WCCN believes that education plays a key role in changing gender roles in society. As a result, WCCN has started a scholarship program for young rural women, initially in the community of La Loma, in the municipality of Malpaisillo, in the department of León. The program is administered by WCCN in collaboration with the Centro de Mujeres Xochilt-Acatl. The scholarships covered annual expenses for 19 young women who participate in the local autonomous wo­men’s movements in their rural community. Fourteen scholar­ships were granted to pursue education at the secondary school level, and five at the university level.

During our latest study tour, WCCN’s group visited the 19 young women. In the meeting, they read the accompaning letter.

To: The delegation from the U.S.
From: Members of the women’s organization of La Loma

In my name and the name of my classmates, we want to show you our profound appreciation for the noble gesture you have given us. We want to express that we are happy that [this act of solidarity] has allowed us, at least this year, to not abandon our classroom studies and to lessen our worries. Helping us with our studies also has an economic and emotional significance for our parents. [We are happy] that we are able to achieve the goals and dreams that all students have.

As students, we have lived with many difficulties, sometimes arriving at school without eating breakfast, without sufficient materials to do our homework, and without adequate or current books. Many times we have to borrow money to pay for our transportation to school. Many have remained on this path with frustrated aspirations.
The solidarity that you have demonstrated with your economic support is invaluable and we are very thankful. You will always have a very special place in our hearts.

Thank you.

1. Ada Luz Salgado Niño
2. Yelmis Mayesca Rojas Sotelo
3. Nidia María Salgado Brenes
4. Wendy Anielka Mendoza
5. Laura Lorena Silva Morales
6. Silvia Lisseth Sotelo Martínez
7. Katherine Estrella Salgado Arbizús
8. María Libeth Silva Mejía
9. Katy Sulaydy Mejía
10. Rosa Yorlene Centeno Niño
11. Irsel Arbizú Salgado
12. Anielka de los Angeles Sotelo
13. María Angélica Sotelo Niño
14. Eveling Lisseth Espinoza Andino
15. Yuquira Yolanda Sotelo Niño
16. Coryling Ana Moran Mendoza
17. Angela Oxiris Sotelo Torrez
18. Nurys Yissell Sotelo Salgado
19. Trilsel Dayana Salgado Gutierrez