As the year comes to a close, we celebrate the incredible achievements of the 2025 graduating class from the Brillaguate program. Brillaguate provides vital support to young students, helping them overcome financial and personal challenges to achieve their academic and professional dreams. Through dedicated teachers, program directors who serve as mentors and create a supportive community, and financial aid, these programs not only help students stay in school but also foster personal growth and strong friendships.
Marianeth Odalis Yulisa Salazar Andréz, 19
Marianeth Odalis Yulisa Salazar Andréz, 19
A future Certified Accountant, Marianeth has spent six years in the Brillaguate program. She plans to attend the University of San Carlos de Guatemala, a goal made possible by a job she secured through the program.
Marianeth says Brillaguate is more than academic support: “For me, it’s a place of escape from everything. Economically, it has helped me so much, but more than that, it has brought my family closer to me.”
She cherishes the friendships she’s built, including a renewed bond with her best friend Blanca. “My friends are like sunshines—they don’t judge you, they support you, and they make life fun.”
Blanca Rosmery Bacajol Tubac, 18
Also a Chartered Accountant student, Blanca has been part of the program for six years. After losing her mother to COVID-19, the financial and emotional support of Brillaguate helped her stay in school.
“Both my father and I are very grateful because the program allowed me to continue studying. It fills me with joy to be part of Brillaguate.”
She treasures the friendships she’s built, especially with Marianeth, and says the program has given her confidence to keep moving toward college and a good job.
Ashly Madelín Ortega Imul, 18
An aspiring Office Secretary, Ashly has been in Brillaguate for four years. She is grateful for the stability the program provided during a time of uncertainty.
“One of my achievements is that I’ve been able to continue my studies, since at the time I didn’t have financial or location stability. I found people who helped me achieve my goals.”
She says Brillaguate helped her grow socially and personally: “Over the years, I’ve become less shy and more sociable. We all help and support each other—we’ve grown together.”
Carlos Stuart Xar Sian, 18
Carlos, a music student, has spent three years in the program. An accomplished musician, he has recorded an album titled Trinos del Inval with his school band. He also notes:
“One of my greatest accomplishments was traveling to the United States and being able to represent Guatemalan music at the LEAF Festival in North Carolina.
Carlos plans to pursue sound engineering at the university. “The program has helped me learn new things and put them into practice in my life.” He values the friendships and teamwork in Brillaguate: “We all help each other, we’ve grown a lot, and it helps us continue learning for the future.”
Gelen Alejandra Andres Ajuchan, 17
Gelen, an Office Secretary student, has been in the program for four years. She’s especially grateful for the support of her mother and the encouragement she’s received from Brillaguate.
“Thanks to Brillaguate, I’ve had the opportunity to improve my knowledge, and I’m very grateful for the chance to be part of this group.” She says friendships have been a key part of her journey: “My best friends in this program are Carlos, Genesis, and Ashly. We always help and support each other, and we are the most fun people in the class.”
Genesis Charityn Sicajau Lopez, 18
Genesis has been part of Brillaguate for about six years and is now completing her final year of Community Development Studies. Her favorite subject is Project Management, which gives her tools to design and carry out initiatives that benefit others, while her least favorite has been Business Psychology.
One of her proudest achievements has been serving as the flag bearer for two consecutive years at her school—an honor she credits to the extra support and enrichment classes provided through Brillaguate in areas like communication, math, computer science, and English.
Looking ahead, Genesis plans to attend college and find a job where she can feel both comfortable and balanced while continuing her studies. She says the program has helped her grow in her attitude and determination: “I know I have to work hard to achieve my goals and have a stable future.”
Just as meaningful are the friendships she’s formed through Brillaguate. She shares: “I’ve made good friends who have taught me the true meaning of friendship—that true friendship doesn’t seek one’s own interests, but rather the interests of others, always supporting each other. Even if we’re no longer in the program together, we’ll still be friends.”
A Bright Future Ahead
The stories of Marianeth, Blanca, Ashly, Carlos, Gelen, and Genesis are a testament to the powerful impact of Senderos Guatemala and the Brillaguate program. These young people are not only achieving academic success but also experiencing profound personal growth, building lasting friendships, and discovering hope and purpose for the future.
Their journeys are an inspiration—and a reminder of what’s possible when we walk alongside students, families, and communities with encouragement, resources, and love.