COMMUNITY NEWS
Care in the Crisis Symposium: April 29 O ne in five adolescents is suffering from a diagnosable mental illness. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for American teens. Anxiety, depression, and eating disorders surged among youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Friday, April 29, the AIM Scientific Symposium: Care in the Crisis presents experts, parents and youth to tackle tough questions and forge
“Changing Lives” from page 5 The women dress in colorful, traditional clothes and are known for their vibrant, intricate back strap weavings wares. The indigenous Ixil people of Chajul were targeted for genocide during Guatemala’s devastating 36-year civil war. They are one of the poorest communities in the country and only 5% graduate from high school. Many of them saw no future except to emigrate to earn a living and provide for their families. Katie noticed how interested the girls were in books and learning. She also knew poor families could only afford to send one or two children to school and they always prioritized boys. But Katie and Pedro had a better idea. In 2004 they founded a nonprofit called “Limitless Horizons Ixil,” starting with a scholarship program for 10 students, prioritizing girls who were least likely to attend
solutions. The event may be attended remotely or in person at the Sunset Center in Carmel, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a reception, youth art display, and award ceremony to follow. California’s “Mental Health Czar,” Dr. Thomas R. Insel, will speak at 9 a.m. Speakers from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. include: Dr. Stephen Hinshaw, professor of psychology at UC Berkeley, author of
middle school without their support. Fast forward to today and they have supported more than 2,500 indigenous middle and high school youths in Chajul. In 2010, they established the first and only public library in Chajul. It is equipped with “friendly librarians, computers, STEM and art activities and supplies and 10,000 books in Spanish, Ixil and English.” Their Emerging Leaders Program has a paid fellowship for a few high school graduates each year with eligibility for a five-year university scholarship. They also support graduates to obtain employment, attend university, and start small businesses. A major part of Limitless Horizon Ixil’s work has been to empower girls and women: Lifting up Chajul’s girls and women, providing opportunities and female role models they otherwise would not have.
US Rep Jimmy Panetta presents Limitless Horizons Ixil a certificate of Special Congressional Recognition. With him are Liz Haffa (left) and Katie Morrow. 8 / April 15th 2022 / Aptos Times www.tpgonlinedaily.com
13 books and an authority on attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder. Dr. John Piacentini, director of the UCLA Child OCD, Anxiety, Tic Disorders Clinic and Center for Child Anxiety Resilience, Education, and Support, on tools for parents to distinguish normal vs. abnormal anxiety. Dr. Walter Kaye, a professor of psychiatry at UC San Diego and founder and
Students working on a science project. One of their major goals is to build up men’s and boys’ understanding of the importance of gender equality, which is why boys comprise about one-third of the participants in all their programs. And the secret to their success: All of their programs are driven and led by their primarily female local teams, who ensure that Chajul’s unique context and culture are represented. But the most exciting project is the construction and opening of their new middle and high school in Chajul, “Colegio Horizontes!” This highly unique school for the region, focuses on critical thinking, interactive learning, and building gender equity and student leadership, and is changing the educational landscape in the community. While the entire building process will not be entirely completed until summer 2022, the school has already opened with 24 indigenous 7th graders in person, eight hours a day, five days a week, compared to other local schools with classes lasting only 4 hours or fewer a day and often with classes of more than 60 students. The student body is over 70% girls – all scholars are from Maya Ixil families living in extreme poverty. They take 11 courses: Math, Spanish, science, social studies, technology, entrepreneurship, Ixil language and culture, English, physical education, artistic expression, and life skills. There is a Mentoring, Student and Family Support Team to help students and parents with
executive director of that university’s Eating Disorders Program on what scientists have learned about new approaches to treat eating disorders. Shashank Joshi, psychiatry professor and director of Stanford University’s School Mental Health team, on trends in adolescent suicide prevention. “Crisis Symposium” page 14
educational workshops and any challenges they might be facing in school or in their homes. “To date, 96% of the total school starting costs have been raised. Before the grand opening in July 2022, we are striving to raise a final $75,000 to primarily cover solar energy installation and final construction costs. Our organization has nearly $310,000 in matching pledges towards that final budget, so gifts will be matched dollarfor-dollar in the next couple months,” said Katie. Colegio Horizontes will change the futures of hundreds by preparing youth for college and careers, bringing economic security to their families without migrating to the U.S., thus breaking cycles of poverty in Chajul. The effects of scholars’ highquality education will strengthen families, creating a ripple effect for generations. An incredible village of supporters has empowered Katie to achieve so much, and she and her team are eager to finish fundraising and open the school this summer and welcome the support of anyone interested. n ••• Contact: Katie Morrow, co-founder & executive director, 831-824-4827, katie@limitlesshorizonsixil.org. How to support: limilesshorisonzixil. org, or P.O. Box 3120, Santa Cruz, CA 95063, U.S.A. EIN/Tax ID #26-4296182. Photos provided by Katie Morrow
