women’s rights, family planning and how to take care of their bodies. “Each time they go back on vacation to their villages, they develop a program that they teach in the community with ILAG’s support,” shared Castillo.

As the global annual training program shifts to a regional-based approach, Castillo is confident of the knowledge, skills and language she has acquired to stand up for women’s rights and train others. ”When we teach, we learn more and every opportunity to learn more is a treasure,” she adds.

<All Photos: ILAG>