OUR TIME IN BELIZE
A Closer Look into our Service Trip
During the service trip, LMU students delivered workshops to over 40 community members on topics ranging from menstruation to body-positivity. With the help of LMU’s Health & Human Science Department, Empower HER donated school supplies, reusable pads, and more.
Our mission heightened LMU students' social consciousness and extended the Jesuit principle of being "men and women for others." This experience fostered humility and cultural competency while equipping LMU students and community members with the knowledge and skills needed to bring about positive change.
Thank you to our many partners and donors for their continued support. Click here to learn about how you can get involved!
HEALTH EDUCATION WORKSHOPS
MENSTRUATION
During our menstruation workshop, LMU students focused on teaching community members about the physiological means and purpose of menstruation. By deconstructing menstruation into a natural biological process, this workshop also opened healthy discourse around an otherwise taboo topic in the community. This workshop also involved making menstruation bracelets, which helped keep track of the number of weeks that pass between periods.
PMS, HEALTH & NUTRITION
PMS was one of the most highly requested topics to address from the community members. When experiencing PMS, many believed that symptoms were signs of illness. This oftentimes led to anxiety in attempt to seek medical attention. This workshop addressed these misconceptions and suggested alternative treatments to help alleviate the pain. These included forms of light exercise, stretching, and available sources of proper nutrients.
PUBERTY & BODY POSITIVITY
The goal of Empower HER extends past the concrete forms of providing education and resources. We strive to embolden individuals to become agents of their own bodies and elevate self-esteem. During the puberty and body-positivity workshop, we touched on the natural changes that are apart of growing up. Pictured on the left is a paper chain the group made. Each ring is inscribed with a dream, wish, or goal that the author hopes to achieve. Many hoped to become nurses, doctors, and teachers. Still hanging their classroom today, the paper chain is a reminder that we are all here for one another.
PRODUCTS WE DONATE
MENSTRUATION PADS
Nearly 100 reusable menstruation pads were delivered and distributed to community members, accompanied by an instructional use session led by an Empower HER student. These pads, durable for up to 5 years were purchased from GladRags through the Period Movement non-profit group.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES & MORE
With the help of the Health & Human Science Department at LMU, Empower HER donated pens, pencils, notebooks, folders, and soccer balls to the San Victor community.
SAN VICTOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
What was your favorite part of the program?
"Me gusto como se espilicaron en todo lo que desian, lo que me gusto es lo que puedes comer cuando estas viendo tu mes. Porque me gusto porque apredi lo que puedo comer."
English Translation: I liked how you would explain everything you said, like when you talked about all the things we are able to eat when it’s our time of the month.
What did you learn from the workshops?
"Aprendi como setirme al estar comoda en mis dias del mes. Y aprendi a ser las mismas cosas aunque este con mi mes."
I was able to learn more about what foods I can eat that that will help during our time of the month, how to feel more comfortable and that I’m able to do the same things I do while I’m not menstruating.
Establay Ewan
How has your experience been so far with the reusable pads?
"Si la estoy usando y no tengo problemas si me estan ayudando mucho."
English Translation: Yes, I am using it and I don't have any problems, they are helping me alot.
What is one thing you learned from the program?
"Pues antes no sabia que puedia jugar football y ahora ya apprendi muchas cosas."
English Translation: Well, before I didn't know that I was able to play soccer, and now I understand that I can do many things [even on my period].
Mariana Osorro
What was your favorite part of the workshops and why?
"My favorite part was when we [talked] about the 'Trompas de Falopio' (fallopian tubes) because it was something I never heard about."
What did you learn from the workshops?
"I learned a lot like [the importance of] exercising and learning when should [expect] our period (tracking her cycle)."
Mariany Allen
LMU STUDENT REFLECTIONS
See what our Empower HER members learned from traveling to San Victor!
"The most memorable part of the trip was the overwhelming degree of selfless love shown to us by the San Victor community...our trip to Belize shone light on our responsibility to care for those who are not given the same opportunities and privileges as we are...it was remarkable to see the lasting impact that two groups of women can have on one other."
Emily Hubert, English '19
"The village of San Victor in Belize taught me two important lessons in just one week: the importance of authentic friendship and the power of education...In an unpredictable way, the Women’s Health Education workshops brought the community closer together...This trip has inspired me to continue working alongside marginalized populations."
Jackie Hutchison, Health & Human Science '18
"Having the opportunity to visit San Victor village was one of the best experiences of my life...It was heart-warming and amazing to see how much these girls looked up to all of us and were willing to accept us into their community and lives...the importance of spreading knowledge was the most valuable lesson that I learned throughout the week."
Da'Naya Mayes-Barnes, Health & Human Science '20
"Even though we’re just young women in college, we’ve learned a lot and have the ability to make a real difference in the lives of others...I think that this trip has solidified my resolve to become involved in women’s health in
my future career."
Alexys Garcia, Biology '18
"I saw the many ways in which we are different, but a lot more ways that we are the same...As a young adult soon to enter the work force and face the “real world,” I think this [experience] is a good reminder to stay grounded and appreciate the meaningful people and experiences we have in our life.
Hannah Wohlenberg, English '20
Penpal pictured, Jaisley Cantun
"My favorite part of the trip was definitely waking up knowing that the girls would be ready to learn. Seeing them file into the classroom and filling up the chairs made me happier than ever. Being able to help them one on one on the activities created by our own group made the experience even more real."
Giselle Masedo, Sociology '19
"My pen pal, Idiriany...really opened up by the end of the trip. She is such a special and amazing girl who showed me so much kindness from the get-go. I am truly grateful to have met her and the Empower HER program, [for it] created a space for us to get to know and confide in each other through the pen pal program."
Phaedra Johnson, Biology '20
Penpal pictured, Idiriany Cawich
"One of my favorite part of the trip was watching the other members of Empower HER give their workshops. It was great to see the amount of work each member put into their workshops...[but] the best part overall was getting to meet our penpals...to meet and connect with the girls."
Maya Willis, Economics and Business AIMS '20
Penpal pictured, Keily Gonzales
"Volunteering in Belize brought me a sense of deep appreciation for family and tradition. I now see my life in a different light, taking notice of the small things and moments that bring simple joy to those around me...Through this experience, I have grown to enjoy teaching, as I have learned to recognize how the relationships I build with the girls strengthens the importance of the lessons we teach them, in both education and in confidence."
Susanne Carpenter, Biology '20
"The best part of the trip...was when all the children came together to play with each other...[it] was how we showed how much we care about one another...which goes to show why the Empower HER program should continue- to spread positivity, hope, and encouragement."
Genesis Cruz, Biology '19
Penpal pictured, Edimirma Gutierrez
"One of the most amazing things to me was that we even had a mother ask to sit in on our workshops because she wanted to learn how to better handle her PMS symptoms...I want to use what I’ve gained on that trip and apply it to service in my life, specifically through post-grad service."