Manuela Tzep Lòpez
Manuela is 24 and the second oldest of four siblings. She lives in Pasac, Sololá and helps her family with crops and housework. Her father works as a day laborer for other landowners earning $35 per month. Manuela is in her second year at University Panamericana, studying social work. She is the first in her family to study at the university level and one of the first women in the region to do so. (Meet more scholars...)
Q&A with Manuela Tzep Lòpez – November 2010
Question: How long do you have before you graduate and what are you graduating in?
Manuela: My name is Manuela and I'm on the eighth semester of Social Work. I have two semesters and my thesis ahead. I would say I have about two years of study left, God willing, and then I'll receive my Licenciatura, equivalent to a BA in Social Work with focus on Development Management.
Question: What will you do once you graduate?
Manuela: I will have to look for a job in Social Work, either in Defensoría de la Mujer Indígena (a national organization that protects the rights of indigenous women), the National Health Service or in the Co-Ops, to become the manager of an institution. Also, when I finish my studies I will have more time to participate in my local COCODE (Community Development Council). I am currently working in a project of the "La Asunción" Institute, learning to become a professional in the field of Social Work and really happy to be helping low-income families to carry out farm jobs in the communities where our new 2011 incoming students come from.
Question: How has Roots and Wings helped you reach your goals?
Manuela: They have helped me financially and morally through the topics taught. With the motivation this organization has given me, I will be able to reach my objectives. I know I couldn't be where I am now without their help. My parents cannot support me, and I know that, even though I have a job, my salary is not enough to pay for all the expenses. I am exceedingly grateful to all the people giving us their support.
Question: Can you comment on your experiences with Roots and Wings?
Manuela: Roots and Wings is performing an extremely important work in underdeveloped rural communities by providing access to education to young persons with little economic resources.
Roots and Wings is an organization that provides training and guidance for the students and motivates them to continue with their studies and reach their goals.
It is an organization that is committed to the communities and cares about the
development of the indigenous people, who are marginalized, discriminated and do
not have educational opportunities so that one day they can become dedicated to the
development of their communities.
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