Caty: A Guatemalan adolescent transforming her future through education and technology
UNICEF supports girls in rural areas with the “Bright Futures” chatbot
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From the mountains of Nebaj, Quiché, in the heart of Guatemala’s highlands, Caty learned from a young age that achieving dreams takes effort, perseverance, and hope.
Her family lives in a low-income rural community. Her mother is a housewife, and her father works in the fields. Neither of them had the opportunity to go to school, but they always encouraged their daughter to keep learning. “My parents told me they couldn’t go to school, but they wanted me to have a different life,” Caty recalls with a shy smile and determined eyes.
Today, Caty is close to making that dream come true. She is a second-year accounting student and hopes to become a professional who can support her family and contribute to the development of her community.
“I really like math,” she says. “I want to be an accountant because I know that with that knowledge I can help others, my parents, and also my community.”
But the journey has not been easy. In Guatemala, 2.1 million adolescents and young people between the ages of 13 and 24 are out of school (National Census, 2018). Most live in rural areas and face barriers such as poverty, long distances to schools, and persistent stereotypes that limit opportunities for girls.
“In my community many girls drop out very young—sometimes because there isn’t enough money, or because people think girls don’t need to study as much. I want to show that it is possible,” Caty says proudly.
To continue her studies, Caty had to leave her home and move to the Ixmucané Association in the department of Huehuetenango, which offers girls the opportunity to continue their education through scholarships, residential support, and comprehensive training. This organization is a UNICEF partner in the implementation of several out-of-school education programmes in the department.
“At Ixmucané I have a safe place to live, support to keep studying, and the opportunity to learn many new things,” Caty says.
In addition to studying, Caty spends part of her free time weaving. Her textiles, full of colour and tradition, not only reflect the Ixil Maya culture she carries in her heart but are also her source of income. “With what I earn from my weaving, I cover my expenses and little by little I’ve been able to save. That’s how I managed to buy my first computer,” she says proudly.
That computer, more than just an object, represents a symbol of independence and effort for Caty. “When I was able to buy it, I felt so happy. It’s a tool that helps me do my homework and learn more.”
In Guatemala, gender inequalities persist in access to information, leadership opportunities, and the development of life skills.
That is why UNICEF promotes innovative programmes such as “Bright Futures”, an interactive chatbot designed to strengthen entrepreneurship skills among girls and adolescents. Caty was one of the participants in this digital tool.
“I really liked using the chatbot because it explained things in a simple way,” she says. “It especially helped me mentally, to believe more in myself and not give up. Sometimes you feel alone or think you won’t make it, but with this programme I learned that we all have the ability to move forward.”
Through interactive messages and practical exercises, “Bright Futures” provides adolescents with tools to plan projects, develop life skills, and strengthen their self-esteem.
Her story reflects the transformative power of education and the importance of investing in rural adolescent girls, who represent an enormous source of talent, creativity, and leadership for the country.
Programmes like those promoted by UNICEF open paths of opportunity for thousands of girls and adolescents who, like Caty, dream of building a better future.
“Now I know that with effort and support, everything is possible.”
Because when a girl has access to education, technology, and the right support, she doesn’t just change her own story — she transforms that of an entire community.
