Feb 24, 2026
Meet Keily: Seeing the World in a New Light through WALC
"The WALC program [in Alta Verapaz, Guatemala] has sincerely helped me, because when I came [for the first time], I was in a phase where I saw the world as totally closed and where there weren't opportunities.
But when I returned home, I saw a lot of things differently, like new opportunities. When we started working on the [agroforestry] parcels, I realized that we do have some opportunities. I think that WALC has changed a lot about me.
[I returned to the WALC program this year because] it has helped me a lot in my personal life, and it has opened doors to new experiences and new opportunities. It has given me a clearer way to see life.
I like that we spend a lot of time together, as well as making friendships that can help me with my life plans. I clearly see how to carry out my plans.
Health class is something that I like, because it's for ourselves and for our health. It helps us a lot."
Support scholarships for girls like Keily
WALC is a holistic leadership training program for girls and young women ages 12-28 that combats early school drop-out and promotes sustainable agricultural practices. Participants attend a WALC session every year where they learn about agroecology (agriculture + ecology), nutrition, cooking, health and hygiene, family planning, and more!
After completing the session, establishing a small agroforest parcel on their family’s land, and providing proof of consistent school attendance, they are eligible for a scholarship - funded in part by LPGM supporters!
WALC has proven results of decreasing the region’s school drop-out rate for girls from 75% per year to less than 5%! This means girls are getting married later, having fewer children, and living healthier lives. As WALC is changing young girls’ lives, it is also transforming the environment.
