The Struggle of Studying for Raramuri Girls


In the remote Chihuahua highlands of Mexico, the realities of poverty, isolation, and violence cast a shadow over the indigenous Rarámuri community. Yet, amidst these challenges, hope emerges in the form of education. In Tewecado Santa María de Guadalupe, a Jesuit Boarding School, 96 Rarámuri girls find sanctuary, sustenance, and an opportunity to learn.

In a land where long walks to school are the norm and the area is controlled by drug cartels, the journey of education is fraught with obstacles. Yet, the resilience of these girls and the dedication of educators like Mother Superior Begonia Sáenz defy the odds.

Project done along with Santiago González

Chihuahua, México. 2020.


Two years after this project was done, the two Jesuit Priests of Cerocahui, Javier Campos and Joaquín Mora, were brutally assassinated in their church by a local cartel leader, leaving the girls, the nuns, the community and the country wounded.

A pupil wears her traditional raramuri skirt under her uniform. Her sandals, as usual are made of tires. - Paula González Gavilanes
A pupil wears her traditional raramuri skirt under her uniform. Her sandals, as usual are made of tires.
On a cold misty morning in the Sierra Tarahumara, the children living nearby head to school. - Paula González Gavilanes
On a cold misty morning in the Sierra Tarahumara, the children living nearby head to school.
This pupils are taught by teacher Sofía. She is also Raramuri, and studied in Tewecado as a child. - Paula González Gavilanes
This pupils are taught by teacher Sofía. She is also Raramuri, and studied in Tewecado as a child.
Some of the girls have rashes that they get from taking care of farm animals at home. - Paula González Gavilanes
Some of the girls have rashes that they get from taking care of farm animals at home.
Tewecado registers the families. Some parents can’t read or write, so they leave a fingerprint instead of signing. - Paula González Gavilanes
Tewecado registers the families. Some parents can’t read or write, so they leave a fingerprint instead of signing.
Mother Begonia is the only nun who drives. In a pickup truck she goes through the mountains to get food or supplies for the girls. - Paula González Gavilanes
Mother Begonia is the only nun who drives. In a pickup truck she goes through the mountains to get food or supplies for the girls.
Raramuris are historically some of the best runners the Mexico has seen. A couple of girls race in the playground. - Paula González Gavilanes
Raramuris are historically some of the best runners the Mexico has seen. A couple of girls race in the playground.
Here, food is a reason why parents keep their children in boarding schools , so they can guarantee they will eat three meals a day. - Paula González Gavilanes
Here, food is a reason why parents keep their children in boarding schools , so they can guarantee they will eat three meals a day.
They always leave the school accompanied by teachers. In a violent context, their safety is a priority. - Paula González Gavilanes
They always leave the school accompanied by teachers. In a violent context, their safety is a priority.
Doña Eustolia, 87, belongs to the first generation of girls who studied in Tewecado. She is the oldest person in Cerocahui. - Paula González Gavilanes
Doña Eustolia, 87, belongs to the first generation of girls who studied in Tewecado. She is the oldest person in Cerocahui.
Eustolia recalls that when the Jesuits arrived the isolated town had finally access to education. - Paula González Gavilanes
Eustolia recalls that when the Jesuits arrived the isolated town had finally access to education.
On Saturday mornings, the girls and the sisters do cleaning chores. - Paula González Gavilanes
On Saturday mornings, the girls and the sisters do cleaning chores.
Before bedtime, a group of girls has fun dancing. - Paula González Gavilanes
Before bedtime, a group of girls has fun dancing.
A pupil wears her traditional raramuri skirt under her uniform. Her sandals, as usual are made of tires. - Paula González Gavilanes
On a cold misty morning in the Sierra Tarahumara, the children living nearby head to school. - Paula González Gavilanes
This pupils are taught by teacher Sofía. She is also Raramuri, and studied in Tewecado as a child. - Paula González Gavilanes
Some of the girls have rashes that they get from taking care of farm animals at home. - Paula González Gavilanes
Tewecado registers the families. Some parents can’t read or write, so they leave a fingerprint instead of signing. - Paula González Gavilanes
Mother Begonia is the only nun who drives. In a pickup truck she goes through the mountains to get food or supplies for the girls. - Paula González Gavilanes
Raramuris are historically some of the best runners the Mexico has seen. A couple of girls race in the playground. - Paula González Gavilanes
Here, food is a reason why parents keep their children in boarding schools , so they can guarantee they will eat three meals a day. - Paula González Gavilanes
They always leave the school accompanied by teachers. In a violent context, their safety is a priority. - Paula González Gavilanes
Doña Eustolia, 87, belongs to the first generation of girls who studied in Tewecado. She is the oldest person in Cerocahui. - Paula González Gavilanes
Eustolia recalls that when the Jesuits arrived the isolated town had finally access to education. - Paula González Gavilanes
On Saturday mornings, the girls and the sisters do cleaning chores. - Paula González Gavilanes
Before bedtime, a group of girls has fun dancing. - Paula González Gavilanes
This article was published in El País, in Spanish. To read it, CLICK HERE. - Paula González Gavilanes
This article was published in El País, in Spanish. To read it, CLICK HERE.
To watch the Video, CLICK HERE - Paula González Gavilanes
To watch the Video, CLICK HERE

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