Juana Brings Confidence to More Girls Like Her
“This girl has faced great challenges,” a Convoy of Hope team member shared.
At the Convoy of Hope program center in Nicaragua, Juana’s past hardships were not taken lightly.
Juana, 14, is the youngest in her family. Her circumstances often wore down her sense of optimism for the future. As a child, she watched her father struggle with alcoholism. Her parents separated. Her mother worked extra jobs, struggling to provide for the basic needs of Juana and her siblings. Then Juana’s father became seriously ill.
“I lived worried and sometimes very sad,” Juana said.
With those struggles weighing on her emotionally, she found it difficult to feel secure in her own worth.
“People’s comments affected me.”
Through a local Convoy of Hope Girls’ Empowerment group, Juana learned that her identity does not come from her situation. During the group’s practical lessons, she made new friends, found encouragement, and gained a stronger sense of happiness and purpose.
“Now, I am a confident young girl,” she said. “I have learned about self-esteem, identity, and that my value does not depend on other people. I have also learned the importance of sharing what I know.”
Today, Juana helps teach classes to young children at her church, encouraging them to grow and learn new skills for their futures.
Girls’ Empowerment was never meant to stay in the classroom. As Juana has proven through her own dedication — its impact can expand throughout a community.
